Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While on final approach segment of RNAV 27 Approach; in VMC conditions; we were given clearance to land with what we believe was inside the three mile wake turbulence buffer between a 'small' aircraft. At one and a half miles from landing; the departing aircraft; cleared for takeoff; had not begun takeoff roll. ATC told the departing aircraft; 'Landing traffic; one and a half miles out.' At approximately one-half mile; the departing aircraft lifted off the runway. We decided landing was safer than executing a missed approach by possibly creating a less safe situation of climbing through the previous aircraft's wake turbulence. We encountered wake turbulence prior to touchdown; thereby requiring Pilot Flying to maintain thrust on engines so as not to lose critical airspeed at touchdown. These actions resulted in a longer than normal landing.I believe more familiarity with possible RECAT separation practices at participating airports; in this case; SAN. We should be better prepared to execute a missed approach during these situations.
B737 Captain reported encountering jet blast effects from the preceding departure while on short final at SAN.