Low-altitude wind shear

Researchers investigate the influences of low-altitude wind shear on takeoff, landing, and other low-level flight.

Controlling aircraft at low altitudes can present a difficult and complicated challenge to pilots, particularly when wind shear occurs. Wind shear can affect not only flight tracks, but also the stability and operational performance of an aircraft. In particular, low-altitude wind shear can greatly influence aircraft during takeoff, landing, and other low-level flight-sometimes enough to cause catastrophe because pilots have little room to maneuver and regain control. To better understand this potentially dangerous phenomenon, researchers conducted simulations on two types of low-altitude wind shear-microburst and mountainous air stream.