Which phrasing best represents the correct wake turbulence maneuver when departing behind a heavy aircraft?

• A. Below and downwind
• B. At the same altitude
• C. Above and upwind
• D. Directly behind

Answer: (C)

Wake turbulence from a heavy aircraft consists of strong wingtip vortices that descend and drift with the wind. To avoid them when departing behind a heavy, the safest maneuver is to climb and stay above the lead aircraft’s path while also staying to the upwind side. Being above keeps you out of the strongest part of the wake as it sinks, and being upwind takes advantage of the wind carrying vortices away from your flight path. Maintain separation until you’re clear of the vortices, then turn away.

Choosing to remain at the same altitude, fly directly behind, or be below and downwind would place you closer to or right in the wake, increasing the risk of encountering the vortices.