What should a pilot do when taking off after a heavy aircraft has just landed?

Study for the Transport Canada Private Pilot License Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When a pilot is taking off after a heavy aircraft has just landed, it is important to be aware of the potential effects of the heavy aircraft's wake turbulence. Heavy aircraft generate significant vortices that can pose risks to smaller aircraft, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff and landing. The correct approach is to plan to become airborne after the point where the heavy aircraft has touched down.

This allows the smaller aircraft to lift off in a zone that is less impacted by the wake turbulence created by the heavier plane. Ideally, the smaller aircraft should wait until it is clear of the heavy's flight path and the turbulence has dissipated. By timing the takeoff properly, the pilot reduces the risk of encountering dangerous airflow disturbances that could lead to loss of control during takeoff.

The other choices do not adequately address the specific safety needs related to wake turbulence. Taking off immediately could place the pilot in a hazardous situation, and while choosing a different runway might be safer, it is not always a practical or feasible solution depending on the airport's layout and traffic. Waiting for traffic clearance, while important for maintaining safe operations, does not specifically address the issues raised by wake turbulence. Thus, planning to become airborne after the heavy's touchdown point is the most effective and

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