Advisory

Circular

U.S.Department
of lranspoftation
Federal Aviation
Administration

Subject:

PILOT WINDSHEARGUIDE

11/25/88
Date:
Initiated by: AFS- 200

AC No:

00-54

Change:

PURPOSE. This advisory circular communicates key windshear information

1
relevant to flightcrews.
Appendix 1 of this advisory circular is the Pilot
Windshear Guide, which is only one section of the two-volume Windshear
Training Aid.
2 RELATEDREADINGMATERIAL. The other components of the Windshear
Training Aid are the Windshear Overview for Management, Windshear
Substantiating
Data, Example Windshear Training Program, and two training
videos. These additional publications may be purchased from the National
Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161,
telephone (703) 487-4650. A multimedia package, including video tapes,
slides, 'and the Windshear Training Aid, may be purchased from the National
Audiovisual Center, 8700 Edgeworth Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743-3701,
telephone (301) 763-1896.
3. BACKGROUND.In 1985, the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA)
contracted with a consortium of aviation specialists from the Boeing
Company, United Air Lines, McDonnell Douglas, Lockheed California, Aviation
Weather Associates, and Heliwell, Inc., to study windshear. As a result,
the Windshear Training Aid was developed. The Windshear Training Aid
presents an effective means of training flightcrews to minimize the
windshear threat through avoidance, cockpit recognition, and recovery
techniques.
In order to make the Pilot Windshear Guide section of the
Windshear Training Aid available to a wide aviation audience, the guide is
reprinted as appendix 1 to this advisory circular.
4. UPDATINGPROCEDURE.In order to ensure that the Pilot Windshear Guide
is kept up-to-date, the FAA will host meetings for the purpose of reviewing
new information on the subject of windshear. These meetings will be held
approximately every 18 months and will be announced in the Federal Register.
Technical assistance will be solicited from representatives
of the original
contract team, as w&l1 as from other qualified industry sources, in
proposing and evaluating changes. As improvements and changes to the Pilot
Windshear Guide occur, they will be distributed
as a change to this advisory
circular.

a~%%

D,

C.

Acting

Beaudette
Director,

Flight

StandardsService

AC 00-54
Appendix 1

11/25/88

APPENDIX 1,

PILOT WINDSHEARGUIDE

AC 00-54
Appendix

Pilot

Windshear
and Indemity

The following
disclaimer
is'required
Federal
Aviation
Administration
and

DISCLAIMERAND INDEMNITYNOTICE
This document. Pilot Windshear Guide.
and its companion documents, Windshear
Overview For Management.
Example WindY
shear Training Program,*Windshear Substantiating
Data, and v?deo presentatlons A Windshear Avoided" and "Windshear What the Crew Can Do were=pared pursuant to Federal Aviation
Administration
Prime Contract DFTAOl86-C-00005 with The Boeing Company as
a training
aid for flight
in windshear
conditions.
The information
contained
herein

and

in

the

companion materials

was derived from information originally developed for the Boeing 727, and
provides a base-line training
program
with
additional
recommendations. -developed and approved by Boeing,-Douglas or Lockheed for their
respective
aircraft,

regarding

how

that

program

might be adapted for use in specific

commercial transport aircraft
manufactured by Boeing [727, 737, 747, 757,
and 7673, Douglas [DC-g, MD-80, and
DC-101 and Lockheed [L-1011].
ANY USE
OF THIS PILOT WINDSHEARGUIDE AND ITS
COMPANIONVIDEO PRESENTATIONS
"A WINDSHEARAVOIDED" AND "WINDSHEAR- WHAT
THE CREWCAN DO" FOR ANY PURPOSERELATED TO AIRCRAFT OR CONDITIONSOTHER
THAN THOSE SPECIFIED ABOVE IS NOT
AUTHORIZEDAND MAY RESULTIN IMPROPER
AIRCRAFT OPERATION,LOSS OF AIRCRAFT
CONTROL, INJURY AND LOSS OF AIRCRAFT
AND LIFE. ANY USE, ADAPTATIONAND/OR
USE AFTER ADAPTATIONOF THE MATERIAL
IN THIS PILOT WINDSHEAR
GUIDE AND ITS
COMPANIONVIDEO PRESENTATIONS
A WINDSHEARAVOIDED" AND "WINDSHEAR- WHAT
THE CREWCAN DO" BY ANY ENTITY FOR ANY
PURPOSERELATED TO AIRCRAFT, CONDITIONS OR TO TRAINING PROGRAMSOTHER
THAN THOSE SPECIFIED ABOVE SHALL BE
COMPLETELYAT THE RISK OF THE ENTITY
RESPONSIBLE
FOR USING, ADAPTINGAND/OR
USING THE ADAPTATIONOF THIS PILOT
WINDSHEAR
GUIDE AND ITS COMPANION
VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
"A WINDSHEAR
AVOIDED"
AND "WINDSHEAR- WHAT THE CREW CAN
DO", AND SUCH ENTITY BY SUCH USE,
ADAPTATIONAND/ORUSEAFTERADAPTATION

ii

Guide-Notice

by virtue
the Boeing

Disclaimer

11]25/88

of the contract
between
the
Commercial
Airplane
Company.

ASSUMESSUCH RISK AND WAIVESAND RELEASESALL CLAIMS IT MAY HAVE AGAINST

THE BOEINGCOMPANY,MCDONNELLDOUGLAS
CORPORATION, LOCKHEED CORPORATION,
UNITED AIRLINES, AVIATION WEATHER
ASSOCIATES, HELLIWELL, INC., THEIR
DIVISIONS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES
AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,SUBCONTRACTORSAND EMPLOYEES
FROM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER,WHETHERBASED ON
CONTRACT(INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTY
CLAIMS), TORT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCEAND STRICT LIABILITY CLAIMS) OR OTHERWISE,ARISING FROM
SUCH USE, ADAPTATIONAND/OR USE OF
SUCHADAPTATION. ANY SUCHENTITY (INCLUDING WITHOUTLIMITATION ANY MANUFACTUREROF OTHERAIRCRAFTOR OPERATOR
WITH ANOTHER TRAINING PROGRAM
BUT NOT
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT)WHICH
USES THIS PILOT WINDSHEARGUIDE AND
ITS COMPANIONVIDEO PRESENTATIONS"A
WINDSHEARAVOIDED" AND "WINDSHEARWHATTHE CREWCAN DO" OR ADAPTSAND/OR
USES AN ADAPTATIONTHEREOF WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OTHERAIRCRAFT, CONDITIONS OR TRAINING PROGRAMTHEREBY
AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS
THE BOEINGCOMPANY,MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
CORPORATION, LOCKHEED CORPORATION,
UNITED AIRLINES, AVIATION WEATHER
ASSOCIATES, HELLIWELL, INC.,
THEIR
DIVISIONS, SUBSIDIARIESAND AFFILIATES
AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,AGENTS,
SUBCONTRACTORS
AND EMPLOYEES
FROM ANY
LIABILITY WHATSOEVER,
WHETHERBASEDON
CONTRACT, (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTY
CLAIMS), TORT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCEAND STRICT LIABILITY CLAIMS) OR OTHERWISE,ARISING FROM
SUCH USE, ADAPTATIONAND/OR USE OF
SUCHADAPTATION.
Notwithstanding
any other
provision of this contract to the contrary,
the FAA shall accept the

items delivered hereunder with the

disclaimer
affixed
by Contractor
and agrees not to remove such disclaimer
for
any reason
whatsoever.

AC oo-%

11/25/88

Appendix

PILOT WINDSHEAR GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE

DESCRIPTION

SECTION
2.0

INTRODUCTION .eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2.1

OBJECTIVES eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2.2

WINDSHEAR WEATHER l

2.3

LESSONS LEARNED FROM WINDSHEAR ENCOUNTERS l eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

14
15

2.3.1

ENCOUNTERDURING TAKEOFF - AFTER LIFTOFF

2.3.2

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF - ON RUNWAY l eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

19,

2.3.3

ENCOUNTER ON APPROACH l

22

2.3.4

WINDSHEAR EFFECTS ON AIRPLANES AND SYSTEMS

2.3.5

DEVELOPMENT OF WIND MODELS

MODEL OF FLIGHT CREW ACTIONS

2.4
2.4.1

EVALUATE THE WEATHER l

2.4.2

AVOID KNOWN WINDSHEAR l

2.4.3

CONSIDER PRECAUTIONS

eeeeemeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

29
30

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

35

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

38

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

TAKEOFF PRECAUTIONS

2.4.3.2

APPROACH PRECAUTIONS

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

38

41

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2.4.4

FOLLOW ESTABLISHED STANDARD OPERATING TECHNIQUES

2.4.5

WINDSHEAR RECOVERY TECHNIQUES

2e4e

2e5

5.2

28

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2.4.3.1

2e4e5e1/3

24

eeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeee

eeemeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

43
45

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF - AFTER LIFTOFF AND

ENCOUNTER ON APPROACH l eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

45

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF - ON RUNWAY l eeeeeeeeeeeee

49

SUmARY eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

iii

56

AC 00-54

U/25/88

Appendix

2.0

INTRODUCTION

During
the period
from 1964 to 1986,
at least
32 accidents
and incidents
have occurred
in which windshear
was
identified
as a contributing
factor.
These accidents
and incidents
resulted
in over 600 fatalities
and nearly
250
injuries.
There is evidence
to suggest
that
if
undocumented
"close
calls"
and general
aviation
statistics
were included,
these figures
would be
much higher.
Due to the
serious
nature
of this
problem,
the National
Research Council
was commissioned
to study
the windshear issue.
One finding
of the Council
was a general
lack of effective
pilot
training
programs
for
windshear.
The Council
made recomnendations
regarding
further
efforts
needed
to improve
the training
of pilots
to
avoid,
and cope with inadrecognize,
vertent
windshear
encounters.
As a
result
of these
recommendations,
the
Federal
Aviation
Administration
sponsored development
of a comprehensive
Windshear Training
Aid.
The Pilot
Windshear
Guide is one of
several
parts of the Windshear
Training Aid.
The other components
are the
Windshear
Overview
for
Management,
Windshear
Substantiating
Data, Example
Windshear
Training
Program,
and two
Training
Videos.
The educational
material
and training
recommendations
provided
in the Windshear
Training
Aid
were
developed
through
an extensive
review process to
achieve
a wide air transport
industry
consensus.
The goal of the Training

Page 1

Aid is to reduce windshear

related
accidents
and incidents
by modifying
flight
crew behavior
through
education
and training.
2.1

OBJECTIVES

The objective
of the Pilot
Windshear
Guide is to summarize and communicate
key windshear
information
relevant
to
flight
crews.
It is intended
to be
provided
to pilots
during
windshear
ground training
and to be retained
as
a windshear
information
reference
for
future
use.
Avoidance
is emphasized
as the best
defense against
the hazards of low altitude
windshear.
Information
to assist in recognizing
and avoiding
windshear
is provided.
However,
precautions
and techniques
for
improving
chances
of surviving
an inadvertent
windshear
encounter
are
also
discussed.
Specifically,
the Pilot
Windshear Guide presents
key findings
regarding:
1)

Windshear
weather,
particularly
microbursts,
and clues
which may
indicate
its presence,

2)

Effects

3)

Windshear
cockpit,

4)

Precautions
to take
is suspected,

when windshear

5)

Standard
operating
lated to windshear,

techniques
and

6)

Recovery
techn iques to be used in
an inadve &rtent windshea r encounter.

of windshear

on airplanes,

recognition
an d avoidance,

from

the

re-

AC

11/25/88

00-54

Appendix

2.2

WINDSHEAR WEATHER

Decreasing
Headwind Shear - Windshear
in which headwind decreases
causing
an
airspeed
loss.

Wind variations
at low-altitude
have
long
been recognized
as a serious
hazard to airplanes
during takeoff
and
These wind variations
can
approach.
result
from a large variety
of meteorological
conditions
such as:
topographical
conditions,
temperature
inversions,
sea breezes,
frontal
systems, strong
surface
winds,
and the
most violent
forms of wind change--the
thunderstorm
and rain shower.
Throughout
this document
are used when discussing
wind variations.
These
fined as follows:
Wi ndshear
di rection

- Any rapid

Decreasing
Tailwind
Shear - Windshear
in which tailwind
decreases
causing
an
airspeed
increase.
Increasing
Tailwind
Shear
in which tailwind
increases
airspeed
loss.

Examination
of airplane
accident
and
incident
reports
from
1959 - 1983
identified
51
windshear-related
events.
These events
are summarized
in Figure 1.

several
terms
low altitude
terms are dechange

in

In order
to avoid
further
windshear
encounters,
pilots
must
learn
to
recognize
conditions
producing
windshear.
As Figure
1 indicates,
2 out
of every 3 windshear
events were related
to convective
storms.
For this
reason,
the primary
focus of the Pilot
Windshear
Guide
is
directed
toward
windshear
associated
with
convective
weather
conditions:
thunderstorms,
and in particular
the most hazardous
form of windshear,
the microburst.

wind

or velocity.

Severe Windshear
- A rapid change in
wind
direction
or velocity
causing
airspeed
changes greater
than 15 knots
or vertical
speed changes greater
than
500 feet per minute.
Increas ing Hea dwind Shear - Wi ndshear
in whit h headw ind i ncreases
cau sing an
airspeed
increase.
Weather

Number of
Windshear
Events*

System

Convective
Storms
(Thunderstorms,
Rain/
Snow Showers)
Strong

Surface

Sea Breeze
Mountain

Winds

(Turbulent

Strong Winds
of Temperature

) Air

on Top
Inversion
Front

2
1
0

Wave

Unknown

Total

51

*Event
Figure

33

Front
Unstable

7.

- accident

- Windshear
causing
an

or incident

Windshear events by weather system (7 959 to 7 983).

Page 2

11/25/88

AC

o The Thunderstorm
There are two basic types of thunderstorms:
airmass and frontal.
Airmass
thunderstorms
appear
to be randomly
distributed
inunstable
air and develop from
localized
heating
at
the
earth's
surface
(Figure
2).
The heated air rises and cools to form cumulus
clouds.
As the cumulus stage continues to develop,
precipitation
forms in
higher
portions
of
the
cloud
and
falls.
Precipitation
signals
the

Cumulus Stage

Localized
Heating

Surface

00-54

Appendix

beginning
of
the
mature
stage
and
presence
of a downdraft.
After
approximately
an hour,
the heated
updraft
creating
the thunderstorm
is cut
off by rainfall.
Heat is removed and
the
thunderstorm
dissipates.
Many
thunderstorms
produce
an associated
cold air gust front
as a result
of the
downflow
and outrush
of rain-cooled
air.
These gust
fronts
are usually
very turbulent
and can create a serious threat
to airplanes
during
takeoff
and approach.

Mature Stage

Figure 2.

= Airflow/Circulation

Airmass thunderstorm life cycle.

Page 3

Dissipating

Stage

Surface
Cooling

AC 00-54
Appendix

11/25/88
1

(speed
and direction)
at
different
altitudes
in the thunderstorm.
This
causes the severe
thunderstorm
to be
vertically
tilted
(Figure
3).
Precipitation
falls
away from the heated updraft
permitting
a much longer
storm
development
period.
Resulting
airflows
within
the storm accelerate
to
much higher vertical
velocities
which
ultimately
result
in higher
horizontal
wind velocities
at the surface.

Frontal
thunderstorms
are usually
aslike
sociated
with
weather
systems
fronts,
converging
winds,
and troughs
aloft.
Frontal
thunderstorms
form in
hours,
squall
lines,
last
several
generate
heavy rain and possibly
hail,
and produce
strong
gusty
winds
and
tornadoes.
The
principal
possibly
distinction
in formation
of these more
severe
thunderstorms
is the presence
ofrge
horizontal
wind
changes

Airfic
Circr

Surface

Heating
Figure 3.

LHeavy

Rain and Hail

Severe frontal thunderstorm anatomy.

Page 4

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

and tornadoes
pilots
avoid
shows average
storm days.

The downward moving column of air,

or
downdraft,
of a typical
thunderstorm
is fairly
large,
about 1 to 5 miles in
diameter.
Resultant
outflows
may produce large changes in wind speed.

Certain
areas can readily
be seen to
have a high
potential
for windshear
because of the high level
of convective activity.
Due to the lower frequency of air traffic
in the highest
threat
areas (the tropics),
fewer accidents
have been reported
in these
regions.

Though wind changes

near the surface
across
an area
sufficiently
occur
large
to lessen
the effect,
thunderstorms always present
a potential
hazRegardless
of
ard
to
airplanes.
whether
a thunderstorm
contains
windshear
however,
the
possibility
of
hail,
extreme
turbulence,
heavy rain,

Figure

*make it
critical
that
thunderstorms.
Figure
4
annual worldwide
thunder-

Average annual worldwide thunderstorm days. Note that the highest windshear
threat occurs in the tropics.

Page 5

AC

00-54

Appendix

1x/25/88

Examination
of the worldwide
windshearassociated
accidents
and incidents
in
Figure
5 shows that
the majority
of
these
have
occurred
in the
United
States.
The greater
number of accidents results
from the combination
of

high convective
activity
and
high
air
traffic
density.
Many more windshearassociated
accidents
and
incidents
have probably
occurred
worldwide
but
have not been recorded
as such.

I
q3y

y
D\enverA
st. LOUIS
Tucson
b

Dallas

dago

b Ckcago
6

. Chkanooga

Pago

A Microburst-related

Figure 5.

accident/incident

Worldwide microburst-related airpiane accidents/incidents. High frequency of air

traffic in North America combined with a high number of thunderstorm days leads
to concentration of windshear-related accidentslincidents in United States.

Page 6

11125188

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

derstorm
accidents.

In fact,
closer
examination
of the
United
States
(Figure
6) shows a correlation
between
areas of high thun-

Micr Doburst-related

activity

and

accidenthnciden
80w

Figure 6.

Average annual continental U.S. thunderstorm days. Correlation exists between

regions of higher thunderstorm activity and win&hear-related accidents incidents.

Page 7

number

of

AC 00-54
Appendix

11125188
1

o The Microburst

as a Windshear

Threat

Downdrafts
associated
with microbursts
are typically
only
a few hundred
to
3,000 feet across.
When the downdraft
reaches
the
ground,
it
spreads
out
horizontally
and may form one or more
horizontal
vortex
rings
around
the
downdraft
(Figure
7).
The outflow
region
is typically
6,000
to 12,000
feet across.
The horizontal
vortices
may extend to over 2,000 feet AGL.

Identification
of concentrated,
more
powerful
downdrafts--known
as microbursts--has
resulted
from the investigation
of windshear
accidents
and
from meteorological
research.
Microbursts
can occur
anywhere
convective
weather
conditions
(thunderstorms,
rain
showers,
virga)
occur.
Observations
suggest
that approximately
five
percent
of all thunderstorms
produce a
microburst.

Cloud Base

1 Scale
0

Downdraft

I
IIXl\\

Figure 7.

Symmetric microburst An airplane transiting the microburst would

experience equal headwinds and tailwinds.

Page 8

1OOOft

11/25/88

AC

00-54

Appendix

Microburst

outflows
are
not
always
Therefore,
a
(Figure
8).
significant
airspeed
increase
may
not
occur
upon entering
the outflow,
or

may
be much
airspeed
loss
the microburst.

symmetric

Cloud

Base

less than
experienced

the

subsequent
when exiting

\
toooft

Approx
0 L-

Scale

-Downdraft
Horizontal
Vortex-

Wind

Outflow

Front1
Figure 8.

-outflowAsymmetric microburst. An airplane transiting the microburst from left to

right would experience a small headwind followed by a large failwiqd.

Page 9

lOOOft

AC 00-54
Appendix

U/25/88
1

More than one microburst

can occur in
the same weather
system.
Pilots
are
therefore
cautioned
to be alert
for
additional
microbursts
if one has already
been encountered
or observed.
If several microbursts
are present,
a
series
of horizontal
vortices
can form

near the ground due to several

microbursts
being embedded in one another
(Figure
9).
Conditions
associated
with
these vortices
may produce
very
powerful
updrafts
and roll
forces
in
addition
to downdrafts.

Series of Horizontal
Vortices

Microburst

0
500 ft

Figure 9.

Horizontal Vortices. A series of horizontal vortices can form near the ground
to microbursts imbedded in one another.

due

Page 10

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

U/25/88

Wind speeds intensify

for about 5 minutes after
a microburst
initially
contacts the ground (Figure
70).
An encounter
during
the initial
stage
of
microburst
development
may not be con-

Initial
Downdraft

sidered
significant,
but an airplane
following
may experience
an airspeed
change
two to three
times
greater!
Microbursts
typically
dissipate
within
10 to 20 minutes after
ground contact.

Maximum
Shear
Intensity

Ground
Contact

5
Elapsed

Dissipation
Begins

10
Time (min)

Figure 70. Evolution of a microburst. Microburst winds intensify for about 5 min
after ground contact and typical/y dissipate about 10 to 20 min after
ground contact.

Page 11

Cloud

base

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

Doppler
radar wind measurements
indicate that the wind speed change a pilot might expect
when flying
through
the average microburst
at its point of
peak intensity
is about 45 knots (Figure 11).
However,
microburst
windspeed differences
of almost
100 knots
have been measured.
In fact,
a severe
event at Andrews Air Force Base (Camp
Spring,
Maryland)
on August
1, 1983

indicated
headwind/tailwind
differential
velocities
near 200 knots.
IT IS VITAL TO RECOGNIZE THAT SOME
MICROBURSTS CANNOT BE SUCCESSFULLY
ESCAPED WITH ANY KNOWN TECHNIQUES!
Note that
even windshears
which were
within
the performance
capability
of
the airplane
have caused accidents.

Maximum windshear capability of

jet transports at heavy weight,
for a shear encounter at a critical
location, is 40 to 50 knots
windspeed change

Number of
Measured
Microbursts
(500 ft JAWS
Doppler
Radar Data)

10

20

30
40
50
60
A
& Ir A
A
DEN
JFK MSV DEN OR0
Maximum Horizontal Windspeed

70

80

DFW

DEN

ep

Change (kt)

90

100
Accident/
Incident
Windspeed
-changes

Figure 7 7. Microburst frequency versus intensity. Accidents have occurred in windsheats

withinperformancecapabilityof airplane.Some windshearscannotbe escaped
successfully!

Page 12

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

air
below
a cloud
In this
example,
base (up to approximately
15,000
feet
AGL) is very dry.
Precipitation
from
higher
convective
clouds
falls
into
low humidity
air and evaporates.
This
evaporative
cooling
causes the air to
As the evaporative
plunge
downward.
cooling
process
continues,
the downPilots
are theredraft
accelerates.
fore cautioned
not to fly beneath convective
clouds
producing
virga
conditions.

with
Microbursts
can be associated
as in thunderstorm
both heavy rain,
and much lighter
precipiconditions,
with
convective
tation
associated
Microbursts
have occurred
in
clouds.
of
light
relatively
dry conditions
virga
(precipitation
that
rain
or
evaporates
before
reaching
the earth's
The formation
of a dry misurface).
croburst
is illustrated
in Figure 12.

Cloud

Base

A
lOooft

0 L-

Approx
Scale

Figure 72. Dry microburst formation. Evaporation of rain below cloud base (virga)
causes intense cooling of rainshaft air and subsequent cold air plunge.

Page 13

lOOOft

AC
00-54
Appendix

2.3

11/25/88
1

LESSONS LEARNED FROM WINDSHEAR

ENCOUNTERS

Windshear

Analysis
of past windshear
accidents
and incidents
has taught
valuable
lessons regarding
windshear
recognition
and flight
path control.
Engineering
studies
and flight
simulator
evaluations
have been conducted
as well
to
gather
additional
information.
The
resulting
lessons learned
form a basis
for
the
recommended
precautions
and
techniques
in this document.
The primary
lesson learned
is that the
best defense
against
windshear
is to
avoid
it
altogether.
This
is especially
important
because
shears
will
exist
which are beyond the capability
of any pilot
or airplane.
In most
windshear
accidents,
several.
cluesLLWAS alerts,
weather
reports,
visual
signs--were
present
that
would
have
alerted
the flight
crew to the presence of a windshear
threat.
In all
instances,
however,
these
clues
were
either
not recognized
or not acted
Flight
crews must seek and heed
upon.
signs
alerting
them to the need for
avoidance.
Other
lessons
were also
learned
regarding
windshear
recognition
and
pilot
technique
should
the avoidance
process
fail.
These lessons
are summarized as follows:

Page 14

Recoqnition

Recognition
of windshear
encounter
is difficult
and is usually
complicated
by marginal
weather

Time available
for
recovery
is short
seconds)

Flight
crew coordination
tial
for prompt windshear
tion and recovery

Pilot

recognition
(as little
is

and
as 5
essenrecogni-

Techniaue

Flight
path
must
be controlled
with pitch
attitude
(unusual
stick
forces may be required
as a result)

Lower
than
normal
airspeed
may
have to be accepted
to counter
lift
loss

In reaching
these
conclusions,
three
types
of windshear
encounters
which
have resulted
in an accident
or incident were examined:
an encounter
during takeoff
after
liftoff,
an encounter during
takeoff
on the runway,
and
an encounter
during
approach.
Details
of these
encounters
and the lessons
1 earned
are
described
in
Sections
2.3.1
through
2.3.3.
Following
this,
Section
2.3.4
presents
the
lessons
learned
regarding
effects
of windshear
on airplanes
and airplane
systems.
Section
2.3.5
describes
the impact of
these lessons on simulator
training.

11125188

2.3.1

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

ENCOUNTERDURING TAKEOFF - AFTER

LIFTOFF

In a typical
accident
airplane
encountered
tailwind
shear
shortly

studied,
the
an
increasing
after
lifting

off the runway (Figure

13).
For the
first
5 seconds
after
liftoff
the
takeoff
appeared
normal,
but the airplane crashed
off the end of the runway about 20 seconds after liftoff.

3
2

~
1

Runway

Figure 13. Windshear encounter during takeoff after liftoff. (1) Takeoff initially appeared
normal. (2) Windshear encountered just after liftoff. (3) Airspeed decrease resulted
in pitch attitude reduction. (4) Aircraft crashed off departure end of runway
20 set after liftoff.

Page 15

AC 00-54
Appendix

II/25188
1

required
on some airplanes).
Corrective action,
however,
was too late to
prevent
ground contact
since the downward flight
path was well established.

In many events involving

after-liftoff
windshear
encounters,
early
trends
in
pitch
attitude,
vertical
airspeed,
speed and altitude
appeared
normal.
the airplane
encounIn this
example,
before
stabilized
tered
windshear
climb
was established
which
caused
detecting
onset
of
difficulty
in
As the
airspeed
decreased,
shear.
pitch
attitude
was reduced
to regain
trim airspeed
(Figure
14).
By reducing pitch
attitude,
available
performance capability
was not utilized
and
As terthe airplane
lost
altitude.
rain bec'ame a factor,
recovery
to initial
pitch
attitude
was initiated.
This
required
unusually
high
stick
force
(up to 30 pounds of pull may be

Reducing pitch
attitude
to regain
lost
airspeed,
or allowing
attitude
to decrease
in response
to lost
airspeed,
is the result
of past training
emphasis on airspeed
control.
Successful
recovery
from an inadvertent
windshear
encounter
requires
maintaining
or increasing
pitch
attitude
and accepting
lower
than
usual
airspeed.
Unusual
and unexpected
stick
forces may be renatural
airplane
quired
to counter
pitching
tendencies
due to airspeed
and lift
loss.

Normal Climb

,ing
Microburst

Figure 74. Windshear effects on flight path. Microburst reduces airspeed and lift at
normal attitude which results in pitch down tendency to regain airspeed.

Page 16

AC 00-54

11/25/88

Appendix

To counter
the loss of airspeed
and
lift
resulting
from windshear,
pitch
attitude
must not be allowed
to fall
below the normal range.
Only by properly
controlling
pitch
attitude
and
reduced
airspeed
can
accepting

flight
path degradation
be prevented
(Figure
15).
Once the airplane
begins
to deviate
from the intended
flight
path and high descent
rates
develop,
it takes additional
time and altitude
to change flight
path direction.

Pitch Down

Lack of Proper Pitch Control

Microburst

Controlled

Pitch Attitude

Figure 75. Pitch control effects on flight path. Control of pitch attitude and
acceptance of reduced airspeed results in improved flight path.

Page 17

AC 00-54
Appendix

U/25/88

In the windshear
encounter
cited
earlier,
available
airplane
performance
capability
may not have been used because of two factors:
lack of timely
recognition
and inappropriate
or inadequate
response.
Rapidly
deteriorating
climb
performance
may not be
apparent
to the crew unless all appropriate
vertical
flight
path
instruments are closely
monitored.

Only 5 to 15 seconds may be available

to recognize
and respond
to a windshear
encounter
(Figure
16).
It is
therefore
of great
importance
that
a
windshear
encounter
be recognized
as
soon as possible.
Timely
recognition
of windshear
requires
effective
crew
coordination
and appropriate
callouts
by the pilot
not flying.

300

200

Normal

Altitude
(fi)

)((
0

10
Time From Liftoff

15

20

25

(set)

Figure 76. lime available to respond to windshear encounter. Takeoff initia//y appeared normal.
Additional time is required to arrest descent. Result: only 5 to 15 set may be
available for recognition and recovery.

Page 18

AC 00-54

11/25/88

Appendix

2.3.2

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF - ON

RUNWAY

Analysis
of a typical
accident
where
an increasing
tailwind
shear was encountered
during
takeoff
ground
roll
showed that
initial
indications
appeared normal (Figure
17).
Due to the

increasing
tailwind
shear however,
the
airplane
did
not
reach
VR until
nearing
the end of the runway.
As the
airplane
lifted
off,
the tailwind
continued
increasing,
preventing
any further airspeed
increase.
The airplane
contacted
an obstacle
off the departure end of the runway.

Runway

Figure 17. Windshear encounter during takeoff on runway. (7) Takeoff initially appeared
normal. (2) Airspeed buildup slowed due to windshear. (3) Airplane reached
VR near end of runway, lifted off but failed to climb. (4) Airplane contacted
obstacle off departure end of runway.

Page 19

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

Less-than-normal
airspeed,
windshear
encounter,
resulted
duced
available
lift
at

due
to
in renormal

takeoff
turn,
enough

attitude
(Figure
18).
inability
to
lift
off
to clear obstacles
resulted.

Lift

t
f
Runway

Normal Takeoff

Runway

Windshear

Encounter

Figure 78. Win&hear effects on liftoff. Microburst reduces airspeed and iii? at
normal attitude that results in inability to lift off.

Page 20

In
soon

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

An additional
factor
is the difficulty
of recognizing
deteriorating
airplane
performance.
Timely
recognition
of a
windshear
encounter
on the runway may
be difficult
since the only indication
may be a slower
than normal airspeed
The presence
of gusts may
increase.
Time
mask abnormal
airspeed
build-up.
available
to respond
effectively
to a
windshear
may be as little
as 5
seconds
from the
initial
encounter.
Effective
crew coordination,
particularly
standard
callouts,
is essential
in routine
operations
to develop habit
patterns
required
to
ensure
timely
recognition
of degrading
performance.
Full thrust
may be required
to provide
additional
performance,
particularly
if reduced
thrust
takeoff
procedures
have been used.

Microburst

If there
is insufficient
runway left
to accelerate
to normal takeoff
speed,
and inadequate
runway to stop, liftoff
and safe climb may require
rotation
at
speeds less than normal rotation
speed
(VR). In this
case,
additional
pitch
attitude
may be required
to achieve
sufficient
lift
(Figure
19).
In traditional
training,
crews are frequently cautioned
not to rotate
at speeds
less than VR to avoid high pitch
attitudes
that could result
in aft body
contact.
In a windshear
encounter,
rotation
toward
normal
takeoff
pitch
attitude
at lower than normal airspeed
may be required
to lift
off in the remaining
runway.
This may result
in
aft body contact.
To deal with an inadvertent
windshear
encounter,
the
pilot
must be prepared
to apply techniques
which differ
from those ordinarily
used.

N
Runway

Normal Takeoff Attitude

Runway

increased

Pitch Attitude

Figure 19. Pitch attitude effects on liftoff. Increased pitch attitude generates
lift required for liftoff.

Page 21

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

2.3.3

ENCOUNTER ON APPROACH

Analysis
of a typical
windshear
encounter
on approach
provided
evidence
of an increasing
downdraft
and tailwind

Figure

along the approach

flight
path (Figure
20).
The
airplane
lost
airspeed,
dropped
below
the target
glidepath,
and contacted
the ground short of the
runway threshold.

20. Windshear encounter during approach. (1) Approach initially appeared normal.
(2) Increasing downdraft and tailwind encountered at transition. (3) Airspeed
decrease combified with reduced visual cues resulted in pitch attitude
reduction. (4)Airplane crashed short of approach end of runway.

Page 22

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

as the airplane
enReduced airspeed,
countered
the windshear,
resulted
in
decreased
lift.
This loss of lift
increased
the descent
rate
(Figure
21).
The natural
nose-down
pitch
response
of the airplane
to low airspeed
caused
Pitch attiadditional
altitude
loss.
tude increase
and recovery
initiation
were not used soon enough to prevent
ground contact.

covery
initiation.
Gradual
application
of thrust
during
approach
may
have masked
the
initial
decreasing
airspeed
trend.
Poor weather
conditions
caused
increased
workload
and
complicated
the approach.
Transition
from
instruments
to exterior
visual
references
may have detracted
from inInadequate
crew coorstrument
scan.
dination
may have resulted
in failure
to be aware of flight
path degradation.
A stabilized
approach
with
clearly
defined
callouts
is essential
to aid in recognition
of unacceptable
flight
path trends
and the need to
initiate
recovery.

Lack
of
timely
and
appropriate
response--affected
by weather
condicrew
coordination
tions,
inadequate
and limited
recognition
time--was
a
significant
factor
in
delaying
re-

Normal Approach

Runway

Glide Path

Descending
Glide Path

.
Windshear

Below

Runway

Encounter

Figure 27. .Windshear effects on flight path on1approach. Microburst reduces airspeed and
lift at normal attitude which results in pitch down tendency to regain airspeed.

Page 23

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

2.3.4

WINDSHEAR EFFECTSON AIRPLANES

AND SYSTEMS

Windshear
0

Effects

Headwi nd/Tailwind

headwind
shears
must not
be relied
upon to provide
early
indications
of
subsequent
tailwind
shears.
Be prepared!

on Airblanes
Shear

Response

The various
components
of windshear
have unique
effects
on airplane
perIn addition,
the magnitude
formance.
of the shear
depends
on the flight
path through
the microburst.

In contrast
to shears
which increase
airspeed,
an increasing
tailwind
(or
decreasing
headwind)
shear
will
decrease indicated
airspeed
and performance
capability.
Due to
airspeed
loss,
the airplane
may tend to pitch
down to regain trim speed.
0

An increasing
headwind
(or decreasing
tailwind)
shear
increases
indicated
airspeed
and thus
increases
performThe airplane
will
tend to pitch
ance.
up to regain
trim airspeed.
An additional
consideration
is that this type
of shear may reduce
normal
deceleration
during
flare
which could
cause
overrun.
Any rapid
or large airspeed
increase,
particularly
near convective
weather
conditions,
should be viewed as a possible
indication
of a forthcoming
airspeed decrease.
Thus a large airspeed
increase
may be reason for discontinuing the approach.
However, since microbursts
are often asymmetric
and the
headwind
may not always
be present,

Vertical

Windshear

Response

Vertical
winds exist
in every microburst
and increase
in intensity
with
altitude.
Such winds
usually
reach
peak intensity
at heights
greater
than
500 feet above the ground.
Downdrafts
with
speeds greater
than
3,000
feet
per minute can exist
in the center
of
a strong
microburst.
The severity
of
the downdraft
the airplane
encounters
depends on both the altitude
and lateral
proximity
to the center
of the
microburst.
Perhaps
more critical
than sustained
downdrafts,
short
duration
reversals
in vertical
winds can exist
due to the
horizontal
vortices
associated
with
microbursts.
This
is shown in Figure 22.

500
ft

Microburst
Series of Horizontal
Vortices
ft

Figure 22. Encounter with microburst horizontal vortices. Rapid updraft downdraft variations
due to horizontal vortices can cause uncommanded pitch changes and may
result in momentary stick shaker activation well above normal stick shaker speeds.
Page 24

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

An airplane
flying
through
horizontal
vortices
as shown on the previous
page
experiences
alternating
updrafts
and
downdrafts
causing
pitch
changes withThese vertical
winds
out pilot
input.
angle-of-attack
result
in
airplane
fluctuations
which,
if severe
enough,
may result
in momentary
stick
shaker
actuation
or
airframe
shudder
at
speeds well above normal,
Vertical
winds,
like
those associated
with
horizontal
vortices,
were considered
in development
of the recovery
procedure.
The most significant
impact
of
rapidly
changing
vertical
winds
is to increase
pilot
workload
during the recovery.
The higher workload results
from attention
to momentary stick
shaker actuation
and uncommanded
pitch
attitude
changes
from
rapid changes in vertical
wind.
0

Crosswind

Shear

Response

A crosswind
shear tends to cause the
airplane
to roll
and/or
yaw.
Large
crosswind
shears may require
large
or
rapid
control
wheel
inputs.
These
shears may result
in significantly
increased
workload
and distraction.
In
addition,
if an aircraft
encounters
a
horizontal
vortex,
severe
roll
forces
may require
up to full
control
wheel

Page 25

inpu t to coun teract

the
tain airc raft control.
0

Turbulence

roll

and main-

Effects

Turbulence
may be quite
intense
in
weather
conditions
associated
with
windshear.
Effects
of turbulence
can
mask changing
airspeed
trends
and
delay
recognition
of
severe
windshear.
Turbulence
may also
tend to
discourage
use of available
airplane
pitch
attitude
during
a recovery
by
causing
random stick
shaker activity.
These effects
can significantly
increase pilot
workload
and distraction.
0

Rain Effects

Accident
*investigations
and the study
of windshear
have shown that
some
forms of windshear
are accompanied
by
high rates of rainfall.
NASA research
is underway to determine
if high rainfall
rates
contribute
to a loss
of
airplane
performance.
The
results
available
to date
are inconclusive.
However, because rain may serve as a
warning
of severe windshear,
areas of
heavy rain
should
be avoided.
High
rates of rainfall
also cause significant
increases
in
cockpit
noise
levels,
making crew coordination
and
pilot
concentration
more difficult.

AC

11/25/88

00-54

Appendix

Basic

Aerodynamics

tudinal
stability
characteristics
tend
to pitch the airplane
up with increasing airspeed
and down with decreasing
airspeed.
Thrust
changes in response
to these airspeed
variations
may also
affect
stability.
In airplanes
with
underwing-mounted
engines,
there is an
additional
tendency
to pitch
up as
thrust
increases,
and pitch
down as
thrust
decreases.
This
tendency
may
become more pronounced
at low speeds.

The pilot
has direct
control
over airplane
pitch
attitude
which
in turn
acts to change the flight
path.
The
angle-of-attack
will
change with pitch
attitude
resulting
in
a modified
flight
path angle.
These three angles
are related
as follows:
Pitch
Attitude

Angle of
Attack

Flight
Path Angle

0
0

Airplane

Stall

and Stall

Warning

Performance
Airplane
creases
further
prevent
flight
(stick
warning
planes.
smooth
prevent
fet as
to stall.

Transport
category
airplanes
have considerable
climb
capability
at speeds
below
normal
reference
values.
As
seen in Figure
23 for typical
takeoff
climb
performance,
a rate-of-climb
of
1500 FPM is possible
even at stick
shaker speeds.
0

Airplane

Stability

As

mentioned

earlier,

Rate-ofClimb
(ft/min)

typical

longi-

stall
occurs when further
inin angle-of-attack
produce
no
increase
in lift.
In order to
inadvertent
entry
into
this
region,
stall
warning
devices
shakers,
stick
pushers,
stall
horns)
are installed
on airIn addition,
having
clean,
wing
leading
edges will
help
both early
onset of stall
bufwell as rolloff
tendency
prior

2500

1500
Shaker

I
I
I
130
150
Airspeed (kt)
Figure 23. Typical takeoff Me-of-climb capability. Significant climb capability exists
even at stick shaker airspeeds.

Page 26

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

Windshear
0

Effects

OK Systems

Altimeters

During cal louts

and instrument
scan in
a windshear,
use of radio and/or barometric
altimeters
must be tempered
by
the characteristics
of each.
Since
radio
altitude
is subject
to terrain
contours,
the indicator
may show a
climb
or descent
due to falling
or
The
rising
terrain,
respectively.
barometric
altimeter
may also provide
distorted
indications
due to pressure
variations
within
the microburst.
0

Vertical

The vertical
should
not

provide
accurate
vertical
speed information.
Due to
instrument
lags,
indications
may be several
seconds
behind actual
airplane
rate of climb/
descent
and, in some situations,
may
indicate
a climb
after
the airplane
has started
descending
(Figure
24).
Vertical
speed indicators
driven
by an
Inertial
Reference
Unit
(IRU)
show
significant
improvement
over
other
type instruments
but still
have some
lag.
In addition,
gust-induced
pitot
static
pressure
variations
within
the microburst
may introduce
further
VSI inaccuracies.
Due to
such lags
and
errors,
all
vertical
flight
path
instruments
should
be crosschecked
to
verify
climb/descent
trends.

Speed Indicators
be

speed
solely

indicator
relied

(VSI)
upon to

Actual Vertical
. . . . Inertial-

Speed
Instruments
Lag .and
Erroneously
Indicate Climb

Vertical
Speed
(ft/min)

Airplane Is
Descending

-400
t
-800 -

12

16

20

24

28

32

36

40

44

48

Time (set)
Figure 24. VSI error during takeoff windshear encounter. VSi may lag actual flight path changes.

Page 27

AC

Appendix

11/25/88

00-54

Stick

Shaker

2.3.5

Stick shaker is activated

by angle of
attack.
Consequently,
rapidly
changing vertical
winds or maneuvering
will
vary
the
attitude
and airspeed
at
With
a
which
stick
shaker
occurs.
warning
properly
functioning
stall
and
undamaged
alpha
vanes,
system
stick
shaker
will
normally
activate
below the stall
angle of attack,
thus
providing
a warning prior to stall.
0

Cockpit

Angle

of Attack

Indicators

Angle of attack
indicators
do provide
useful
indications
of margin to stick
shaker;
however,
they may not provide
effective
guidance
in a windshear
environment
since
angle
of attack
is
controlled
indirectly
through
pitch
attitude
adjustments.
In an actual
windshear
encounter
where
rapidly
changing
vertical
winds
cause
rapid
angle of attack
fluctuations
independent of pilot
input,
the lack of direct
control
over angle
of attack
limits
its usefulness
as a guiding
parameter.

Page 28

DEVELOPMENT OF WIND MODELS

The lessons
learned
from windshear
accident
investigations,
engineering
analyses,
and flight
simulator
studies
have provided
insight
for development
of simulator
windshear
models for pilot training.
Through
these efforts,
it was determined
that
the essential
elements which must be taught include:
1)

Recognition

of windshear

encounter,

2)

Flight
at
speeds
significantly
less
than those
speeds
typically
exposed to in training,
and

3)

Use of
airspeed

pitch
attitude
rather
control
to recover.

than

A simple
model presenting
a significant windshear
threat
requiring
use of
prompt corrective
attitude
control
is
sufficient
to teach
these
elements.
Once the basics of recognition
and recovery
are understood,
more complex
models may be useful.

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

11/25/88

2.4

MODEL OF FLIGHT CREW ACTIONS

Due to the serious

threat
imposed by
infrequent
windshear
encounters,
an
orderly
set of actions
is necessary
to
increase
flight
crew
awareness
of
weather
conditions
that produce
windshear (Figure
25).
Additionally,
certain operating
practices
have been developed
that
improve
the chances
of
surviving
a windshear
encounter.
In
past windshear
accidents,
certain
of
these actions
were frequently
missing,
thereby
reducing
crew effectiveness
in

Evaluate

the

Weather

dealing
with the situation.
The model
of flight
crew actions
must be incorporated
into
day-to-day
operations
to
ensure such actions
are available
and
easily
recalled
when needed.
The recommended
procedures
in
this
section
have
been
developed
for
Boeing,
Douglas,
and
Lockheed
jet
transport
airplanes.'
Use of
these
procedures
for
other
types
of airplanes
is not appropriate
until
verified
with
the
respective
airframe
manufacturer.

'

JJ

Avoid
No

Follow
Operating

Standard
Techniques
m

i
Recovery

Windshear
r ---m
Report
L w--m---mm

the

Technique

--me
Encounter

1
1
J

Figure25. Model of flight crew actions.

Page 29

Known

Windshear

AC

00-54

Appendix

2.4.1

11125188
1

1)

EVALUATE THE WEATHER

The weather
evaluation
process
that
follows
was developed
after
careful
analyses
of several
windshear-related
accidents.
In
each
accident
that
occurred,
several
potential
windshear
indicators
were present,
but a clear,
definitive
choice
to divert
or delay
The windshear
indicawas not made.
tors are meant to be cumulative.
The
more
indicators
present,
the
more
crews should
consider
delaying
deparOnly through
an inture or approach.
creased
awareness
of potential
windshear indicators
and a proper weather
rl
evaluation
routine
will
flight
crews
be best prepared
to avoid
microburst
windshear.
Every windshear
accident
has occurred
on a typical
day, to a typical
crew,
on a typical
takeoff
or approach.
Too
many times
a number of clues
were
present,
acknowledged
by the crew, but
not accepted
as potential
indicators
of windshear.
The weather
evaluation
process must continue
during
the takeoff
and climbout
and throughout
the
approach
and landing.
If some of the
indicators
are present,
this continual
searching
may lead to early
recognition of the potential
for a windshear
encounter.

If convective
cloud
conditions
are
present
and/or
if thunderstorms
appear
likely,
the
potential
for
windshear
and microburst
activity
exists.
Even
if there are only subtle
signs of convective
weather,
such as weak cumulus
cloud
forms,
suspect
the possibility
of microbursts,
particularly
if
the
air is hot and dry.
The
following
weather
information
should
be examined
for any potential
windshear
conditions
affecting
the
flight:
.

Page 30

Terminal

Forecasts

An examination
of terminal
forecasts
is
recommended.
Study
o.
the following
two terminal
forecasts
demonstrates
what to look
for:
YNG FT AMD 1 101815 18202
80 OVC 2018635 LLWS OCNL
3RW-/TRW-Z=
OVC
OVC 2RW-/TRW-.
CIG RW TRW WND.

C45 5KN
C20 OVC
3214625
09Z IFR

HUF FT AMD 2 COR 101815 17452 C30

BKN 2020635 OCNL Cl2 OVC 3TRW CHC
C4 X 1/2T+RW+AG55. - 222 m
OVC
QTRW2420630SLGT
CHC
C4
XmTRW+G50.
OlZ Cl6 OVC 2918628
CHC 4RW-,
042 Cl8 BKN 3016 BKN
OCNL SCT. 09Z VFR..
Note that for Youngstown,
Ohio the
forecast
is calling
for LLWS-low
level
(altitude)
windshear.
While
thunderstorms
exist
in the forecast,
pilots
are given
an additional
"LLWS" clue.'

In the terminal
forecast
for Terre
Indiana,
Haute,
LLWS does
not
However,
the chance
of
appear.
severe
thunderstorm,
heavy
rain
showers,
hail,
and wind gusts to
55 knots,
suggest
the potential
for microbursts
if actual
thunderstorm conditions
are encountered.
Dry microbursts
are somewhat more
difficult
to recognize.
When flying
in regions
of low humidity
near the surfaces
any convective
cloud is a likely
microburst
producer.
Examination
of the terminal forecast
for convective
activity-rain,
thunderstorms,
etc.--is
good practice.

AC

U/25/88

00-54

Appendix

2)

Hourly

Sequence

Reports

provide
a strong
indication
windshear
may be present.

Hourly
sequence
reports
should
be
inspected
for
windshear
cluesthunderstorms,
rainshowers,
or
blowing
dust.
The temperature
and
dew point
spread should be examined for large
differences,
i.e.
30
to 50 degrees Fahrenheit,
indicating
low
humidity.
Additional
signs
such
as warming
trends,
gusty winds,
cumulonimbus
clouds,
should be noted.
etc.,
In the example
shown below,
evidence of blowing
dust,
large
temperature/dewpoint
spread,
gusting
winds,
and thunderstorms
(without
rain)
is
present.
These
signs

Page 31

that

MS0 SA 2152 SOBKN 800VC 12TBD

007/83/45/1715G30/974
VSBY W3 m/2
3)

Severe

Weather

Watch Reports

A check for issuance

of an aviation
severe
weather
watch should
be made.
In the following
exama line
of thunderstorms
apple,
proaching
severe limits
are forecast.
Severe
convective
weather
is a prime source for microbursts.

TSTMSFCST TO APCHSVR LIMITS THIS

mN AND tRY EVE TO THE RT OF A LN
FM YUM IPL RIV BUR 15 W SDB BFL
IYK EED YUM.

11/25/88

00-54.

AC

Appendix

4)

LLWAS Reports

LLWAS in its
limitations:

LLWAS (Low Level

Windshear
Alert
System)
- Presently
installed
at
110 airports
in the U.S.,
this
system is designed
to detect
wind
shifts
between
outlying
stations
and a reference
centerfield
station
(Figure
26).
If an LLWAS
alert
(triggered
by wind
speed
and/or
direction
differential)
occurs,
it indicates
the presence
though
of
something
shear-like,
not necessarily
indicative
of magHowever, the
nitude
or location.
absence
of
an alert
does
not
necessarily
indicate
that
it
is
safe to proceed!
LLWAS information
is available
by
request
anytime,
but will
be provided
by controllers
whenever
an
LLWAS alert
is in progress.
WINDSHEAR ALERTS.
2 QUADRANTS.
CENTERFIELD WIND 210 AT 14.
WEST
BOUNDARY WIND 140 AT 22.
NORTHEAST BOUNDARY WIND 270 AT 24.

present

has some

A) shear magnitude
may be seriously underestimated,
B) trees,
buildings
and other surface
obstructions
may disrupt
or limit
the flow of air near
the sensors,
C) location
and spacing
of sensors
may allow
microburst
development
to
go entirely
undetected--particularly
in
the
early stages (Figure
26),
0) because the sensors
are on the
ground,
microburst
development
which has not yet reached
the
surface
will
not be detected,
and
E) LLWAS coverage
only exists
near
the runways and typically
does
not extend
beyond
the middle
marker:
Even with these limitations,
LLWAS
can
provide
useful
information
about winds around the airport.

0
-

LLWAS
Runways

Figure 26. Undetected microburst due to tide LLWAS station spacing.

Page 32

form

Stations

11125188

5)

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

SIGMETS,
SIGMETS,
clues.
VECTIVE
embedded
reaching
cating
a

particularly
CONVECTIVE
may provide
essential
In the example,
the CONSIGMET warns of scattered
thunderstorms,
some
level
5 intensity,
indipotential
for windshear.

ATTENTION ALL AIRCRAFT, CONVECTIVE

SIGMET CHARLIE ONE FROM mE VICIN
mF
ELMIRA TO PHILLIPSBURG:
SCATTERED EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORMS
:ZATONE
KNm
A
FEW INTENSE LEVEL FIVE CELLS, 'MAXIMUMFIVE
ZERO.
6)

ring of blowing
dust or localized
dust
in general,
flying
debris,
a rain core with rain
divirga,
verging
away horizontally
from the
rain
core,
or tornadic
features
(funnel
clouds,
tornados).
At
night,
lightning
may be the only
visual
clue.
Pilots
must become
aware that these visual
clues
are
often
the on1
means to identify
the presence -+ o se
windshear.

SIGMETS

Visual

Clues

from

the Cockpit

The value
of recognizing
microbursts
by visual
clues
from the
cockpit
cannot
be overemphaiized.
Pilots
must remember
that
microbursts
occur only in the presence
of convective
weather
indicated
by
cumulus-type
clouds,
thunderstorms,
rain
showers,
and virga.
(Note that
other
types
of windshear can occur in the absence of
convective
weather. 1
Microburst
windshear
can often
be
identified
by some obvious
visual
clues such as heavy rain (in a dry
or moist
environment).
This
is
particularly
true
if the rain
is
accompanied
by curling
outflow,
a

Page 33

7)

PIREPS
PIREPS are extremely
important
indicators
in microburst
windshear
situations.
Reports
of
sudden
airspeed
changes
in the
airport
approach
orlanding
corridors
provide indication
of the presence
of
windshear.
"Miami
Tower,
PIREP,
Flight
126
encountered
windshear
on final,
loss of 20 knots at 300 feet
approaching
middle
marker runway 27
right,
Douglas MD-80."
In international
weather
reports,
windshear
observations
or reports
from pilots
may be included
at the
end of routine
and special
weather
reports.
N
. ..WS WRNG B727 REPORTED MOD WS
ON APCH RW 34 AT 1610"

In the above example,

a Boeing 727
on approach
to Runway 34 reported
moderate windshear
at 1610 hours.

AC

Appendix

8)

11/25/88

00-54

Airborne

Weather

Radar

The use of airborne

weather
radar
to detect
convective
cells
should
be considered
a matter
of rouWeather
radar
provides
tine.
extremely
useful
information
for
the avoidance
of thunderstorms
in
terminal
area,
but.
the
airport
cannot
directly
detect
windshear.
Pilots
have become adept at avoiding
thunderstorms
while
enroute
However,
relaand at altitude.
tively
little
emphasis
has been
placed
on their
use near
the
terminal
area.
Most heavy
rain
thunderstorms
near the airport
can
be
detected
with
conventional
weather
radar by a careful
use of
tilt
control
to scan above
the
intended
flight
altitude
(15,000
to 20,000
feet).
The subject
of
the proper use of tilt
control
for
this purpose
should
be studied
in
and
available
radar
manuals
bulletins.
understand
that
Pilots
should
heavy precipitation,
as seen on
their
radar
and associated
with
convective
clouds,
indicates
the
possibility
of microbursts;
however, 'the
absence
of strong
returns must not be depended upon to
indicate
a safe situation.
Potentially
hazardous
dry
microburst
conditions
may only
produce
weak
radar returns.

Page 34

Another
significant
aspect
of
weather
radar
use is attenuation.
Attenuation
is caused
by heavy
rainfall
reducing
the ability
of
the
radar
signal
to
penetrate,
causing
the radar
to present
an
incomplete
picture
of the weather
area.
In the terminal
area, comparison
of
ground
returns
to
weather
echoes is a useful
technique to identify
when attenuation
is occurring.
Tilt
the
antenna
down and observe
ground
returns
around the radar echo.
With very
heavy intervening
rain,
ground returns behind the echo will
not be
present.
This area lacking
ground
returns
is referred
to as a shadow
and may indicate
a larger
area of
precipitation
than is shown on the
indicator.
Areas
of
shadowing
should be avoided.
Turbulence
Doppler
radars
starting
to
become
available
to
flight
crews provide
an additional
clue
to the presence
of microbursts.
If,
in the departure/arrival
segment of the airport
vicinity,
turbulence
indications
are present
in
mid-levels
of
convective
cloud
systems
(e.g.,
15,000
to 20,000
feet)
and low humidity
conditions
exist
(large
temperature/dewpoint
spread),
the
situation
is prime
for microburst
formation.
Pilots
should
be particularly
cautious
when they observe this indication.

11/25/88

2.4.2

AC 00-54
Appendix

AVOID KNOWNWINDSHEAR

The
importance
of
avoiding
severe
windshear
and microbursts
cannot
be
windover-emphasized.
Microburst
shears
have been measured
which
are
beyond
the
capability
of
transport
category
airplanes
and the most highly
skilled
pilots.
Recall
from Figure
11
that even windshears
which were within
the performance
capability
of the airplane have caused
accidents.
Avoidance may only involve
delaying
departure or approach
for 10 to 20 minutes
since
this
is the typical
time
required for microburst
dissipation.
Even though
significant
emphasis
on
simulator
training
is recommended
in
pilot
training
curriculums,
avoidance
must be the first
line
of defense.
Simulators
are valuable
for
teaching
windshear
recognition
and recovery.
However,
pilots
are cautioned
not to
develop the impression
that real-world
windshear
encounters
can be successfully
negotiated
simply
because
they

Page 35

have received
simulator
training.
In
an
airplane,
complicating
factors
(i.e.
turbulence,
precfpitation
noise,
instrument
errors,
etc.)
may make
shears much more difficult
than in a
simulator.
In addition,
simulator
motion systems are limited
in their
capability
to reproduce
all the dynamics
of
an actual
windshear
encounter.
Remember,
some windshears
cannot
be
escaped
using
any known techniques.
Therefore,
above
all,
AVOID, AVOID,
AVOID!
Unfortunately,
there
are no universal
quantitative
windshear
avoidance
criteria
that
provide
unambiguous
go/no-go
decision
guidelines.
There
is no assured
detection
and warning
system in operation
which can measure
windshear
intensity
along
a specific
flight
path.
However,
a summary of
the weather
evaluation
factors
which
can be helpful
in avoiding
windshear
is shown in Table 1 on the following
page,

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

TABLE 1

MICROBURST
WINDSHEAR
PROBABILITYGUIDELINES
OBSERVATION

PROBABILITY
OF WINDSHEAR

PRESENCE OF CONVECTIVE WEATHER NEAR INTENDEDFLIGHT PATH:

With localized

strong winds (Tower reports or

dust, rings of dust,
tornado-l i ke features, etc. )
With heavy precipitation
(Observed or radar
indications of contour, red or attenuation
shadow)
With rainshower
observed

blowing

With lightning
With virga l

eeeeee*e*e**eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

*eeeeeeeeeeeo*eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

With moderate or

HIGH

**e*eeee*eeee*ee*eeeeee*

reater turbulence

(reported

radar indications
B l eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
With temperature/dew
point spread between
30 and 50 degrees fahrenheit
l eeeeeeeemeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

or

...

HIGH
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM

ONBOARD
WINDSHEAR
DETECTIONSYSTEM ALERT (Reported
or observed)
l

HIGH

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

PIREP OF AIRSPEEDLOSSOR GAIN:

-

15 knots

or greater

Less than 15 knots

l
l

HIGH
MEDIUM

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

LLWASALERT/WINDVELOCITYCHANGE
-

20 knots or greater
Less than 20 knots

l
l

HIGH
MEDIUM

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeem

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

FORECAST OF CONVECTIVE
WEATHER
l eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

NOTE:

LOW

These guidelines apply to operations in the airport

vicinity
(within
3 miles of the point of takeoff or landing along the intended
flight
path and below 1000 feet AGL)e The clues should be considered
cumulative.
If more than one is observed the probability
weighting
shoul d be increased,
The hazard increases with proximity to the
convective

weather,

Weather

assessment

should

be made continuously,

CAUTION: CURRENTLY
NO QUANTITATIVEMEANSEXISTS FOR DETERMININGTHE PRESENCE
OR INTENSITY OF MICROBURST WINDSHEAR, PILOTS ARE URGEDTO EXERCISE
CAUTIONIN DETERMININGA COURSEOF ACTION,

Page 36

11125188

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

Table
1, designed
specifically
for
(thunderstorm,
convective
weather
rainshower,
virga),
provides
a subjective
evaluation
of various
observational
clues to aid in making appropriate
real
time avoidance
decisions.
The observation
weighting
is categorized according
to the following
scale:

1 above 1000 feet may be less critical

in terms
of flight
path,
such encounters
may present
other
significant
weather
related
risks.
Pilots
are
therefore
urged
to exercise
caution
when determining
a course
of action.
Use of Table
1 should
not
replace
sound judgement
in making
avoidance
decisions.

HIGH PROBABILITY:
Critical
attention
need be given
to
this observation.
A decision
to avoid
(e.g. divert
or delay)
is appropriate.
MEDIUM PROBABILITY:
Cons idera ti on
should
avoi ding.
Prec autions

given
be
to
are a PProPri ate.

LOW PROBABILITY:
Consideration
should
be given to this
observation,
but a decision
to avoid
is not generally
indicated.
The guidelines
in Table
1 apply
to
operations
in the
airport
vicinity
(within
3 miles of takeoff
or landing
along
the intended
flight
path below
1000 feet AGL).
Although
encountering
weather
conditions
described
in Table

Page 37

Windshear
clues
should
be considered
cumulative.
The probability
for each
single
observation
is given.
However,
if more than one windshear
clue
is
observed,
the total
probability
rating
may be increased
to reflect
the total
set of observations.
Example:
Nearing
destination,
VIRGA is
seen
descending
from high based clouds
over
the
airfield
(MEDIUM PROBABILITY).
Commencing approach,
a PIREP is received
indicating
that another
flight
just
experienced
a 10 knot airspeed
loss
on final
approach
to the
same
airport
(MEDIUM PROBABILITY).
Therefore,
it would be appropriate
to raise
the total
avoidance
decision
weighting
to
HIGH PROBABILITY
(indicating
a
decision
to avoid is appropriate).

AC

11125188

00-54

Appendix

2.4.3

CONSIDERPRECAUTIONS

the
best
precaution.
Avoidance is
there
are
situations
when
However,
windshear
clues do not clearly
dictate
delaying,
but can be interpreted
to
mean that
conditions
are right
for
In
these
inwindshear
activity.
stances,
pilots
should
consider
the
next step of flight
crew actions,
the
use of precautions.
A number of precautionary
techniques
have been developed
which
crews can
take to lessen the effect
of windshear
should an unsuspected
severe windshear
be encountered
on takeoff
or approach.
These
precautions
include
consideration
of thrust
setting,
runway selection,
flap
selection,
airspeed,
use of autopilot,
autothrottle
and flight
director.
They were developed by detailed
analysis
and piloted
simulation
of several
microburst
windshear
encounters.
In
many cases,
tradeoffs
were involved
and no "best"
recommendation
for
all
conditions
could be developed.
Use of precautions
along with even the
best recovery
piloting
skills
cannot
guarantee
a successful
escape
from
many microburst
windshears.
It is important
to realize
that
the recommended precautions
each have a relatively
small effect
on the outcome of
an inadvertent
windshear
encounter.
Therefore,
use of precautions
should
not replace
sound pilot
judgment
in
deciding
whether
or not it is safe to
proceed.
Use of precautions
should
not bias a go/no-go
decision
in the go
direction.
2.4.3.1
0

TAKEOFFPRECAUTIONS

Thrust

Setting

altitude
available
for recovery
if required.
Lastly,
full
thrust
takeoffs
may eliminate
resetting
thrust
in a
recovery,
thereby
maximizing
acceleration
capability
and
reducing
crew
workload.
0

Runway Selection

Use the longest

suitable
runway that
avoids
suspected
areas
of windshear.
The choice
of a suitable
runway involves
consideration
of exposure
to
obstacles
after
liftoff
and crosswind
and tailwind
limitations.
This
assures maximum runway available
to accelerate
to rotation
speed and may result
in more ground clearance
at the
end of the runway and during
the climb
profile.
Should the decision
be made
to reject
the takeoff,
more runway is
available
on which to stop the airplane.
0

Takeoff

Page 38

Selection

The choice
of takeoff
flap
setting
is
dependent
on the airplane
type.
The
following
flap settings
should be considered
unless
limited
by obstacle
clearance
and/or climb gradient:
Airplane
Type

Takeoff
Flap Setting

0727
0737
6747
0757
0767

15
5 to 15
20
20
20

DC-9-10
DC-9-20,.30,-40,050
MD-80
DC-10
L-1011

Maximum rated takeoff

thrust
should be
used for takeoff.
This shortens
the
takeoff
roll
and reduces
overrun
exposure.
Full thrust
also provides
the
best
rate
of climb,
thus
increasing

Flap

10
5
5
5

or
or
to
to

20
15
15
20

10 to 22

Studies
of available
takeoff
flap settings
showed that
the
greater
flap
setting
provided
best performance
for
windshear
encounters
on the
runway.
However,
lesser
flap
settings
showed

AC
00-54
Appendix

11125188

the best performance

for in-air
windThe takeoff
flap
shear
encounters.
settings
in the table
offered
somewhat
better
performance
over a wide range
of conditions;
however,
it
must be
pointed
out that the performance
difference between flap settings
is small.
0

Increased

airspeed

1) Determine
Vl,
V
and
V2
speeds
for
actua s
airplane
gross weight
and flap
setting.
Set
airspeed
bugs
to
these
values in the normal manner.
2) Determine
field
length
limit
maximum weight
and corresponding VR for selected
runway.

Increased
airspeed
at
rotation
improves the ability
of the airplane
to
negotiate
a
windshear
encountered
after
liftoff.
Increased
airspeed
improves the flight
path, reduces potennear stick
tial
exposure
to flight
workshaker speeds, and reduces pilot
load.

3) If
field
length
limit
VR is
greater
than
actual
gross
weight
VR,
use
the
higher
VR (up to 20 knots
in excess
of
actual
gross
weight
VR)
for
takeoff.
Airspeed
bugs
should
not
be reset
to the
higher speeds.

Delaying
rotation
to a higher airspeed
may appear
to increase
the risk
of
available
runway.
Howoverrunning
ever,
because of the manner in which
increased
rotation
speed
is
calculated,
it is simply
using the runway
as if the aircraft
was loaded
to the
field
length
limit
weight
for
that
runway,
If the takeoff
is at field
length
limit
conditions,
the risk
of
overrunning
the available
runway
is
increased
because
there ,is
no extra
runway available.
The overrun
exposure is also
increased
if the windshear reduces
the airspeed
below the
minimum airspeed
required
for liftoff
at the maximum available
(body contact)
attitude.
However,
initiating
rotation
no later
than 2000 feet from
the end of the usable
runway surface
reduces the probability
of overrun
and
maximizes
the available
energy
after
liftoff.

4) Rotate
to normal
initial
climb
attitude
at the
increased
VR
and maintain
this
attitude.
This
technique
produces
a
higher
initial
climb
speed
which slowly
bleeds
off to the
normal initial
climb speed.

If increased
VR is to
technique
for scheduling
creased rotation
airspeed

be used,
and using
is:

the
in-

Page 39

WARNING:

If windshear
is encountered
at
or
beyond
the
actual
gross
weight
(bug)
VR, do
not attempt
to accelerate
to
the
increased
VR, but rotate without
hesitation;
In
no case should
rotation
be
delayed
beyond
2,000
feet
from the end of the usable
runway
surface.
(See Section
2.4.5
Recovery
Techniques)

If increased
airspeed
was not
used
prior
to
liftoff,
accelerating
to
higher
than
normal
airspeed
after
liftoff
is not recommended.
Reducing
pitch
attitude
at
low
altitude
to
accelerate
might
produce
a hazard
if
windshear
is encountered.

AC 00-54
Appendix

11125188
1

Director

Flight

rectors
must be disregarded
if
a recovery
is required
and,
time
permitting,
switched
off
by the Pilot
Not Flying
(PNF).

Do not
use speed-referenced
flight
directors
unless
they
are
equipped
with windshear
recovery
guidance.

WARNING: A
-

speed-referenced
flight
director
which does not have
windshear
recovery
guidance
may command a pitch
attitude
target
change
to
follow
airspeeds
regardless
of
flight
path
degradation.
This
guidance may be in
conflict
with
the
proper
for
windshear
procedures
recovery.
Such flight
di-

Takeoff
Nse

maximum

Some flight
directors
are
equipped
with
a selectable
pitch
attitude
mode.
If normal
procedures
utilize
this
feature,
the
selectable
pitch
attitude
mode may be effectively
used
in a windshear
encounter
provided
the
selected
attitude
is within
the acceptable
range.
However, if an attitude other
then the selected
attitude
becomes necessary,
the flight
director
should
be disregarded,
and time permitting,
switched
off by the PNF.

Precautions

rated takeoff

Use longest

suitable

Consider

using

recommended

Consider

using

increased

Do not use speed

thrust

runway

referenced

Page 40

flap setting
rotation
flight

airspeed
director

l.1/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

2.4.3.2
0

APPROACH PRECAUTIONS

Stabilized

considered:

Approach

Airplane
Type

During
some normal operations,
stabilized
approaches
are
not
achieved
prior
to 500 feet AGL.
However, in a
windshear
environment,
a
potential
stabilized
approach
should
be established
no later
than 1,000 feet AGL to
improve windshear
recognition
capability.
0

Thrust

Management

Minimize
thrust
reductions.
Rather
than immediately
compensating
for an
airspeed
increase
by reducing
thrust,
a brief
pause to evaluate
speed trends
is
prudent.
If a tailwind
shear
occurs and recovery
is initiated,
the
additional
airspeed
and earlier
availability.
of thrust
(due to engines
accelerating
from a higher
RPM) will
be
advantageous.
If
autothrottles
are
engaged,
assure
inappropriate
thrust
reductions
do not occur.
In the absence of a tailwind
shear,
this
procedure
may result
in a higher
than
normal
approach
speed which may have
to be accounted
for on landing.
0

Runway'Selection

Use the
most suitable
runway
that
avoids the area of suspected
windshear
and is compatible
with crosswind
and
tailwind
limitations.
A longer
runway
provides
the greatest
margin
for increased
ground roll
due to unanticipated
winds
and possible
resulting
high
ground
speed at touchdown.
A
precision
(instrument)
approach
and
other
aids
to glide
path monitoring
(VASI,
etc.)
are also
desirable
as
they can enhance windshear
recognition
by providing
timely,
accurate
flight
path deviation
information.
0

Landing

The choice
dependent
following

Flap

Selection

of landing
flap
setting
on airplane
type.
flap
settings
should

is
The
be

Page 41

Landing
Flap Setting

0727
0737
0747
0757
0767

30
30
25 or 30
30
30

DC-9
MD-80
DC-JO

*
28
35

L-1011

33

* Minimum flap setting

particular
model.

authorized

for

Studies
of windshear
encounters
using
all
available
landing
flap
settings
showed that
the flap
settings
recommended above provided
the best overall
recovery
performance
for a wide range
of windshears.
0

Increased

Airspeed

Increased
airspeed
on approach
improves
climb
performance
capability
and reduces
the potential
for flight
at stick
shaker
during
recovery
from
an inadvertent
windshear
encounter.
If available
landing
field
length
permits,
airspeed
may be increased
up to
a maximum of 20 knots.
This increased
speed should
be maintained
to flare.
Touchdown must occur within
the normal
touchdown
zone-do
not allow
the airplane to float
down the runway.
As many variables
are involved,
it is
not practical
to provide
exact
guidance on the effect
of 20 knots extra
speed
on actual
stopping
distance.
Wind can be a major factor
since stopping distance
is affected
by groundIf inspeed rather
than
airspeed.
creased
airspeed
is used and an increasing
performance
shear is encountered,
a go-around
may be necessary
due to
insufficient
landing
field

AC 00-54
Appendix

1X/25/88
1

length
for the higher
approach
speed.
Furthermore,
if a pilot
can be reasonably certain
that wind changes (due to
topography
or unique local
conditions)
will
not result
in decreasing
performance,
it may be inappropriate
to use
increased
approach speed.

25 percent
and in some cases
exceed
brake
energy
may
limits.
0

Autopilot

Furthermore,
not a71 autoflight
systems perform
well
in gusty or turbulent conditions.
The autopilot
and/or
the
autothrottle
should
be disconnected
when
continued
use
appears
counter-productive.

Increased
touchdown
speeds
increase
stopping
distance.
An additional
20 knots
at
touchdown can increase
stopping distance
by as much as

Precautions

Approach

and/or

During
approach
it
is desirable
to
utilize
the flight
director,
autopilot
and autothrottles
to the maximum extent practical,
These systems may relieve
pilot
workload,
allowing
the
crew more time to monitor
instruments
and weather
conditions.
However, use
of autoflight
systems, and in particular
the
autothrottle,
only
provide
benefits
if
properly
monitored.
In
the
absence
of
proper
monitoring,
these systems mqy mask onset of shear
through
lack
of pilot
awareness
of
control
inputs being made.

Other factors
affecting
stopping
distance such as availability
and effectiveness
of thrust
reversers,
tire
and
brake condition,
runway surface
condimust also be taken into
tions,
etc.,
consideration.
On a dry runway with
no adverse
factors
present,
landing
field
length
may accommodate 20 knots
In other
extra
speed at touchdown
field
length
may be
cases
greater
use
the
required.
If
in
doubt,
longest
suitable
runway which does not
expose the airplane
to greater
hazard
from possible
shear.
WARNING:

Flight
Director
and Autothrottles

Stabilize

approach

rio later than

Minimize

thrust

Use most

suitable

Consider

using

recommended

Consider

using

increased

Use autoflight

1000 ft AGL

reductions
runway

systems

flap setting
approach

during

Page 42

speed

approach

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

2.4.4

FOLLOW ESTABLISHED STANDARD

OPERATING TECHNIQUES

shears
that proved
to
are those which caught
prise.

In an effort
to aid crews with
the
early
recognition
of a windshear
encounter,
a series
of recommendations
were
formulated
under
the
general
heading
of Standard
Operating
TechThese SOT's fall
into
niques
(SOT's).
two general
headings
of crew awareness
and crew coordination.
The need for emphasis
on SOT's came
from recognition
that in most takeoff
windshear
accidents,
the
airplane
pitch
attitude
was reduced
below the
level
attitude
that
would
maintain
This was done when the airflight.
plane
was already
descending
toward
and indicates
lack
of
the
ground
flight
path awareness
on the part of
the
crews
involved.
This
lack
of
awareness
was also
observed
during
piloted
simulator
studies
of windshear
encounters.
Traditional
training
programs and routine
flying
may not have
reinforced
proper
flight
path control
and concern
for altitude
loss.
However,
flight
path control
should
be
the primary
focus, when dealing
with
windshear.
XCHNIQUES sucti AS STRICT
ADHERENCE TO AIRSPEED MUST BE MODIFIED
IN FAVOR OF MAINTAINING FLIGHT PATH BY
CONTROLLING PITCH ATTITUDE.
The SOT's that follow
emphasize
flight
path and pitch
attitude
for operations
near the ground.
Following
SOT's results
in better
crew performance
during day-to-day
operations,
as well
as
during
windshear
encounters.
In both
takeoff
and approach
to landing,
crew
awareness
and coordination
are vital
for timely
windshear
recognition,
particularly
at
night
or in marginal
weather conditions.
0

be most deadly
crews by sur-

Crews should be aware of normal vertical

flight
path indications
so that
windshear
induced
deviations
are more
readily
recognized.
On takeoff,
this
would
include
attitude,
climb
rate,
and airspeed
buildup.
On approach,
airspeed,
attitude,
descent
rate
and
throttle
position
provide
valuable
information.
Awareness of these indications
assures
that
flight
path degradation
is recognized
as soon as possible.
During
takeoff
and approach,
be alert
for airspeed
fluctuations.
Such fluctuations
may be the first
indication
of windshear.
Control
column
forces
significantly
different
than those expected
during
a normal
takeoff
or
go-around
may result
if
airspeed
is
below target
or airspeed
buildup
is
low during
rotation
and liftoff.
Vertical
flight
path displays
should
be
used
to
crosscheck
flight
director
commands.
During takeoff
while
at relatively
low
altitude
(below 1000 feet),
the SOT's
require
awareness
and use- of normal
climbout
pitch
attitude
and less emhasis
on strict
airspeed
m.
kthe
all-engine
initial
climb
pitch
attitude.
Rotate at the normal
rotation
rate to this attitude
for all
takeoffs.
Minimize
pitch
attitude
reductions
in response
to low airspeed
until
terrain
and obstruction
clkarante is assured.

Crew Awareness

It is important
for crews to remain
alert
for
any change
in conditions,
remembering
that
windshear
can
be
quick
to form and to dissipate.
The

Page 43

On approach,
avoid large thrust
reductions
or trim
changes in response
to
sudden airspeed
increases
as an airspeed decrease
may follow.
Closely
monitor
vertical
flight
path instruments, such as vertical
speed, altimeters and glideslope
displacement.
In
addition,
comparison
of
groundspeed
and airspeed
indications
can provide
additional
information
for
timely

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

windshear
recognition.
for windshear
exists,
lized
approach
no
feet AGL.

When potential
achieve
a stabilater
than
1,000

assessing
the
situation
sound judgment
to determine
course of action.
0

High workload
and distractions
in the
approach
phase,
particularly
in marginal
weather,
may divert
attention
away from
instruments
that
provide
early
recognition
of flight
path deterioration.
Additionally,
gradual
application
of thrust
on approach
may
mask a decreasing
airspeed
trend.
Crews should
be prepared
to execute
the recommended recovery
procedure
immediately
if
deviations
from target
conditions
in excess of the following
occur:
Takeoff/Approach
1) +15 knots

indicated

2) +500 FPM vertical

3) +5" pitch

airspeed

using
safest

Crew Coordination

The PF should focus attention

on flying the airplane.
In a windshear
encounter,
appropriate
action
should
be
taken in response to callouts.
The PNF should focus attention
on airspeed, vertical
speed, altitude,
pitch
attitude,
glidepath
deviation
and
thrust.
If any significant
deviations
from normal
indications
are detected,
the PNF should
imnediately
call
out
the deviation.
Callouts
in the cockpit should be standardized
and easy to
understand
to ensure
timely
recognition.
EXAMPLE:
"Vertical
speed
1200
115
decreasing--glideslope
low.))

speed

attitude

Approach
1) +l dot 91 ideslope

and
the

down--airspeed
one
dot

STANDARD OPERATING TECHNIQUES SUMMARY

displacement

2) Unusual throttle . position .

for
significant
period of time.

Takeoff
o
o

These values
should
be considered
as
guidelines
only.
Exact criteria
cannot be established.
In certain
instances
where
significant
rates
of
change occur,
it' may be necessary
to
initiate
recovery
before
any of the
above criteria
are exceeded.
" Other
situations
may exist
where brief
excursions,
particularly
in
airspeed,
resulting
from known or anticipated
local wind effects
may not be an indication
of
significant
hazard.
The
pilot
flying
(PF) is responsible
for

Page 44

o
o
o
o
o

Know normal
attitudes,
rates,
airspeed
build-up.
Know/use
all-engine
climb attitude.
Make
continuous
rotation
normal rate.
Crosscheck
flight
director
mands.
Minimize
pitch
attitude
tions.
Monitor
vertical
flight
instruments,
call
out
tions (PNF).
Know recovery
decision
lines.

climb
initial
at
comreducpath
deviaguide-

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

Approach
o
o
o
o
o

2.4.5

Know normal
attitudes,
descent
throttle
rates,
airspeeds,
position.
Crosscheck
flight
director
commands.
Avoid large thrust
reductions.
Monitor
vertical
flight
path
instruments,
call
out
deviations (PNF).
Know recovery
decision
guidelines.

initial
target
pitch
attitude
for both
takeoff
and approach.
Additional
advantages
of 15" initial
target
pitch
attitude
are that
it
is easily
recalled
in emergency
situations
and it
is prominently
displayed
on attitude
director
indicators.
Note:

2) Operators

using
pre-calculated
target
pitch
attitudes
such as all-engine
attitude
for
normal
takeoffs
and
go-arounds
may use these attitudes
in place of the recommended initial
target
recovery attitude.

WINDSHEAR RECOVERY TECHNIQUE

The primary
recovery
technique
objective is to keep the airplane
flying
as
long as possible
in hope of exiting
the shear.
A wide variety
of techniques
were considered
to establish
the one best meeting
this
objective.
The best
results
were
achieved
by
pitching
toward an initial
target
attitude
while
using
necessary
thrust.
Several
factors
were
considered
in
developing
this technique.
windshear
Studies
show
encounters
occur infrequently
and that only a few
seconds
are available
to initiate
a
recovery.
Additionally,
successful
during
high
stress
situations
pilot
instrument
scan typically
becomes very
limited--in
extreme cases, to only one
instrument.
Lastly,
recovery
skills
will
not be exercised
.on a day-to-day
basis.
These factors
dictated
that
the recovery
technique
must not only
be effective,
but simple,
easily
recalled,
and have general applicability.
Extensive
analysis
and pilot
evaluations
were
conducted.
Al though
a
range of recovery
attitudes
(including
15" and the range of all-engine
initial
climb
attitudes)
provides
good
recovery
capability
for a wide variety
of windshears,
15 was chosen as the

Page 45

1) L-1011 target
attitudes:
Takeoff
= 17.5O
Approach = 15"

While
other
more complex
techniques
may make slightly
better
use of airplane performance,
these techniques
do
not meet simplicity
and ease of recall
requirements.
Evaluations
showed that
the recommended
technique
provides
a
simple,
effective
means of recovering
from a windshear
encounter.
A detailed
discussion
of the recommended
recovery
technique
follows.
Recovery
both
during
takeoff
after
liftoff
and during
approach
is discussed together
in the following
section since the technique
for both situations
is identical.
The recovery
technique
for encounters
during
takeoff on runway is presented
later.
2.4.5.1/3

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF AFTER LIFTOFF

and
ENCOUNTERON APPROACH

Windshear
recognition
is crucial
to
making
a timely
recovery
decision.
procedure
The
recommended
recovery
should
be initiated
any
time
the
flight
path is threatened
below 1000

AC

11/25/88

00-54

Appendix

feet AGL on takeoff

or approach.
The
for
unacceptable
flight
guidelines
path degradation
are repeated
below:
o

required
to
avoid
ground
contact.
When airplane
safety has been ensured,
adjust
thrust
to maintain
engine
parameters
within
specified
limits.

Takeoff/Approach
o
7) +15 knots

indicated

2) +500 FPM vertical

3) +5" bitch
0

The pitch
control
technique
for
recovery
from
a windshear
encounter
after
liftoff
or on approach
is as
follows:

speed

attitude

Approach
1) +1 dot glideslope

At a normal
pitch
rate,
increase
or decrease
pitch
attitude
as necessary
toward
an
inMa
target
attitude
of
15O.
The
autopilot/flight
director
should
be turned
off
by the PNF unless
specifically
designed
for
operations
in
windshear,
or unless
using
a
pitch
selectable
flight
director with desired
attitude
commanded.

Always
respect
stick
shaker.
Use intermittent
stick
shaker
as the upper pitch
limit.
In a
severe
shear,
stick
shaker may
occur below 15" pitch attitude.

If attitude
has been limited
to
less
than
15" to stop
stick
shaker,
increase
attitude
toward
15" as soon as stick
shaker stops.

If vertical
flight
path or altitude
loss is still
unacceptable after
reaching
15', further
increase
pitch
attitude
smoothly in small increments.

Control
pitch
in
a smooth,
steady manner (in approximately
2 degree
increments)
to avoid
excessive
overshoot/undershoot
of desired
attitude.

Once the airplane

is climbing
and ground contact
is no longer
an immediate
concern,
airspeed
should be increased
by cautious
reductions
inpitch
attitude.

displacement

2) Unusual throttle
position
for
significant
period of time.

Again,
these should
be considered
as
guidelines
since exact criteria
cannot
be established.In every case, it is
the responsibility
of the pilot
flying
to assess the situation
and use sound
judgement
in determining
the safest
course
of
action.
In certain
instances
where
significant
rates
of
change occur,
it may be necessary
to
initiate
recovery
before
any of the
above are exceeded.
If
windshear
is
inadve rten tlY
encoun tered
afte lr liftoff
or on appreach,
immediately
initiate
the recIf on
omnended
recovery
technique.
approach,
do not
attempt
to
land.
(However,
if on approach
and an increasing
performance
shear is encountered,
a normal go-around,
rather
than
the recovery
maneuver,
may be accompl ished.)
The technique
for
recovery
from
a
windshear
encounter
after
liftoff
or
during
approach
is the same for both
cases.
This technique
is described
as
follows:
o

PITCH

airspeed

THRUST

Aggressively
apply necessary
thrust
to
ensure
adequate
airplane
performance.
Disengage
the autothrottle
if
necessary.
Avoid
engine
overboost
unless

Page 46

U/25/88

AC

00-54

Appendix

CONFIGLRATION

Maintain
flap and gear position
until
terrain
clearance
is
assured.
Although a small performance
increase
is
available
after
landing
gear retraction,
initial
performance
degradation
may occur when landing
gear doors open
for retraction.
While extending
flaps
during
a recovery
after
liftoff
may
result
in a performance
benefit,
it is
not a recommended technique
because:
1) Accidentally
retracting
flaps
(the
usual
direction
of movement) has a large
adverse
impact on performance.
2) If landing
gear retraction
had
been initiated
prior
to recognition
of the encounter,
extending
flaps
beyond a takeoff
flap
setting
might result
in a
continuous
warning
horn which
distracts
the crew.
0

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

If autopilot/flight
director
systems
specifically
designed
for operation
in
windshear
are engaged during
approach,
they should
be used during
the recovery
maneuver.
These systems
may
aid in recovery
from an inadvertent
windshear
encounter.
However,
due to
limited
time
available
to recognize
and respond,
do not engage the autopilot
or autothrottle
if these systems
were not engaged prior to recovery.
WARNING:

A flight
director
and/or
autoflight
system which
is
not
specifically
designed
for
operation
in windshear
may command a pitch
attitude
change 'to follow
target
airspeeds or a fixed
pitch
attitude
regardless
of flight
path
degradation.
This
guidance
may be in conflict
with
the proper
procedures

Page 47

for
windshear
recovery.
Such systems must be disregarded
if recovery
is required
and, time permitting,
switched off by the PNF.
Use of autopilot
control
wheel steering (CWS) has not been fully
evaluated
for its effectiveness
in a windshear
encounter.
* One consideration
regarding CWS is that it is usually
a single
channel autopilot
mode and as such has
reduced
control
authority.
In any
case, if CWS is used during
a windshear
encounter,
its
use should
be
discontinued
if it produces
difficulty
in achieving
the desired
attitude.
Some flight
directors
are
equipped
with
a selectable
pitch
attitude
mode.
If
normal
procedures
utilize
this feature,
the selectable
pitch
attitude
mode may Be effectively
used in
a windshear
encounter
provided
the selected
attitude
is within
the acceptable range;
However,
if an attitude
other
than the selected
attitude
becomes necessary,
the flight
director
should
be disregarded,
and time permitting,
switched off by the PNF.
Avoid
stabilizer
trim changes
in response
to short
term windshear-produced
airspeed/stick
force
changes.
However,
stabilizer
trim
should
be
used to trim
out stick
force
due to
thrust
application.
Throughout
recovery,
the PNF should
call
out vertical
flight
path deviations
using
the barometric
altimeter,
or vertical
speed
radio
altimeter,
indicator
as appropriate.
For example,
"sinking
500, altitude
400, altitude
300, etc."

ZOO,

climbing

of airplanes
requiring
a
Operators
flight
engineer
may incorporate
the
second
officer
into
the
callout
process.

U/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

Rapidly
changing
winds may cause rapid
excursions
in pitch
and roll
with
little
or no pilot
input
as well
as
varying
the attitude
for stick
shaker
activation.
As soon as possible,
report
the encounter
to the tower.
The airplane
following
may not have the performance
required
to recover
from
the
same
The wi ndshear
windshear
encounter.
also
may be increasing
in intensity
making
flight
through
it
even more
dangerous.
Pilots
and
controllers
must be aware that
their
timely
actions
may prevent
a pending
disaster--SECONDS
MAY SAVE LIVES!
The
pilot
report
for windshear
encounters
should
contain
the following
information:
1)

Maximum loss

or gain

of airspeed

Altjtude
countered

Location
of shear
runway in use

Airplane

5)

Use the term

rebroadcast
of
aircraft

at

which

shear
with

respect

to

PIREP to
the report

encourage
to other

Critical
remarks
are also
helpful
in
establishing
windshear
severity
(e.g.
II . ..maximum thrust
required",
"...almost contacted
terrain",
etc.).
EXAMPLE:
"San Francisco
Tower,
PIREP,
Flight
126 encountered
windshear
on final,
loss of 20 knots at 300 feet approaching middle
marker
runway
27 right,
Douglas MD-80."

Apply necessary thrust

PITCH
l

Adjust toward 15

Increase beyond 15 if required to

ensure acceptable flight path

Always respect stick shaker

CONFIGURATION
0 Maintain existing configuration

Page 48

en-

type

After Liftoff/On Approach Windshear

Recovery Technique
l

was

11/25/88

AC 00-54
Appendix

2.4.5.2

ENCOUNTER DURING TAKEOFF

ON RUNWAY

Recognition
of windshear
is difficult
during
takeoff
roll
since airspeed
is
changing
rapidly.
In addition
to
visual
clues described
previously,
unusual
airspeed
fluctuations,
slow or
erratic
airspeed
build-up
may be indications
of a windshear
encounter.

The go/no-go
criteria
based on engine
failure
decision
speed
(Vl)
may not
be valid
for
windshear
conditions
since groundspeed
can be much higher
than airspeed
(Figure
27).
It therefore may not be possible
to stop the
airplane
on the runway during
a rejected
takeoff.
The ability
to lift
off
is a function
of airspeed;
the
ability
to stop is largely
a function
of ground speed.

Indicated
Airspeed
Reaches

A Microburst
IV,

= 130kt

1
G

Runway
GS=8Okt

c/s=

Normal

13okt

VI Distance

Figure 27. Windshear effects on go/no-go decision point. VI decision speed may
not be attained until insufficient runway remains to aboR takeoff.

Page 49

VI
Insufficient
Stopping
Distance
Remains!

AC

11125188

00-54

Appendix

Prior

to Vr

The takeoff
should be rejected
if unacceptable
airspeed
variations
occur
below
indicated
Vl
and the
pilot
decides
that there
is sufficient
runway remaining
to stop the airplane.

Overboost
thrust
alone,
however,
is
NOT sufficient
to offset
the effects
of
an
inadvertent
windshear
encounter.
Proper
pitch
attitude
control
is the most important
factor
in
recovery
from windshear.'
o

After

Vl

The takeoff
must
has been reached.
o

be continued

if

Vl

THRUST

Aggressively
apply necessary
thrust
to
ensure
adequate
airplane
performance.
Avoid
engine
overboost
unless
necessary to ensure
airplane
safety.
When
airplane
safety
has been ensured,
adjust
thrust
to maintain
engine parameters within
specified
limits.

PITCH

When VR is reached,
rotate
at normal
rate
toward
15" pitch
attitude.
In
severe windshear
encounters,
however,
VR might not be reached
and the option
to reject
the takeoff
may not
exist.
If this
is the case, rotation
must be initiated
no later
than 2,000
feet from the end of the usable
surface (Figure
28).
Note:

Transport
category
airplanes
typically
can lift
off 5 to 10
knots
prior
to
VR (except
727,
which
cannot
lift
off
prior to VR).

Results

Figure 28. Win&hear effects on rotation decision. Win&hear effects may force rotation
3tspeeds
below I/R. Rotation should begin no later than 2000 ft from runway
departure end.

Page 50

in Overrun

AC 00-54
Appendix
1

U/25/88

Pitch
attitude
and
rotation
rate
should not be restricted
to avoid aft
body contact
since all available
pitch
attitude
may be required
to lift
off

Takeoff

(On Runway)
l

in the available
runway.
borne,
follow
the After
covery Technique
discussed

Recovery

Technique

THRUST
* Apply

necessary

thrust

o PITCH
l

Rotate toward 15O (no later than

2000 ft remaining)

0 increase

beyond

15 if required

to

lift off
Note: After liftoff follow after liftoff recovery technique

Page 51

Once
Liftoff
earlier.

airRe-

AC

11/25/88

00-54

Appendix

The runway
remaining
during
takeoff
can be identified
on runways
having
appropriate
marking
and
lighting.
While the markings
discussed
are usually
to assist
landing
aircraft,
they
can also be used to determine
runway
remaining
during a takeoff.
Figure
29 illustrates
the markings
and
lighting
typical
of FAA and ICAO precision
approach
runways.
For an airplane departing
from left
to right
in
the first
pair of single
the figure,
hash marks on either
side of the centerline
indicates
3,000 feet of runway
remaining
(i.e.
1,000 feet until
rotaAs takeoff
tion
must be initiated).
continues,
the
2,000
feet
remaining
point
is denoted by the first
pair of
double- hash marks encountered.
Note
that the spacing
of al 1 hash marks is
in 500 foot intervals
from the departure end threshold.

Nighttime - Approximate
2000
+
d
0
0
0
Q

3000
0

r--6
3000

1 Q

2000
Daytime - Approximate

Another
indication
of runway remaining
may be the runway lighting.
FAA/ICAO
precision
approach
runways (Figure
29)
have
edge lights
which
are yellow
rather
than white
for the last
2,000
feet
of runway
when viewed
in the
takeoff
direction.
In addition,
centerline
lighting
can be used to identify
the amount of runway remaining.
The crew in an airplane
taking
off
from left'to
right
in the figure
would
see
white
centerline
lights
until
3,000 feet from the end of the runway
(1,000
feet
until
rotation
must take
place).
From 3,000 feet to the 1,000
feet
remaining
point
the centerline
lights
alternate
white
and red.
The
centerline
lights
are all red for the
last 1,000 feet of runway.
A line of
red lights
perpendicular
to the runway
indicate
the end of usable runway surface.

Feet Remaining

Centerline and
Edge Lighting
0 White
@Red
Q Yellow

1000

1 Q

1000
Feet Remaining

Figure 29. FAA /CA0 precision approach runway markings and lighting.

Page 52

AC

U/25/88

00-54

Appendix

Figure
30 illustrates
the markings
on
an FAA non-precision
approach
runway.
The main indicator
of distance
remaining on these runways is the fixed
distance markings
on either
side of centerline
approximately
1,000 feet from

the
runway
threshold.
For
runways
with
these
markings,
pilot
judgement
and/or
familiarity
with specific
features along the runway are required
to
estimate
the
2,000
feet
remaining
point.

Centerline and
Edge Lighting
0 White
ORed

Approximate

Feet Remaining

I 0

Figure 30. FAA nonprecision approach funway markings and lighting.

Page 53

11125188

AC 00-54
Appendix

Runway markings
and lighting
on
ICAO non-precision
runway are shown
Figure
31.
This figure
represents
optimum configuration
that
might
pear.
Most
ICAO non-precision
proach runways would include
some,
not necessarily
all of these features.

ICAO non-precision
hash

marks

runways have
on either
side of

centerline
at intervals
of approximately
500 feet
(150 meters)
starting
from the runway threshold.
Fixed distance markers may also be present
approximately
1,000
feet
(300 meters)
from the threshold.
In addition,
runway edge lights
may be color
coded
similar
to precision
approach
runways
with yellow
rather
than white
lights
for approximately
the last
2,000 feet
(600 meters)
of the runway.

the
apapbut

single
runway

Nighttime - Approximate
0

an
in

2000
+
Q

Centerline and
Edge Lighting
0 White
l Red
Q Yellow

Feet Remaining
a

CD

Q
I0

010
3000

01)
2000

Daytime - Approximate

0 A Q

1
Feet Remaining

Figure 37. /CA0 nonprecision approach runway markings and lighting.

Page 54

11125188

AC 00-54
Appendix

Other

Recovery

Techniques

Use of inertial
reference
ground
speed emphasizes
control
of speed
which
is contrary
to the recommended
recovery
technique.
In
addition,
this
technique
is oriented toward
compensating
for the
windshear
and continuing
the approach
rather
than
immediately
initiating
the recovery
maneuver.
While this technique
is not appropriate
for microburst
encounters,
it
may be suitable
for
use in
other types of windshears.

Use of "dive"
technique
(lowering
airplane
nose in attempt
to accelerate
then pull up at some predetermined
minimum altitude)
exposes
the airplane
to potentially
higher
intensity
horizontal
winds,
produces lower minimum recovery
altitudes,
requires
high pitch
rates
and complicates
the recovery
procedure.

recovery
techniques
Many windshear
were evaluated
while
establishing
the
recommended
above.
The
technique
techniques
below are NOT recommended
since they may reduce the chances for
surviving
a windshear
encounter.
0

cAttempting
to maintain
target
speed- does not utilize
full
capability
of the airplane.
Attempting
to pitch
stick shaker does not
of available
airplane
results
in a degraded
and increased
exposure

airclimb

directly
to
maximize use
energy,
and
flight
path
to stall.

Attempting
Lift/Drag
utilize
gradient
plane.

to
fly
angle-of-attack
the
short-term
capability
of

at
best
does not
maximum
the air-

Retracting
flaps
during
approach
recovery
(per the normal go-around
procedure)
reduces
margins
to
stick
shaker
and has an adverse
impact on initial
climb capability
of the airplane.

Again,
best
recovery
results
achieved
by properly
controlling
attitude
'in
conjunction
with
application.

are
pitch
thrust

Page 55

.- -.

-. --

AC 00-54
Appendix

2.5

11/25/88
1

SUMMARY

This document has presented

the latest
air
transport
industry
findings
on
windshear
education
and training.
As
with
any learning,
however,
it must
produce changes in attitude
and behavior
if it is to be effective.
Changes in attitude
are necessary
to
heighten
crew awareness of clues which
indicate
the presence
of windshear.
In past windshear
accidents,
significant clues
apparently
went unnoticed,
Recall
again
that
the
best
defense
against
the
low
altitude
windshear
haiard
is
to avoid
it
altogether.
This
is
especially
important
since
shears exist that are beyond the capability
of
any
pilot
or
airplane.
information
Since
present
weather
sources
and detection
systems cannot
flight
infallibly
detect
windshear,
crews must be ever alert
for the signals which will
permit avoidance.

Page 56

Behavior
changes
These
changes
pilot
technique
avoidance
process

are also
necessary.
involve
appropriate
should
the windshear
fail.

As was discussed
in this
Pilot
Windshear Guide,
some of the techniques
presented
regarding
pitch attitude
and
airspeed
control
differ
from
those
ordinarily
used.
However,
the recommended techniques
have been rigorously
studied and evaluated
for their
effectiveness.
Pilots
must be prepared
to
apply these techniques
and take decisive action
should the need arise.
It is recognized
that
the value
of
this training
will
be challenged
given
the infrequency
of its required
use.
Like many other piloting
skills,
windshear training
will
not be exercised
daily
and periodic
recurrency
training
will
be required
to maintain
proficiency.
Through
this process
the knowledge and skills
pertaining
to windshear recognition,
avoidance,
and recovery will
be available
and ready for
use when required.

U.S.Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
800 Independence
Ave., S.W.
Washington,
DC. 20591
Official
Penalty

Business
for Private

Use $300

Postage and Fees Paid

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Administration
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