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In calm conditions, wake turbulencemay not dissipate for several minutes.
Aircraft should positionwithin the traffic circuitwith sufficient spacing to
avoid encounteringwake turbulence.
On take-off, smaller aircraftwill normally require increased separation time
beforedeparting behind a larger aircraft.
Helicopters of all sizes, in forward flight, produce vortices similar to those
produced by fixedwing aircraft. A hoveringor slow air-taxinghelicopter
creates a rotor downwashwhich can be a hazard to all aircraft in its vicinity.
Pilots of small aircraft should avoidoperating close to helicopters. Helicopter
pilots should operate at a safe distance from parkedor taxying aircraft.
Windshear can occur anywhere in the circuit but ismost dangerouswhen
close to terrain. For example, dust devils (‘willywillies’) are visiblewindshear
and can be common at outback aerodromes. Pilots encountering awindshear
event should immediately consider amaximumperformance climb tofly out
of the situation.
TAKE-OFFAND LANDINGSEPARATION
Take-off.
Whenwaiting to takeoff behind another aircraft, pilots shouldbe
awareof the separation standards published inAIP, i.e:
• Wait until the departing aircraft has crossed theupwindend of the runway
or has commenced a turn;
• If the runway is longer than 1800m, thenwait until thedeparting aircraft
has become airborne and is at least 1800m ahead; or
• If both aircraft have amaximum take-offweight (MTOW) less than2000
kg, wait until the departing aircraft has become airborne and is at least
600m ahead.
Landing.
For a landing aircraft, the approach shouldnot be continuedbeyond
the runway threshold until:
• a preceding departing aircraft has commenced a turnor is beyond the
point on the runway atwhich the landing aircraft could beexpected to
complete its landing roll and there is sufficient distance tomanoeuvre
safely in the event of amissed approach; or
• a previous landing aircraft has vacated the runway.
hazards
3 – non - TOWERED aerodromes