If there is thunderstorm activity near an airport you plan to land at, which hazardous atmospheric phenomenon might be expected on the landing approach?

• A. Icing
• B. Turbulence
• C. Wind-shear turbulence
• D. Reduced visibility

Answer: (C)

Thunderstorm activity near an airport creates strong wind changes with height and across the approach path, known as wind-shear. On a landing approach you’re operating close to the ground with a precise airspeed and glide angle, so a rapid shift in wind speed or direction can suddenly alter your indicated airspeed and lift. Gust fronts and especially microbursts from the storm can produce abrupt headwind-to-tailwind changes, or vice versa, making the approach unstable and increasing the risk of an undershoot or overshoot. That’s why wind-shear turbulence is the hazard you’d expect on the approach in this situation.

While turbulence and reduced visibility can occur near storms and icing is possible in certain cloud conditions, the specific danger tied to approaching an airport with nearby thunderstorm activity is the wind-shear turbulence from rapid wind changes near the surface and along the approach path.