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Wind shear during approach is most often associated with

Choices

  • calm wind conditions.

    Calm wind by definition isn't shear.

  • ✓ frontal passage, thunderstorms.correct

    Wind shear on approach is most often associated with frontal passage and thunderstorms (microbursts), low-level temperature inversions, or strong gradient winds. Sudden changes in wind speed/direction that affect indicated airspeed and rate of descent. Microbursts can exceed any aircraft's climb capability. Wind shear sources at low altitudes: frontal boundaries, thunderstorm outflow (microbursts can produce 60+ kt downbursts and 80 kt horizontal shear), inversions, mountain wave. Effects: rapid IAS change requires power/pitch corrections beyond normal envelope. Microbursts can exceed any GA airplane's climb capability — avoidance is the only response.

  • high-altitude jet streams.

    Jet streams are high-altitude, not approach.

  • fog and stratus only.

    Fog/stratus may indicate stable air, not shear.

Why

Wind shear on approach is most often associated with frontal passage and thunderstorms (microbursts), low-level temperature inversions, or strong gradient winds. Sudden changes in wind speed/direction that affect indicated airspeed and rate of descent. Microbursts can exceed any aircraft's climb capability. Wind shear sources at low altitudes: frontal boundaries, thunderstorm outflow (microbursts can produce 60+ kt downbursts and 80 kt horizontal shear), inversions, mountain wave. Effects: rapid IAS change requires power/pitch corrections beyond normal envelope. Microbursts can exceed any GA airplane's climb capability — avoidance is the only response.

FAA source: AC 00-54, Pilot Windshear Guide; current AIM weather/wind shear guidancebrowse the reference library →

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.

Wind shear during approach is most often associated with · PPL Free Ground School