The behavior of wake vortices from a large aircraft requires following pilots to

• A. Stay above its final approach path to avoid vortex
• B. Fly in its wake to stay on course
• C. Leave the area and land elsewhere
• D. Ignore the wake and land as soon as possible

Answer: (A)

Wake vortices from a large aircraft create strong rotating air behind the plane that can linger and sink. The most hazardous part of those vortices is directly behind the lead airplane, so staying in cleaner air means avoiding the disturbed air in that wake. By remaining above the final approach path of the preceding aircraft, you’re less likely to encounter these vortices and the associated rolling or uncommanded pitch changes, giving you a safer, smoother approach.

Flying directly in the wake would expose you to that turbulence and possible loss of control. Leaving the area entirely or landing somewhere else isn’t the standard required action and can cause unnecessary disruption or conflict with other traffic. Ignoring the wake and landing as soon as possible increases risk if you do encounter turbulent air.