Plain English Meaning

Quick bursts of wind moving sideways across the ground that briefly speed up or slow down the airplane and push it off its track during approach and landing.

Full Definition

Sudden, short-lived increases in wind speed that travel parallel to the ground rather than vertically. During approach and landing, horizontal gusts cause rapid changes in the airplane's airspeed and can shift the relative wind from the side or front, requiring prompt control inputs to maintain the intended flightpath.

Context Anchor

Encountered during approaches and landings in turbulent air, especially when gusty surface are reported or felt on .