Windshear

[turboplanner]

Just found the perfect example of windshear on a light aircraft.

One of my CFIs was killed by windshear.

I've experienced it twice, on late final around 50 to 100 feet above ground level.

The first time, I didn't react, just sat there and the Instructor slammed the throttle wide open so we missed going into scrub.

The second time, the CFI yelled "FULL TROTTLE" but I'd reached the end of the throttle sector and we went up like a lift.

You dont need to know the theory of it; when you fall it's just WOT and THEN fly it.

I timed this one at about 3 seconds from the point where he would notice the drop to touch down

In my cases I hadn't reached the runway; I counted 1.5 seconds from the time he would notice the drop to the time WOT would have arrested the drop and he could climb out.

You can put your stop watches on it and feel how much time you have to react.

 

We've talked in the past about building some actions, like EFATO initial response into muscle memory, where the average person starts to move in about 50/100 of a second, people with full currency and active about 20 to 30/100, and some down to 15/100.  If it's not a built in response; if something happens out of the blue, the reaction time will be around 2 to 5 seconds or even longer if you are disbelieving of what's happening. 

 

This is a good one to concrete in your head. Remember, I had made countles approaches and landings, but the first time, I would have started to respond after I hit the ground.

 

Windshear

Edited 18 hours ago by turboplanner

[facthunter]

Wind shear near the gound is hard to predict and can have wide ranging effects . We are going to have to deal with more of this as the weather seems to be becoming more extreme more often.  A  gusting wind change associated with a sea breeze  or cold front is common in some places. Hit the Power and loosely hold the attitude. Do NOT chase the airspeed. IF you have been lifted UP chance are you go down soon. Be ready for it. Downburst from nearby storm s used to cause Jet losses till the training changed for late approach situations. MAX power is the first action. If you are interested there's a lot of info on reaction times  on engine failures at about V 1.( go or stop). where it's very critical..  Balanced field Length. Nev

[red750]

I remember my only experience with wind shear, back in the early 80's. I was in a Beech Musketeer on short final to Rwy 35 at Moorabbin, with my uncle, brother, and brother-in-law on board.Suddenly the bottom dropped out beneath us. My instructor had really pressed home - "If you get in trouble, throttle full forward and hold level to build speed". It kicked in automatically and we went around and landed safely. My B-I-L was white as a sheet, and talked about it for years.

[BrendAn]

runway 03 at traralgon has regular windshear when the breeze flows over the trees on the east side . 

scary stuff when you hit sink like that.   

 

[facthunter]

It has to be an instant response or you are in deep trouble. No 1/2 measures. Trees  and large buildings etc  cause mechanical turbulence, and is not as severe Generally but off-putting if you aren't  ready for it. Just increase speed for that one and go around if it gets pear-shaped. Nev

Edited 11 hours ago by facthunter

[facthunter]

We will inevitably experience these things if we do much flying. Light wing loaded stuff is more difficult to handle in these circumstances..( Hard to keep it on the ground)  Spoilers save the day sometimes. Not available generally..  The main thing is to keep control  and don't be shocked into doing nothing, and becoming JUST a passenger.   USE  all of what you have going for you..  Nev