Final answer:
To safely follow a large plane for landing, maintain a safe distance to avoid wake turbulence, and calculate correct angles and speeds in crosswinds to align with the runway. Last-minute maneuvers may be needed for wheel alignment during touchdown.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are following behind a large airplane to land on the same runway, you should maintain a safe distance to avoid wake turbulence. Large airplanes generate vortices from their wingtips that can cause severe instability for trailing aircraft. It is essential to stay above the larger aircraft's glide path and land beyond its touchdown point, providing a buffer against these turbulent airflows.
When considering an airplane landing in a crosswind, one should calculate the necessary angle to maintain a proper course for landing. This involves considering the wind speed and direction, the speed of the plane relative to the air mass, and computing the crosswind component to determine the heading adjustment the pilot must make. Finally, it is crucial to calculate the groundspeed to ensure the airplane's velocity is parallel to the runway for a safe landing.
Last Minute Maneuvers for Landing
Pilots may also need to perform last-minute maneuvers such as 'crabbing' or use of 'sideslip' to keep the wheels aligned with the runway just before touchdown. These maneuvers help compensate for crosswind effects and allow safe wheel alignment during landing.