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Weather theoryQuestion 323 of 934

An airplane takes off into a microburst. In what order does the pilot likely meet the wind changes?

  1. Tailwind, then downdraft, then a strong headwind
  2. Downdraft, then a headwind, then a strong tailwind
  3. Headwind, then a tailwind, then a strong updraft
  4. Headwind, then downdraft, then a strong tailwind
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Correct answer: Headwind, then downdraft, then a strong tailwind

The first headwind raises performance. The downdraft and tailwind that follow reduce it.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Low-Level Wind Shear, page 295

Practice weather theory

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026