LiveATC Discussion Forums

Aviation => Pilot/Controller Forum => Topic started by: swimer on September 03, 2014, 08:31:37 AM

Title: Visual separation questioned?
Post by: swimer on September 03, 2014, 08:31:37 AM
Hi. I wonder in one nice day if you- pilot is requested to maintain own separation in VMC what would you mind to keep wake turbulace rules? And in the controlled tower how could you know that the wake turbulance separation are not infringed, including when reduced saparation? Thank you!
Title: Re: Visual separation questioned?
Post by: N/A on September 03, 2014, 02:48:03 PM
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Title: Re: Visual separation questioned?
Post by: StuSEL on September 14, 2014, 09:30:32 PM
Controllers can't use controller-applied visual separation in lieu of wake turbulence rules. If a pilot agrees to maintain visual separation or follow another aircraft, then he assumes the responsibility for wake turbulence separation.

Landing behind an equally-sized or heavier aircraft, it is best to descend above the preceding aircraft's flight path. Departing behind an equally-sized or heavier aircraft, it is best to try and climb above the preceding aircraft's flight path, which isn't always possible, hence using time or relying on a particularly strong crosswind to take care of the wake turbulence is a pilot's best bet.

More and more research is being done on the topic of wake turbulence separation. The FAA has developed something called RECAT, which is a program designed to recategorize the wake turbulence separation standards between aircraft that will be rolling out in the next few years.