Airport operationsQuestion 228 of 934

A pilot lands behind a large aircraft on the same runway. Which procedure does AIM recommend?

  1. Stay below the large aircraft's flight path and land before its touchdown point
  2. Fly the same flight path and land at the same point
  3. Fly a steep approach and touch down well before the touchdown point
  4. Stay at or above its flight path and land past its touchdown point
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Correct answer: Stay at or above its flight path and land past its touchdown point

Vortices sink behind and below the generating aircraft. Staying high and landing long keeps the airplane out of them.

Source: Aeronautical Information Manual (FAA, Basic with Change 3, 9 July 2026), AIM 7-4-6 Vortex Avoidance Procedures, page 611

Practice airport operations

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026