Avoiding That Wake-up Call

If your regular flying is out of a small field, you may not have much occasion to consider avoiding wake turbulence. But if your holiday travels will see you touching down at a Class Delta, Charlie, or Bravo airport, you'll likely have jets to contend with, and you will want to give wake turbulence some serious thought. 

The vortices rolling off the wings of a Cessna Citation or anything larger have the potential to get your undivided attention should you encounter them. Even flying a couple of miles behind and below a large airliner can introduce you to lingering airflow disruption on a significant scale.

The good news is that you can avoid trouble by following certain tried and true practices. 

Taking off
Rotate prior to the larger aircraft's rotation point if it's lifting off. If it's landing, rotate beyond its touchdown point.

ATC may hold you for two minutes for wake turbulence avoidance, but you can request to waive this. It's often a better idea to pause because otherwise, you could be throwing the dice. 

Landing
Touch down beyond the larger aircraft's landing touchdown point. If it's taking off, touch down before its rotation point. 

Inflight
Maintain a few miles behind and above the larger aircraft's flight path where possible. Note the wind direction aloft to get a general idea of which way the vortices will be traveling. Keep in mind that vortices tend to sink over time. 

If you're migrating south for the winter, you should consider the effects of a hot day with light winds. While, typically, the vortices would be dropping and dissipating, the rising currents can suspend them. A low-level inversion layer can cause this. It isn't common, but it's something to ponder nonetheless. 

In all cases, exercise considerable caution, and if you feel an unexpected rumble in the air, keep your wings level and your thoughts focused.

Always be ready to go around if a jet lands long. If they land far enough down the runway, you might not have enough length remaining to land safely.