What defines severe windshear?

Severe windshear is characterized by dramatic and rapid changes in airspeed, which can significantly affect the performance and handling of an aircraft during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. The definition of severe windshear generally refers to conditions that involve airspeed changes greater than 15 knots.

This threshold is based on the operational impacts that such changes can have on aircraft control; a change of this magnitude can lead to challenges in maintaining desired flight parameters. When an aircraft encounters these conditions, it can result in unexpected altitude variations, requiring immediate pilot awareness and response. Understanding this critical definition is essential for flight safety, as severe windshear can lead to hazardous situations if pilots are not adequately prepared to manage their aircraft under these conditions.