Part 6/8:
- Separation Guidelines: Based on these findings, the FAA established minimum separation standards that dictate how far apart aircraft must remain, especially in terminal environments where heavy jets operate. The recommended separation is five miles for aircraft of a certain weight class.
Pilot Education and Best Practices
To navigate the risks associated with wake turbulence effectively, pilot education plays a crucial role. Pilots are advised to adhere to the following best practices:
Maintain Awareness: Understand that wake turbulence is most severe behind and below the flight path of a departing jet.
Establish Safe Distance: When landing or taking off behind a heavy aircraft, maintain appropriate separation, ideally staying above its flight path.