Airspeed can change even when the aircraft’s ground speed does not
Lift depends on airflow over the wings. If a strong headwind suddenly weakens or becomes a tailwind, indicated airspeed can fall before the aircraft has time to accelerate.
Microbursts create a particularly challenging sequence
A descending column of air spreads outward near the surface. An aircraft can encounter increasing headwind, then downdraft, then a strong tailwind in quick succession.
Modern aircraft can warn crews of wind shear
Predictive systems use weather radar information, while reactive systems detect the aircraft’s actual energy change. Warnings are designed to prompt an immediate standardized response.
Escape guidance prioritizes climb performance
During a wind-shear escape, pilots normally use prescribed thrust and pitch guidance rather than trying to maintain a normal speed or follow the planned departure path.
Airports also monitor local wind behavior
Low-level wind-shear alert systems and multiple wind sensors can identify hazardous changes around runways. Controllers pass those reports to arriving and departing crews.
Avoidance is preferable to recovery
If severe shear or a microburst is reported, crews may delay takeoff, hold, divert or go around. The best wind-shear maneuver is often not entering the hazard in the first place.
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