The Dangers of Landing Behind Large Aircraft

Heavy planes, like airliners, produce vortexes at their wingtips. These twin tornados can flip a small plane over if the pilot doesn’t understand the hidden danger on the runway.

You must ask the control tower to lengthen your approach to give the ground turbulence time to dissipate before you touch down. If a slight cross-wind is present you should check the wind sock to see direction and possible velocity of the cross-wind.

The cross-wind may place one of the vortexes right on the runway just as you land. It is your responsibility to avoid that from happening.

You can ask for a go-around if you are unsure. That may save you from experiencing a bad day.

Ask your flight instructor at you local fixed-base operation to detail, for you, other precautions involved in mixed aircraft landings and takeoffs.