Final answer:
When taking off after a heavy aircraft has just landed, the pilot must be aware of wake turbulence and follow specific procedures to ensure safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When taking off after a heavy aircraft has just landed, the pilot should be aware of the phenomenon called ‘wake turbulence’. Wake turbulence is the disturbance of air caused by the passage of an aircraft and can affect the aircraft flying behind it. Therefore, the pilot should follow specific procedures to safely navigate through the wake turbulence:
- The pilot should wait for a sufficient time interval after the heavy aircraft has landed to allow the wake turbulence to dissipate. This time interval depends on the size and weight of the aircraft that has just landed.
- The pilot should take off from a point on the runway that provides an adequate distance from the touchdown point of the heavy aircraft, known as the ‘wake turbulence separation distance’. This distance depends on the categories of the aircraft involved.
- The pilot should avoid flying directly in the path of the heavy aircraft's wake turbulence and may choose to depart on a different runway or use special takeoff techniques, such as a reduced thrust takeoff.
By following these procedures, the pilot can ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers when taking off after a heavy aircraft has just landed.