Meteorology

wind shear

A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, hazardous during takeoff and landing.

Quick answer: A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, hazardous during takeoff and landing.

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Languages

Quick answer

A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, hazardous during takeoff and landing.

Why it matters

wind shear matters because it supports clear communication in Meteorology contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is wind shear?

In this glossary, wind shear refers to: A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, hazardous during takeoff and landing.

How is wind shear used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Windshear alert in effect on approach runway 34, expect sudden airspeed fluctuations below 800 feet."

Why does wind shear matter in aviation?

wind shear matters because it supports clear communication in Meteorology contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses wind shear?

wind shear is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does wind shear belong to?

In this glossary, wind shear is grouped under Meteorology. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, hazardous during takeoff and landing.

Operational example

Tower: Windshear alert in effect on approach runway 34, expect sudden airspeed fluctuations below 800 feet.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Meteorology

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

Use the related links below to continue through connected aviation terminology.

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