To avoid wake turbulence from a large aircraft, a pilot should fly:

Wake turbulence is caused by the vortices generated at the wingtips of an aircraft, especially large ones, during flight. These vortices can remain in the air and pose a hazard to smaller aircraft flying in the vicinity. To mitigate the risk of encountering wake turbulence, pilots are trained to avoid areas where large aircraft have recently passed.

Flying above the flight path of a large aircraft is the most effective strategy for avoiding wake turbulence. This is because the vortices descend and typically hover below the altitude of the larger aircraft's flight path. By maintaining a higher altitude, a pilot minimizes the chances of flying into these turbulent air currents and provides a safer buffer zone.

This approach is supported by safety guidelines, which recommend vertical separation from the wake turbulence of large aircraft. It is important for pilots to be aware of wake turbulence characteristics and understand the significance of altitude in relation to larger aircraft to ensure safe operation.