Soar to New Heights with the 2025 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam – Ready for Takeoff!

Wind shear is defined as the rate of change of wind velocity per unit distance. This phenomenon can occur either vertically or horizontally within the atmosphere and is crucial for pilots to understand because it can significantly affect aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. For instance, if there is a sudden increase or decrease in wind speed or a change in wind direction over a short distance, it can lead to dangerous flying conditions, such as turbulence or loss of control.

The other options do not accurately describe wind shear. A temperature gradient relates to how temperature changes over a specific distance but does not directly refer to wind behavior. The sudden change in wind direction alone is a component of wind shear but does not encompass the entire definition, as wind shear also involves changes in wind speed. An average wind speed over time speaks to broad trends rather than the immediate and critical variations that define wind shear. Understanding this concept is essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency in aviation.