Lesson 4a - Collision, Wind Shear & Wake Turbulence Avoidance

Lesson Objective

The student will review scanning techniques. The student will learn of the hazards of wind shear; the student will learn the hazards of wake turbulence.

Regulatory Requirement

• §61.87(i)(6)
• Private Pilot Practical Test Standard IV-G

Content

• Wake Turbulence Generation, Strength, Behavior, Problem Areas and Avoidance
• Wind Shear, definition and impact on aircraft performance (especially on final!)
• Collision avoidance, see and be seen.
• Review scanning techniques lesson 2b

Completion Standards

The student must be able to perform:

• Appropriate scanning techniques throughout every flight
• Appropriate situational awareness of windshear and wake turbulence

The student must be able to explain:

• Risk factors in midair collisions (especially as related to gliders)
• Collision avoidance technology
• the factors that create wake turbulence
• the factors that create the strongest wake turbulence
• how to avoid wake turbulence
• what wind shear is, and how it relates to aircraft performance.

Prerequisite Study

• Collision Avoidance in Gliders, SSF
• Advisory Circular AC 90-48D Pilots' Role in Collision Avoidance
• Aeronautical Information Manual
  • AIM 7-1-22 Wind Shear PIREPS
  • AIM 7-4-1 Wake Turbulence -- General
  • AIM 7-4-2 Vortex Generation
  • AIM 7-4-3 Vortex Strength
  • AIM 7-4-4 Vortex Behavior
  • AIM 7-4-5 Operational Problem Areas
  • AIM 7-4-6 Vortex Avoidance Procedures

Recommended Study

• Flight Maneuvers, Soaring Safety Foundation -- Describes the effect of wind and wind shear on a final approach.
• Accident analysis of a wake-turbulence event (YouTube)
• 747 landing into fog, showing wingtip vorticies (YouTube)
• Need-to-know information on helicopter wake turbulence