FAA Ground School Practice Test

If there is thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of an airport at which you plan to land, which hazardous atmospheric phenomenon might be expected on landing approach?

1. Cloud turbulence

2. Wind-shear turbulence

3. Ground fog

4. Pressure change

The correct answer is: Wind-shear turbulence

When landing in the vicinity of thunderstorm activity, wind-shear turbulence is a significant hazard that pilots must be aware of. Wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance in the atmosphere, which can occur with thunderstorms due to the intense atmospheric disturbances they create. Thunderstorms are characterized by strong updrafts and downdrafts, which can lead to sudden changes in wind conditions as a pilot approaches the airport. These changes can be especially dangerous during critical phases of flight, such as landing, as they can cause abrupt changes in the aircraft's altitude or airspeed. The potential for wind shear increases significantly near thunderstorms, especially during the approach and landing phase. This makes awareness of wind shear crucial for preventing loss of control during landing. The other options, while they may also present hazards, do not carry the same level of risk associated with thunderstorms as wind-shear turbulence does. For example, cloud turbulence can occur in various conditions but isn’t specifically tied to the unique and severe turbulence generated by thunderstorms. Ground fog primarily affects visibility rather than directly impacting the aircraft's flight dynamics. Pressure changes can happen but are less pronounced and not as immediately hazardous as wind shear conditions found in the vicinity of storms.