What are the potential impacts of microbursts on flight safety?

• A. They can create favorable takeoff conditions
• B. They cause sudden gusts of wind that can lead to loss of control during landing or takeoff
• C. They improve visibility for pilots
• D. They primarily affect cruising altitudes

Answer: (B)

Microbursts are a type of severe wind shear that can occur in thunderstorms and can significantly affect flight safety. The correct answer highlights that microbursts cause sudden gusts of wind, which can lead to rapid changes in aircraft performance during critical phases of flight, such as landing or takeoff. This sudden change can create challenging conditions for pilots, as an aircraft may experience a sudden increase or decrease in lift, potentially leading to a loss of control.

When an aircraft encounters a microburst, it may suddenly gain altitude as it runs into the updraft, followed by a rapid downdraft that can result in a loss of altitude unexpectedly. This phenomenon can be particularly dangerous just above the runway during approach or immediately after takeoff when the aircraft is more vulnerable and requires precise control.

The other choices do not accurately capture the nature of microbursts and their impact on flight safety. For example, suggesting that they create favorable takeoff conditions disregards the hazards posed by the unexpected wind changes. Improving visibility is not a characteristic attribute of microbursts; in fact, they often occur in conditions associated with thunderstorms, where visibility can be significantly reduced. Likewise, microbursts have a more pronounced impact during low-altitude flight phases rather than primarily