Wind shear is a sudden change of wind velocity and/or direction.
You can find these following types of wind shear:
- Vertical wind shear
- Horizontal wind shear
Vertical wind shear is the vertical variation of the horizontal wind component resulting in turbulence and affecting aircraft airspeed (when crossing through the shear layer).
Horizontal wind shear is the horizontal variation of the wind component affecting the aircraft and resulting in a decreasing head wind, an increasing tail wind or a shift from a head wind to a tail wind.
Wind shear is associated usually with the following weather conditions:
- Thunderstorm and convective clouds
- Mountain waves
- Frontal surfaces
- Jet streams
- Microbursts
Microburst can be:
- A downburst that results in strong vertical velocity downdrafts (reaching 40 knots)
- An outburst that results in strong horizontal wind shear and wind components (reaching 100 knots)
You can detect a wind shear condition during approach or go-around, based on analysis of the aircraft flight parameters. The following parameters are indications of a suspected wind shear condition:
- Indicated airspeed variations in excess of 15 knots
- Groundspeed variations
- Vertical-speed excursions of 500fpm or more
- Pitch attitude excursions of 5° or more
- Glideslope deviation of 1 dot or more
- Heading variations of 10° or more
- Unusual auto throttle activity or throttle lever position
In addition, some aircraft can provide a "wind shear" hearing warning. Some weather radars can detect wind shear areas ahead of the aircraft and generate a wind shear warning (red "wind shear ahead") and caution (amber "wind shear ahead") or advisory alert messages.
The following opportunities are available to enhance wind shear awareness and operating procedures.
- Approach briefing
- Approach hazards awareness
- Task sharing for effective cross-check
- Energy management during approach
- Stabilized approach and approach gate
- Commitment to respond to a wind shear warning
- Take-off and departure briefing
- Most recent weather reports and forecasts
- Visual observations
- Crew experience with the airport environment
- Delaying the takeoff until conditions improve
- Select minimum flaps configuration compatible with takeoff requirement to maximize climb-gradient capability
- Use of weather radar
- Select maximum takeoff thrust
- Monitor the airspeed during the takeoff roll to detect any evidence of impending wind shear
If wind shear is encountered, the following actions should be taken without delay:
- The takeoff should be rejected if unacceptable airspeed variation occurs (as there is enough runway to stop).
- Disconnect the auto throttle (A/THR), if available, and
- Maintain or set the throttle levers to maximum takeoff thrust
- Disconnect the auto throttle (A/THR), if available, and set the throttle levers to maximum takeoff thrust
- If the autopilot (AP) is engaged and if the FD provides wind shear recovery guidance, keep the AP engaged or follow the FD pitch command
- Level the wings to maximize the climb gradient, unless a turn is required for obstacle clearance
- Closely monitor the airspeed, airspeed trend and flight path angle
- Do not change the flaps or landing gear configurations until out of the wind shear conditions
When out of the wind shear conditions, increase airspeed when a positive climb rate is confirmed, retract the landing gear and flaps. Then establish a normal climb profile.
¶ During approach and landing
- Iniciate the go-around maneuver
- Select the TOGA mode and set and maintain maximum go-around thrust
- Follow the FD pitch command
- If the AP is engaged and if the FD provides wind shear recovery guidance, keep the AP engaged. Otherwise, disconnect the AP and set the recommended pitch attitude
- Do not change the flap configuration or landing gear configuration until out of the wind shear
- Level the wings to maximize the climb gradient, unless a turn is required for obstacle clearance
- Allow airspeed to decrease to stick-shaker onset
- Closely monitor the airspeed, airspeed trend and flight path angle
When out of the wind shear conditions, increase airspeed when a positive climb rate is confirmed, retract the landing gear and flaps. Then establish a normal climb profile.
Be alert for wind shear conditions, based on all available weather data, on-board equipment and aircraft flight parameters and flight path.
Monitor the instrument for evidence of impending wind shear. Be prepared and committed to respond immediately to a wind shear warning.
Consider delaying the approach or diverting to a more suitable airport if windshear reported or predicted.
Avoid large thrust variations or trim changes in response to sudden airspeed variations.
See alsoReferenceAuthor
- VID 150259 - Creation
- VID 435695 - Wiki integration
- VID 496402 - Wiki.js integration