Short Final: An Abundance Of Caution

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot observed a ground controller at JFK issuing specific wake turbulence warnings to different aircraft in a taxi line.
  • A Bonanza aircraft was warned to "caution jet wash" when following a Boeing 737.
  • Shortly after, a second Boeing 737 was warned to "caution prop wash" when following the Bonanza.
  • The event highlights the controller's precise application of distinct terminology ("jet wash" vs. "prop wash") based on the type of aircraft generating the turbulence.
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From IFR Magazine reader Ashok Joshi:

Taxiing to depart for our home in New Hampshire after picking my wife up at New York JFK Airport in my Bonanza, I was in line between a pair of Southwest Boeing 737s. As we waited for clearance to cross Runway 13/31, the ground controller said, “Southwest 123 cleared to cross Runway 13/31 on Echo. Bonanza 3680 Romeo, taxi to holding line; caution jet wash.”

After clearing me to cross the runway a minute later, ground control instructed the second 737, “Southwest 456, taxi to the holding line; caution prop wash.”

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