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Which situation is most likely to result in severe wind shear?

  • A

    During final approach, 30 min after a heavy shower has passed the airfield.

  • B

    Cross-country flying below Cu clouds with about 4 octas coverage.

  • C

    Flying ahead of a warm front with visible Ci clouds.

  • D

    When a shower is visible close to the airfield.

Windshear refers to a significant change in wind direction and/or speed, including updrafts and downdrafts. The most dangerous windshear is associated with thunderstorms (cumulonimbus clouds), but it can also be caused by other meteorological events, such as the passage of a front, a strong temperature inversion, strong low-level winds, or a turbulent boundary layer. Additionally, terrain and buildings can cause very localized windshear, especially in areas with strong winds. Hangars located near a runway threshold are often the primary culprits.


"Flying ahead of a warm front with visible Ci clouds." Incorrect.

  • Cirrus (Ci) clouds are high-altitude clouds. They are composed of ice crystals and do not produce significant turbulence or wind shear. The conditions ahead of a warm front can involve gradual changes in wind speed and direction, but these changes are usually not abrupt or severe enough to cause hazardous wind shear.

"Cross-country flying below Cu clouds with about 4 octas coverage." Incorrect.

  • Cumulus (Cu) clouds, particularly with partial coverage (4 octas), usually indicate fair weather with moderate thermals and updrafts. While there can be some turbulence and minor wind shear under cumulus clouds, it is generally not severe. These conditions are typical for daytime heating and convection, which do not create the sudden and intense wind shifts characteristic of severe wind shear.

"During final approach, 30 min after a heavy shower has passed the airfield." Incorrect.

  • While this situation can still present wind shear risks due to lingering downdrafts and gust fronts, the most intense effects from the shower have likely subsided after 30 minutes. The immediate aftermath of a heavy shower can be turbulent, but the severe wind shear is more commonly associated with the active phase of the shower or thunderstorm rather than 30 minutes afterward

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