Effect of wind shear on flight safety

Abstract

The wind is the movement of the air relative to the ground. Normally this movement cannot be assumed as constant flow but varies with position and with time. Wind variations significant to aircraft are known by the term “wind shear”. The relevant wind scenario in the lower atmospheric layer is complex. The most dangerous wind shears combined with strong downdrafts are found in thunderstorms. But even weak wind shear conditions, as they occur in the normal planetary boundary layer, can affect flight safety, especially when the aircraft's flight performance is adversely affected by an engine failure. Generally it can be said that wind shear affects the flight performance as well as the aircraft motion. Another important factor in the wind shear problem is the human one. In strong wind shear, the pilot needs additional information, compared with a conventional standard instrumentation, to be able to take the required action to ensure a successful flight.