PHAK · Chapter 12: Weather Theory
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesWEATHER & ATMOSPHERE
Wind shear
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
A change in wind velocity over a short distance, horizontally or vertically.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
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01
Mechanism
An aircraft crosses air masses moving at different speeds or directions. Its inertia initially preserves ground velocity while the surrounding airflow changes, altering airspeed and angle of attack.
02
Aircraft response
A sudden loss of headwind can reduce dynamic pressure and available lift. Vertical gusts can change angle of attack and load factor; the response depends on aircraft state and the wind field.
03
Context & interpretation
Associated with fronts, inversions, terrain and convection. Low altitude leaves little height for recovery. A wind change alone does not define a universal severity threshold; this page is a mechanism reference, not an escape procedure.
Physical relationship
ΔVair ≈ −ΔVwindVector relation for the initial response when ground velocity is approximately unchanged.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.