When landing behind a large aircraft, the pilot should avoid wake turbulence by staying

• A. Below the large aircraft's final approach path and landing before its touchdown point
• B. Above the large aircraft's final approach path and landing beyond its touchdown point
• C. Directly behind the large aircraft
• D. On the same final approach path

Answer: (B)

Wake turbulence from large aircraft consists of wingtip vortices that form behind the airplane, descend, and can persist after it passes. To avoid these vortices when landing behind one, you want to stay high enough to be above the path of the wake and land beyond the point where the large aircraft touches down. This places you clear of the sinking vortices as they disperse, giving you a much safer, more stable approach and landing.

If you were below the approach path, directly behind, or on the same final approach path, you’d remain in or near the wake and could experience sudden roll or loss of lift. By staying above and beyond, you minimize exposure to the wake and ensure a safer landing clearance.