What happens to an aircraft's airspeed and lift during increased performance wind shear?

What happens to an aircraft's airspeed and lift during increased performance wind shear?

• A. Air speed decreases, lift increases
• B. Air speed increases, lift decreases
• C. Air speed increases, lift increases
• D. Air speed decreases, lift decreases

Answer: (C)

During increased performance wind shear, an aircraft typically experiences an increase in airspeed due to a sudden change in wind direction or speed, often resulting from an increase in tailwind during descent or approach. This change in airflow can lead to an increase in lift as well. When the aircraft encounters a tailwind, the groundspeed increases, which can cause the true airspeed (the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air) to rise if the air density remains the same. This is because the relative wind is now more favorable for generating lift, contributing to a greater dynamic pressure acting on the wings. As the airspeed increases and the angle of attack remains within safe limits, the lift also increases due to the underlying principles of aerodynamics—specifically, the relationship described by Bernoulli’s principle and Newton's third law of motion. Hence, both factors lead to an increase in lift. This combination of increased airspeed and lift is particularly crucial during phases of flight where performance is critical, such as takeoff or landing, making it essential for pilots to be aware of these changes during wind shear conditions. The option indicating that airspeed and lift both increase accurately reflects the aerodynamic response to increased performance wind shear.

During increased performance wind shear, an aircraft typically experiences an increase in airspeed due to a sudden change in wind direction or speed, often resulting from an increase in tailwind during descent or approach. This change in airflow can lead to an increase in lift as well.

When the aircraft encounters a tailwind, the groundspeed increases, which can cause the true airspeed (the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air) to rise if the air density remains the same. This is because the relative wind is now more favorable for generating lift, contributing to a greater dynamic pressure acting on the wings.

As the airspeed increases and the angle of attack remains within safe limits, the lift also increases due to the underlying principles of aerodynamics—specifically, the relationship described by Bernoulli’s principle and Newton's third law of motion. Hence, both factors lead to an increase in lift.

This combination of increased airspeed and lift is particularly crucial during phases of flight where performance is critical, such as takeoff or landing, making it essential for pilots to be aware of these changes during wind shear conditions. The option indicating that airspeed and lift both increase accurately reflects the aerodynamic response to increased performance wind shear.