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In CAVOK conditions, an aircraft is descending on a glide slope and suddenly, within a few seconds a 6 kt tailwind changes to a 22 kt headwind. What weather phenomenon did the pilots just encounter?

  • A

    Horizontal wind shear.

  • B
    Vertical wind shear.
  • C
    A microburst.
  • D
    A squall line.

Wind shear is defined as an abrupt change in wind speed or wind direction over a relatively short distance. It can occur vertically or horizontally or in both directions at the same time.

  • Vertical wind shear occurs when wind speed and/or wind direction changes with height.
  • Horizontal wind shear is a change in the flow which can be observed at the same height.
A microburst is an intense small-scale downdraft produced by a thunderstorm or rain shower while wind shear can occur in any direction.

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