Watch Easyjet Plane From Porto Do The Extra Round Due To Wind Shear
Most have done the extra round at Christiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), but this one was really close. Watch the exhilarating arrival of the Easyjet flight from Porto on May 10th, narrowly aborting landing in the final moments due to wind shear. The aircraft safely touched down at Madeira Airport later in the day.
What Is A Wind Shear And Why Is It A Problem During Landing?
Imagine you're a plane coming in for a landing, everything feels smooth, like gliding on calm water. Suddenly, it's like you hit an invisible wall of wind. That's wind shear - a sharp shift in wind speed or direction over a short distance. Here's why it's dangerous during landing:
Lift Disruption
Planes fly because their wings generate lift, which depends on airspeed. Wind shear can mess with the airflow over the wings, reducing lift at the crucial moment of landing.
Downdrafts
Wind shear can also cause downdrafts, strong blasts of air pushing the plane down. This is especially dangerous when the plane is already trying to slow down and descend for landing.
Basically, wind shear throws a curveball at the plane right before touchdown. Pilots need a stable approach to land safely. If wind shear throws things off balance, they prioritize safety and do a "go-around," where they climb back up and try for another landing attempt under better conditions. It might seem scary, but it's a pilot's best bet to ensure everyone on board stays safe.
Source: Madeira Aviation Spotting
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