Crosswind Weather Wind Shear 
Pilot Institute
JANUARY 3, 2025
It acts as a real-time visual indicator of wind direction and speed, helping you make important decisions. Although modern airports utilize advanced weather monitoring systems, windsocks are still valuable because they provide immediate, visual feedback that you can rely on. Let’s see how to figure out the wind direction.
Plane and Pilot
JANUARY 8, 2025
My time studying the weather proved itself well spent as the flight to Portland was uneventful and a beautiful sight. Most seemed to be using more flaps than normal for takeoff, the idea being to get away from the ground as quickly as possible to minimize their time near the ground, where a wind shear could have serious consequences.
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Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 2, 2024
The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required. Less-than-ideal conditions may mean a shift in lesson plan from a cross-country to an opportunity to perfect crosswind technique. 1 priority.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 2, 2024
The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required. Less-than-ideal conditions may mean a shift in lesson plan from a cross-country to an opportunity to perfect crosswind technique. 1 priority.
Northstar VFR
MARCH 23, 2025
Weather, hazardous conditions, wind, or a congested pattern can also add challenges to the approach making it more likely to be unstable. This may be difficult if the weather is at or below minimums for the approach. Weather Hazards Low visibility and wind shear are weather hazards that can create the need to go-around.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 26, 2024
Weather Go-arounds due to weather occur due to wind shear caused by gusting winds or microbursts. When an aircraft encounters horizontal wind shear, it could be blown off centerline. Similarly, if an aircraft encounters vertical wind shear, it reduces or increases the sink rate.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 2, 2024
You should go only if the weather is as benign as forecast, good alternates exist, and you feel good about doing it. I often abort a flight in the old Champ for wind reasons. I’ll fly in crosswinds up to 10 mph, but no more, because I know the aged mechanical brakes aren’t able to prevent weathervaning above that figure.
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