Definition
Turbulence caused by a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, either horizontally or vertically. The aircraft is jolted as it passes from one airflow into another that is moving differently, producing abrupt changes in airspeed, altitude, or attitude.
Plain English
Bumpy or rough air caused when the wind suddenly changes speed or direction. The plane gets jolted as it crosses the boundary between two different airflows.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter wind shear turbulence in weather briefings, turbulence discussions, and especially near takeoff or landing when changing wind close to the ground can affect the airplane quickly.
Derivation
‘Shear’ comes from the Old English ‘sceran,’ meaning to cut or divide. Wind shear is where one body of moving air ‘cuts’ against another moving differently, and the turbulence is the rough ride through that boundary.
Why Pilots Care
It can cause abrupt airspeed and altitude changes that reduce control margins, especially on takeoff and landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture an airplane flying from one moving stream of air into another nearby stream that is moving faster, slower, or in a different direction; the change can jolt the airplane.
Intuition Check
Wind shear turbulence is not just strong wind. A strong wind that stays steady may be smooth; the problem is the sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance.
Example Sentence 1
The crew reported wind shear turbulence on short final as the headwind dropped off sharply about 200 feet above the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Preflight planning noted possible wind shear turbulence along the approach path due to a passing front.