FAA Part 107 Drone Practice Test

At what altitude can wind shear occur?

1. Below 5,000 feet AGL

2. At any altitude

3. Above 20,000 feet MSL

4. Only at takeoff and landing

The correct answer is: At any altitude

Wind shear can occur at any altitude, making the selection of that answer accurate. Wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, and it can happen at various levels throughout the atmosphere. Factors contributing to wind shear include thermal changes, changes in topography, the presence of weather fronts, and the interaction with various air masses. While it is common to experience wind shear during takeoff and landing, particularly near the ground, it is not limited to these phases of flight or specific altitudes. For instance, significant wind shear can also be encountered at cruising altitudes due to jet streams or through weather phenomena such as thunderstorms at higher altitudes. The other choices suggest limitations that don't encompass the full range of where wind shear can be present, as it is not confined to any specific zone, thus reinforcing the correctness of the answer that wind shear can occur at any altitude.