Wind shear (danger of weather phenomena)

Wind shear refers to the sharp change of wind speed and direction in the air. It is a weather phenomenon, which usually appears in the atmospheric boundary layer and troposphere. Wind shear can be divided into vertical wind shear and horizontal wind shear.

The danger of wind shear

Wind shear poses a great threat to flight safety. When an airplane encounters windshear during take-off, landing or cruising, the pilot may lose control of the airplane and cause an accident. The influence of wind shear on aircraft is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Landing phase

Wind shear is especially dangerous during the landing phase. When the plane descends from high altitude to low altitude, if it encounters downward flow, the descending speed of the plane will increase sharply, which will lead to the plane touching the ground prematurely and even causing a crash. Therefore, before landing, pilots need to pay close attention to the weather conditions, especially the existence of wind shear.

2. Take-off phase

The take-off phase is also the moment when wind shear causes flight danger. When an airplane takes off at an accelerated speed, if it encounters downward flow, the lift of the airplane will drop sharply, which will lead to an increase in the take-off distance and even a failure to take off successfully. Therefore, before taking off, pilots need to get the latest weather information and make a take-off plan according to wind shear.

3. Cruise phase

Wind shear may also occur during aircraft cruising, especially near thunderstorm clouds. Strong convective airflow in thunderstorm clouds will lead to wind shear. When the plane encounters wind shear, the pilot needs to adjust the flight altitude and speed in time to ensure flight safety.

How to deal with wind shear

The threat of wind shear to flight safety can not be ignored, and pilots need to take a series of measures to deal with the impact of wind shear.

1. Get the latest weather information.

Before flying, pilots need to get the latest weather information, especially the existence of wind shear. Weather reports, radar images and other pilots' experience provided by the meteorological department can help us understand the situation of wind shear.

2. Pay close attention to flight instruments

Pilots need to pay close attention to flight instruments, especially weather radar and wind shear detector. These instruments can provide warnings and hints of wind shear and help pilots make timely adjustments.

3. Keep the altitude and speed stable.

When the plane encounters wind shear, the pilot needs to keep the altitude and speed of the plane stable. In the case of downward flow, the pilot needs to increase the thrust and climb rate to maintain the altitude of the plane. If there is an updraft, the pilot needs to reduce the thrust and descent rate to avoid the aircraft from rising excessively.

4. Avoid thunderstorm clouds

Thunderstorm cloud areas are high-risk areas where wind shear occurs, and pilots should try to avoid entering these areas. If it is necessary to fly over the thunderstorm cloud area, the pilot needs to pay close attention to wind shear and adjust the flight altitude and speed in time.