Disclosed is a method and device for automatically guiding separation of a follow aircraft from a lead aircraft. The method involves determining first guidance instructions based on a speed that enables a desired separation between the lead and follow aircraft, and determining second guidance instructions based on a speed for performing a desired landing procedure for the follow aircraft. A current energy state of the follow aircraft is monitored to detect an incompatibility situation in which the current energy state of the follow aircraft is incompatible with execution of the desired landing procedure.