What procedure should be followed for vortex avoidance when landing behind a large aircraft?

When landing behind a large aircraft, the correct procedure for vortex avoidance is to stay above its final approach flightpath all the way to touchdown. This approach helps mitigate the risks associated with the wake turbulence generated by larger aircraft, which can significantly impact smaller aircraft during critical phases of flight like landing.

Large aircraft create powerful vortices that sink and drift with the wind. By remaining above the flightpath of the larger aircraft, a smaller aircraft can avoid the turbulence that descends from the wake. This is especially crucial as vortices tend to persist in the air for some time, and being above them gives pilots a buffer against unexpected changes in lift and handling dynamics that could occur if encountering wake turbulence.

Staying below the flightpath is less safe, as approaching from that position may place an aircraft directly into the turbulence created by the larger aircraft's wake. Landing a certain distance behind the larger aircraft could also help, but maintaining a higher altitude until the touchdown minimizes the risk associated with wake turbulence more effectively. Following the wake of the aircraft would significantly increase the chances of experiencing turbulence, which can lead to a loss of control.