How does wind shear affect takeoff and landing performance?

• A. Wind shear can cause sudden changes in airspeed and altitude; avoid or adjust approach, hold, or abort as needed.
• B. Wind shear can cause improved lift and reduced drag in all cases.
• C. Wind shear only affects ground operations.
• D. Wind shear has no effect on flight path.

Answer: (B)

Wind shear is a rapid change in wind speed and/or direction with height, which near the ground can abruptly alter an aircraft’s airspeed and flight path during takeoff and landing. This means you can suddenly lose or gain airspeed and the airplane may diverge from the intended climb or descent profile, making a stabilized approach or a safe takeoff difficult. In such situations the correct response is to be prepared to adjust power and pitch promptly and, if the wind shear is significant or the approach cannot be stabilized, to execute a go-around or seek a safer moment to land.

The other ideas don’t fit because wind shear does not always improve lift or reduce drag; it can worsen performance instead. It also affects flying, not just ground operations, and it certainly can change the flight path rather than having no effect.