What is the maximum downward speed of a microburst?

What is the maximum downward speed of a microburst?

• A. 6,000 ft per minute
• B. 1,000 ft per minute
• C. 10,000 ft per minute
• D. 500 ft per minute

Answer: (A)

Microbursts are intense, localized downdrafts that reach the surface and create strong surface winds. The strongest downdraft speeds in a microburst are typically about 6,000 feet per minute, which is roughly 60 knots at the ground. That level of downward velocity is what makes the outflow particularly hazardous for aircraft on takeoff or landing, due to sudden wind shear and gusts. Speeds as low as 1,000 or 500 ft/min are far too small to produce the decelerating, abrupt changes pilots must anticipate, and speeds as high as 10,000 ft/min would imply surface winds far beyond what microbursts usually generate.

Microbursts are intense, localized downdrafts that reach the surface and create strong surface winds. The strongest downdraft speeds in a microburst are typically about 6,000 feet per minute, which is roughly 60 knots at the ground. That level of downward velocity is what makes the outflow particularly hazardous for aircraft on takeoff or landing, due to sudden wind shear and gusts. Speeds as low as 1,000 or 500 ft/min are far too small to produce the decelerating, abrupt changes pilots must anticipate, and speeds as high as 10,000 ft/min would imply surface winds far beyond what microbursts usually generate.