If an aircraft encounters wind shear with a decreasing tailwind during landing, what is the likely condition?

Study for the ATPL Intensive Program Exam. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards, each with hints and explanations. Master your exam preparation and succeed!

When an aircraft encounters wind shear with a decreasing tailwind during landing, it affects both its altitude relative to the glide path and its airspeed. A decreasing tailwind signifies that the speed of the wind is diminishing, which can cause the aircraft to descend more steeply than expected. Consequently, the aircraft may end up below the intended glide path because it is not receiving the same level of assistance from the tailwind that it was previously.

In addition, while the aircraft descends below the glide path, the reduction in tailwind leads to an increase in the aircraft's groundspeed relative to the airframe's true airspeed. As the tailwind decreases, the aircraft's true airspeed could appear to be increasing or could remain relatively constant in relation to the ground, but the pilot may perceive an increase in control response and thrust requirement.

Thus, the situation expected when an aircraft experiences wind shear with a diminishing tailwind is for it to be flying below the intended glide path with an increasing true airspeed, reflecting the aerodynamic complexities that arise due to changes in wind conditions during the critical phase of landing.

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