How does wind shear affect approach and landing?

Wind shear significantly impacts the approach and landing phases of flight primarily because it can cause sudden and unexpected changes in wind direction and speed. When an aircraft encounters wind shear, it may experience abrupt variations in airspeed and altitude, which can hinder its control and stability. This phenomenon is particularly critical during the final approach, where maintaining a precise glide slope and airspeed is essential for a safe landing. If the wind suddenly shifts from a headwind to a tailwind, or if there are significant changes in the wind's vertical component, the aircraft may either descend too rapidly or lose lift altogether, posing a serious risk to flight safety.

Understanding the characteristics of wind shear is vital for pilots, as they must be prepared to react promptly to these changes to maintain control of the aircraft. Effective monitoring of weather conditions and awareness of wind shear alerts can help pilots mitigate the associated risks during landing.