weather theoryFAA-published sample question (IRA, Aug 2021)
(Refer to FAA-CT-8080-3F, Figure 13.) How will the aircraft in position 4 be affected by a microburst encounter?
FAA Figure 13Microburst section chartFAA-CT-8080-3F · Instrument Rating supplement
A
Performance increasing with a tailwind and updraft.
B
Performance decreasing with a tailwind and downdraft.✓ Correct Answer
C
Performance decreasing with a headwind and downdraft.
Explanation
In Figure 13 the aircraft flies left to right through the microburst: at position 1 it meets the increasing headwind, at 3 the strong downdraft at the core, and at 4 it is past the center in the increasing tailwind while still under the downward-curving outflow. AIM 7-1-24 says the downdraft and tailwind are both performance-decreasing, so at position 4 performance is decreasing with a tailwind and downdraft. The headwind (performance-increasing) part occurs on the entry side, not at position 4.
Related weather theory questions
In what localities is advection fog most likely to occur?On initial climb-out after takeoff and with the autopilot engaged, you encounter icing conditions. I...A generally recommended practice for autopilot usage during cruise flight in icing conditions isWhat is an important characteristic of wind shear?When approaching a cumulonimbus cell that is on your route of flight, a pilot should
Keep practising
Study more FAA Instrument Rating questions, or take a timed practice quiz.