Wake vortex separation procedures
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Wake vortex separation procedures
I am a newbie here and so i dont know if i am posting in the correct group. Here are my questions:
I know ATC gives vectors to the aircrafts such that the required separation is maintained during IFR conditions but what happens on VFR when the pilots are asked to maintain the separation on their own? How do they make sure that they are indeed flying above and touches down beyond the leading aircraft path? How it is practically done? Any pilots?
I appreciate your time & effort, Thank you!
I know ATC gives vectors to the aircrafts such that the required separation is maintained during IFR conditions but what happens on VFR when the pilots are asked to maintain the separation on their own? How do they make sure that they are indeed flying above and touches down beyond the leading aircraft path? How it is practically done? Any pilots?
I appreciate your time & effort, Thank you!
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In practice, under VFR, ATC pass the recommended vortex wake spacing to the following pilot. It's up to him to make whatever separation he requires.
Downwash, by definition, flows downwards. As long as you can see the preceding aircraft it's no problem to arrange a steeper approach if required, to keep above its wake. Downwash also drifts with the wind, so lateral spacing from the wake can often also be achieved when approaching the runway.
If this isn't possible then it's sensible to keep to the recommended spacing distance.
Downwash, by definition, flows downwards. As long as you can see the preceding aircraft it's no problem to arrange a steeper approach if required, to keep above its wake. Downwash also drifts with the wind, so lateral spacing from the wake can often also be achieved when approaching the runway.
If this isn't possible then it's sensible to keep to the recommended spacing distance.
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In practice, under VFR, UNLESS under "close control" such as in a traffic flow in or out of a busy airport, a pilot is responsible for his own separation from the traffic he follows. When "the pilots are asked to maintain the separation on their own", that is EXACTLY what they are expected to do! DO NOT expect ATC to do your job as a pilot for you!
If you are VFR, you are expected to SEE and AVOID conflicting traffic. If you are following an airplane down an approach path on a constant glidepath, simply keep that airplane between you and the runway threshold. If you maintain an excessively steep glidepath, you may cause wake problems for following airplanes ON the correct glidepath.
If you are VFR, you are expected to SEE and AVOID conflicting traffic. If you are following an airplane down an approach path on a constant glidepath, simply keep that airplane between you and the runway threshold. If you maintain an excessively steep glidepath, you may cause wake problems for following airplanes ON the correct glidepath.
