What is the safest practice when dealing with wake turbulence during approach?

Remaining aware of the large airplane's touchdown point is critical for safety when dealing with wake turbulence during an approach. Wake turbulence is caused by the lift generated by an aircraft, particularly large aircraft; it creates swirling vortices that can be hazardous to following smaller aircraft. By knowing where the larger airplane is likely to land, the pilot can adjust their approach to ensure that they avoid entering potentially dangerous wake turbulence during their own landing.

Understanding the touchdown point allows the pilot to time their own landing appropriately, ensuring that they either delay their descent or adjust their approach to avoid the vortices that will settle toward the ground around the touchdown zone. This awareness is paramount for maintaining safe separation from the effects of wake turbulence, which could otherwise lead to loss of control or difficulties in maintaining stable flight.

Factors like rapid altitude increases or attempting to stay below the flight path do not effectively mitigate the risks associated with turbulence generated by larger aircraft. Instead, the most prudent action is to maintain situational awareness regarding the larger aircraft’s landing zone and timing your approach accordingly to enhance safety during the landing phase.