How should a pilot take off and land in relation to the plane ahead?

To ensure safe operations during takeoff and landing, a pilot must maintain proper spacing and timing in relation to other aircraft. When considering the phase of takeoff, the "rotation point" refers to the position on the runway where the aircraft begins its takeoff climb, while the "touchdown point" is where an aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing.

In the correct scenario, taking off before the rotation point of the plane ahead ensures that there is enough distance to safely become airborne without interfering with the operations of the aircraft ahead. It allows for a clear runway without risking a collision during the critical phase of departure.

When landing, the requirement to touch down after the touchdown point of the aircraft ahead ensures that the landing plane has safely cleared the runway area before the following aircraft descends and lands. This practice is crucial for maintaining safe separation and avoiding potential accidents during landing operations.

Consequently, the chosen approach of taking off before the rotation point and landing after the touchdown point aligns with standard safety guidelines in aviation, ensuring that sufficient space exists between aircraft during these critical phases of flight.