✈️ Aviation Brief — Issue #81
Weekly insights for student pilots and the instructors who train them.
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
CA.III.C — Wake Turbulence Avoidance (Commercial Pilot ACS)
1. ACS STANDARDS SUMMARY
The Commercial Pilot ACS (CA.III.C) requires the applicant to demonstrate understanding of wake turbulence by explaining its causes and characteristics, how vortices behave in different wind conditions, and the specific avoidance techniques used during takeoff, approach, and landing. The examiner expects a clear description of proper spacing behind heavier aircraft, positioning above or upwind of the preceding flight path when possible, and the decision-making process for accepting or declining a takeoff or landing clearance when wake is a factor.
2. THREE COMMON STUDENT MISTAKES
- Treating vortex movement as purely downward and forgetting that even a light crosswind will drift the vortices laterally across or onto the runway.
- Accepting an immediate takeoff clearance behind a heavy jet without allowing enough time for the wake to clear, especially when the wind is calm or a tailwind component exists.
- Flying the approach below the preceding aircraft’s glide path instead of staying above or on it, which places them directly in the sinking vortices.
3. CFI PRO TIP
Draw the runway and surrounding area on a whiteboard, then have the student mark where the vortices will drift under different wind directions and speeds before every practice approach or takeoff. This simple habit forces them to think about lateral movement and timing instead of just vertical separation.
4. SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
The NTSB has investigated multiple incidents in which light aircraft rolled out of control after encountering wake turbulence from preceding heavy jets on final approach at busy airports. In several cases the smaller aircraft was cleared for takeoff or landing with insufficient spacing, and the pilot did not adjust for light crosswinds that kept the vortices over the runway.
5. DID YOU KNOW
A vortex from a large jet can still produce roll moments exceeding the aileron authority of a typical light single-engine aircraft more than two minutes after the heavy aircraft has passed.
---
Exec Flight Services | execflightservices.com | [email protected]
Based in Las Vegas, NV
Follow Exec Flight Services on Facebook for weekly updates.
← Back to all issues