AIM

8/15/19

7

−

1

−

48

Meteorology

FIG 7

−

1

−

13

Microburst Encounter During Takeoff

A microburst encounter during takeoff. The airplane first encounters a headwind and experiences increasing
performance (1), this is followed in short succession by a decreasing headwind component (2), a downdraft
(3), and finally a strong tailwind (4), where 2 through 5 all result in decreasing performance of the airplane.
Position (5) represents an extreme situation just prior to impact. Figure courtesy of Walter Frost, FWG
Associates, Inc., Tullahoma, Tennessee.

e.

Microburst wind shear may create a severe

hazard for aircraft within 1,000 feet of the ground,
particularly during the approach to landing and
landing and take-off phases. The impact of a
microburst on aircraft which have the unfortunate

experience of penetrating one is characterized in
FIG 7

−

1

−

13. The aircraft may encounter a headwind

(performance increasing) followed by a downdraft
and tailwind (both performance decreasing), possibly
resulting in terrain impact.