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Wind sequence in a microburst encounter

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 16 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1e · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA small unmanned aircraft inadvertently flies through a microburst. In what order will it typically encounter the wind changes?

  1. AA rapidly increasing tailwind, then downdrafts, then a performance-increasing headwind
  2. BA performance-increasing headwind, then downdrafts, then a rapidly increasing tailwind
  3. CStrong updrafts, then a performance-increasing headwind, then a slowly decreasing tailwind
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. A performance-increasing headwind, then downdrafts, then a rapidly increasing tailwind

  • A — incorrect This reverses the sequence; the headwind comes first as the aircraft enters the outflow, and the tailwind comes last.
  • B — correct The study guide describes the encounter as a performance-increasing headwind first, followed by performance-decreasing downdrafts, followed by a rapidly increasing tailwind.
  • C — incorrect A microburst is a downdraft phenomenon; it does not begin with updrafts, and the tailwind increases rapidly rather than decreasing slowly.

BACKGROUND

A microburst is the most severe type of low-level wind shear and is associated with convective precipitation into dry air at cloud base. A typical microburst is 1 to 2 miles across, about 1,000 feet deep and lasts 5 to 15 minutes, during which it can produce downdrafts of up to 6,000 feet per minute and headwind losses of 30 to 90 knots. During an inadvertent encounter the small unmanned aircraft first experiences a performance-increasing headwind, then performance-decreasing downdrafts, then a rapidly increasing tailwind. The result can be terrain impact or flight dangerously close to the ground, and on approach the aircraft can be forced down short of the intended landing area.

STUDY TIP

Remember that the first effect of a microburst feels good (a headwind); the deadly part follows.

KEY POINTS

  • A microburst is the most severe form of low-level wind shear.
  • Encounter sequence: headwind, downdrafts, then a rapidly increasing tailwind.
  • Downdrafts can reach 6,000 feet per minute with headwind losses of 30 to 90 knots.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Low-Level Wind Shear" (microburst paragraph)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.