When landing behind an aircraft that creates wake turbulence, what should a pilot do?

When landing behind an aircraft that generates wake turbulence, a pilot should aim to fly above its landing path and land beyond its touchdown point. This practice is critical because wake turbulence can pose a significant hazard, especially from larger aircraft. Wake turbulence is created by the vortices generated from the wings during flight, which can linger in the air for some time after the airplane has landed. By flying above the landing path, the pilot can stay clear of these turbulent air currents, reducing the risk of encountering them during the final approach and landing phase.

Additionally, landing beyond the touchdown point allows the pilot to avoid the area where the vortices are most likely to be concentrated and ensures a stable landing environment. This technique helps maintain safety in operations, particularly when following larger aircraft that produce stronger wake turbulence.

While other options might suggest reducing speed or landing as soon as possible, they do not adequately address the specific risks associated with wake turbulence. Adjusting speed does not necessarily mitigate the effects of being caught in turbulent wake patterns, and landing too soon could place the aircraft right in the path of the turbulence. Flying below the approach path also does not guarantee safety from wake turbulence. Therefore, the best course of action is to maintain altitude above the previous aircraft's glide path and