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CTO Wake Turbulence & Separation Standards Flashcards

6 cards from real CTO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Wake turbulence is primarily caused by which aerodynamic phenomenon?

    Answer: Wing-tip vortices generated by lift

    Wake turbulence is generated by wing-tip vortices, which form whenever an aircraft is producing lift.

  2. Under FAA Order 7110.65, which aircraft category requires the greatest wake turbulence separation when landing behind a Super (A380-class) aircraft?

    Answer: Small

    Small aircraft require the greatest relative separation distance (6 nautical miles on final) behind Super aircraft due to their vulnerability to wake vortices.

  3. Wake turbulence vortices from a departing aircraft tend to move in which direction relative to the runway centerline in calm wind conditions?

    Answer: They sink and drift outward from the centerline

    Wake vortices sink below and drift laterally outward from the flight path, which is why parallel runway separation is critical.

  4. A controller issues a wind report showing a 5-knot tailwind. How does this affect wake turbulence hazard for landing aircraft?

    Answer: It pushes vortices back over the runway threshold, increasing risk

    A tailwind can push vortices back toward the runway threshold area, increasing the hazard for arriving aircraft.

  5. The FAA wake turbulence category 'Heavy' applies to aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of at least how many pounds?

    Answer: 255,000 lbs

    FAA Order 7110.65 defines 'Heavy' aircraft as those with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 255,000 lbs or more.

  6. When a Heavy or Super aircraft is departing, controllers must append which word to the aircraft's callsign in all ATC communications?

    Answer: HEAVY or SUPER

    FAA Order 7110.65 requires controllers to include 'Heavy' or 'Super' in the aircraft's callsign to alert pilots of potential wake turbulence.

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Sources & references

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  1. ecfr.gov — Score validity, renewal, eligibility, retake policy · verified Oct 2026
  2. faa.gov — Test delivery, passing score · verified Oct 2026