Wind Shear

Wind shear is a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance. It can occur either horizontally or vertically and is most often associated with strong temperature inversions, microbursts, macrobursts or convective activity. Wind shear can occur at high or low altitudes and is a very serious threat to aviation safety. Four common sources of low-level wind shear are described below

Wind shear is a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance. It can occur either horizontally or vertically.

Downbursts, particularly microbursts, are exceedingly dangerous to aircraft which are taking off or landing due to the strong vertical wind shear caused by these events. A number of fatal crashes have been attributed to downbursts. Hover over the numbers below to understand how a downburst, and the associated wind shear is a significant threat to aviation safety.

Downbursts, particularly microbursts, are exceedingly dangerous to aircraft which are taking off or landing due to the strong vertical wind shear caused by these events. A number of fatal crashes have been attributed to downbursts. Click on the numbers below to understand how a downburst, and the associated wind shear are a significant threat to aviation safety.

Wind shear can be classified according to its effect on aircraft performance.

  • Increasing Performance Windshear: Occurs when the shear causes an increase in indicated airspeed.
  • Decreasing Performance Windshear: Occurs when the shear causes a decrease in indicated airspeed
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