Windshear hazard to aviation is primarily due to?

Windshear hazard to aviation is primarily due to?

• A. Lack of wind.
• B. Steady wind with constant speed.
• C. Rapid changes in airspeed or altitude.
• D. Only micro-level turbulence.

Answer: (C)

Windshear occurs when wind speed or direction changes abruptly over a short distance or height along the aircraft’s path. That sudden change makes the airplane’s airspeed and vertical motion swing quickly, which can disrupt lift and flight path. This is especially dangerous during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is at low altitude and flight conditions are most sensitive to small energy changes. The correct idea is that it’s rapid changes in airspeed or altitude caused by a wind gradient that create the hazardous condition. It isn’t just a matter of no wind or steady wind, nor is it limited to small-scale turbulence. Other choices describe scenarios that don’t produce the sharp, quick wind variations that define windshear.

Windshear occurs when wind speed or direction changes abruptly over a short distance or height along the aircraft’s path. That sudden change makes the airplane’s airspeed and vertical motion swing quickly, which can disrupt lift and flight path. This is especially dangerous during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is at low altitude and flight conditions are most sensitive to small energy changes.

The correct idea is that it’s rapid changes in airspeed or altitude caused by a wind gradient that create the hazardous condition. It isn’t just a matter of no wind or steady wind, nor is it limited to small-scale turbulence. Other choices describe scenarios that don’t produce the sharp, quick wind variations that define windshear.