Airport operationsQuestion 233 of 934

A helicopter is in a slow hover taxi. How far should pilots of small aircraft stay from it?

  1. At least three rotor diameters
  2. At least one rotor diameter
  3. At least half a rotor diameter
  4. At least ten rotor diameters
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Correct answer: At least three rotor diameters

Rotor downwash makes outwash vortices to about three rotor diameters. Small aircraft should stay outside that distance.

Source: Aeronautical Information Manual (FAA, Basic with Change 3, 9 July 2026), AIM 7-4-7 Helicopters, page 612

Practice airport operations

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026