Pilot Exam Coach

US Private Pilot

Switch to Canada PSTAR
Airport operationsQuestion 231 of 934

A crosswind blows across a runway where a large airplane just landed. What happens to the vortices near the ground?

  1. The crosswind slows both vortices equally
  2. The crosswind slows the upwind vortex and speeds up the downwind vortex
  3. The crosswind speeds up the upwind vortex and slows the downwind vortex
  4. The crosswind makes both vortices rise at once
Show answer

Correct answer: The crosswind slows the upwind vortex and speeds up the downwind vortex

A crosswind decreases lateral movement of the upwind vortex and increases movement of the downwind vortex.

Source: Aeronautical Information Manual (FAA, Basic with Change 3, 9 July 2026), AIM 7-4-4 Vortex Behavior, page 609

Practice airport operations

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026