Turbulence is the typical concern when we think of wind effects on aircraft. But another wind situation also creates problems — wind shear.
According to the World Meteorological Agency (WMO), “Wind shear is a major hazard for aviation, especially when operating at low levels.” In its publication “Wind Shear,” the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says, “In its many forms, wind shear can change a routine approach into an emergency recovery in a matter of seconds.”
Wind shear and turbulence are often related but represent two different situations. Turbulence, as defined by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), is “an irregular motion of the air resulting from…
