Private Pilot Private Exam

What wind condition requires maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing?

1. Strong headwind

2. Light, quartering tailwind

3. Strong crosswind

4. Light, headwind

The correct answer is: Light, quartering tailwind

Light, quartering tailwind conditions require maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing because they tend to push an aircraft's wake vortices closer to the runway and downwind of the preceding aircraft. In this scenario, the vortices that descend and drift downwind from the aircraft can linger in the landing area, potentially posing a hazard to following aircraft. In light, quartering tailwind conditions, the turbulence created by the preceding aircraft may drift into the glide path of an approaching aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and avoid these vortices during the landing phase. Pilots must remain vigilant in such wind conditions to mitigate the risk of encountering wake turbulence, as it can lead to loss of control, particularly during critical phases of flight like landing. Other wind conditions, such as strong headwinds, strong crosswinds, and light headwinds, tend to either disperse the wake turbulence more quickly or mitigate its effects on the landing approach, reducing the risk associated with wake turbulence.