PA.IV.M.R2dFAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management

d. Wake turbulence

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: d. Wake turbulence

Bottom line

Pilots should fly at or above the preceding aircraft’s flight path, altering course as necessary to avoid the area directly behind and below the generating aircraft.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 5, Environmental Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  3. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AIM 7-4-9 (Air Traffic Wake Turbulence Separations) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. AIM 7-4-8 (Pilot Responsibility) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  6. AFH ch. 6 (p. 6-1) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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