Definition
An emergency or low-visibility technique in which a pilot, unable to navigate independently due to equipment failure, weather, or disorientation, requests to fly in trail behind another suitably equipped aircraft that can lead them to a safe landing area. ATC may coordinate this by vectoring a capable aircraft into position ahead of the distressed aircraft so the lead can be visually followed to an airport.
Plain English
When a pilot is in trouble and can't find their way, another aircraft flies ahead of them and the pilot follows it visually to a safe place to land.
Context Anchor
Heard during traffic sequencing for visual approaches, airport traffic patterns, and sometimes ground movement when a controller points out another aircraft and tells you to follow it.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains safe separation and prevents wake turbulence encounters that can lead to loss of aircraft control.
Intuition Check
Do not assume that following another aircraft means copying its route, altitude, landing clearance, or every maneuver. It means staying visually behind that specific aircraft while still flying your own assigned instructions and keeping safe spacing.
Example Sentence 1
After losing his navigation radios in deteriorating weather, the pilot accepted ATC's offer of following another aircraft to the nearest suitable airport.
Example Sentence 2
Following another aircraft at the correct distance kept the crew clear of wake effects during touchdown.