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What is windshear?

Windshear is a sustained change (i.e. lasting more than a few seconds) in headwind or tailwind resulting in changes in the lift to the aircraft. A decreased lift will cause the aircraft to go below the intended flight path. A change of 15 knots or more in headwind or tailwind is considered significant windshear which may require timely and appropriate corrective action by the pilot.

Schematic diagram of windshear