Sometimes...what you can't see is what will kill ya
Seriosuly though.
Wind shear occurs when an aircraft passes through air that travels in different directions and velocity. It's very common, happens all the time at all altitudes.
Even though it's seldom dangerous things can get bad when facing violent wind shear at low altitudes. If that's the case then it's definetely an hazard during take-offs and landnings.
Imagine this:
An aircraft is about to land but suddenly encounters a strong hedwind. The speed increases (Airspeed) and more lift is created by the air flowing over the wings. The pilot now has to reduce speed and altitude in order to maintain the glideslope. If the aircraft now encounters a tailwind the speed will drop and the aircraft starts to lose altitude - fast.
This is likely to happen in micro bursts which is developed in thunderstorms. Think of a
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:40 pm