Which statement best describes where wind shear can occur?

• A. Only at low altitudes
• B. Only near the surface
• C. At all altitudes, in all directions
• D. Only in clear air

Answer: (C)

Wind shear is a change in wind speed or direction over a short distance. Because the atmosphere contains many different layers and weather phenomena, this change can happen anywhere from the surface up to high altitudes and in any direction relative to the airplane’s flight path. That’s why the best description is that wind shear can occur at all altitudes, in all directions. For glider pilots, this means you can encounter abrupt changes in airspeed and lift not only near the ground—where terrain, fronts, or thermals often create shear—but also aloft near jet streams or thunderstorm outflows. The other statements are too limiting: wind shear is not confined to the surface or to clear air only.