Wind Shear
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is Wind Shear?
Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, either vertically or horizontally across the flight path. Low-level wind shear below 2,000 feet during takeoff or approach is among the most dangerous weather hazards to aircraft because it can rapidly change lift and airspeed in critical flight phases.
How is Wind Shear used?
Pilots encounter wind shear most commonly on approach during thunderstorm activity, near cold fronts, in frontal passages, and around terrain-driven mountain waves. Modern large airports publish wind shear warnings as part of ATIS or TAF remarks; for example, 'WS RWY 25L' means wind shear on runway 25 Left. Pilots respond to wind shear by delaying takeoff, flying an escape maneuver published in the Operations Manual, or executing a missed approach. Aircraft certified under CS-25 are required to have a predictive wind-shear detection system, and commercial operators include wind shear recovery training in recurrent simulator sessions. For general aviation pilots, the best defence is avoidance — delay the takeoff, hold off on the approach, or divert when the TAF or ATIS warns of wind shear potential. EASA publishes advisory circulars covering wind shear recognition, and major hubs publish seasonal climatologies in local information circulars.