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AerodynamicsQuestion 443 of 934

How close should a pilot of a small aircraft come to a hovering helicopter?

  1. No closer than one rotor disc diameter
  2. No closer than 50 feet
  3. The pilot can fly directly under the rotor
  4. No closer than three rotor disc diameters
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Correct answer: No closer than three rotor disc diameters

Pilots of small aircraft should stay at least three rotor disc diameters away from a hovering helicopter.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Wingtip Vortices — Avoiding Wake Turbulence, page 106

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026