What is the minimum distance for aircraft to taxi in trail?

What is the minimum distance for aircraft to taxi in trail?

• A. 1-2 plane widths
• B. 1-2 plane lengths
• C. 4-5 plane lengths
• D. 1-1.5 plane lengths

Answer: (B)

The correct choice for the minimum distance for aircraft to taxi in trail is based on safety and operational considerations. Taxiing in trail involves maintaining a safe distance to avoid wake turbulence from the aircraft ahead. Aircraft generate wake turbulence, particularly during takeoff and landing, and when they are on the ground, especially while taxiing. The distance of 1-2 plane lengths is generally not sufficient to ensure safety from this turbulence; pilots need more separation to allow for these factors. A greater distance ensures that the trailing aircraft can safely taxi without being affected by the turbulence generated by the leading aircraft. The distance of 4-5 plane lengths provides a wide margin for safety and is often applicable when considering various factors such as wind conditions, aircraft type, and operational procedures. Therefore, considering these safety protocols, 1-2 plane lengths would not adequately ensure the safety of the trailing aircraft, which is why it's not considered a minimum distance for taxiing in trail. In operational contexts, particularly in busy air traffic scenarios, appropriate spacing is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency on the taxiway. Thus, for effective operational management, the right choice considers these practical implications, establishing safety protocols that align with recommended separations.

The correct choice for the minimum distance for aircraft to taxi in trail is based on safety and operational considerations. Taxiing in trail involves maintaining a safe distance to avoid wake turbulence from the aircraft ahead. Aircraft generate wake turbulence, particularly during takeoff and landing, and when they are on the ground, especially while taxiing.

The distance of 1-2 plane lengths is generally not sufficient to ensure safety from this turbulence; pilots need more separation to allow for these factors. A greater distance ensures that the trailing aircraft can safely taxi without being affected by the turbulence generated by the leading aircraft.

The distance of 4-5 plane lengths provides a wide margin for safety and is often applicable when considering various factors such as wind conditions, aircraft type, and operational procedures. Therefore, considering these safety protocols, 1-2 plane lengths would not adequately ensure the safety of the trailing aircraft, which is why it's not considered a minimum distance for taxiing in trail.

In operational contexts, particularly in busy air traffic scenarios, appropriate spacing is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency on the taxiway. Thus, for effective operational management, the right choice considers these practical implications, establishing safety protocols that align with recommended separations.