Which is true about shear turbulence related to thunderstorms?

Prepare for the USAF Instrument Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Shear turbulence associated with thunderstorms can indeed be experienced miles away from the storm itself. This phenomenon occurs due to strong winds at different altitudes that can create shear, which is a change in wind speed or direction over a short distance. Thunderstorms can generate significant downdrafts and outflows that affect the surrounding areas, leading to turbulence even when an aircraft is not directly under the storm. This type of turbulence can be dangerous as it can lead to abrupt changes in altitude and direction, making it crucial for pilots to be aware of its potential when flying in the vicinity of thunderstorms.

The other options present limitations that don't align with the broader understanding of shear turbulence. For instance, indicating that it can only be experienced under the storm underestimates its reach. Saying it occurs only during the day ignores the fact that thunderstorms can form and create turbulence at any time. Lastly, considering shear turbulence to be harmless to aircraft fails to recognize that it can indeed pose serious risks, particularly to smaller aircraft or during critical flight phases such as takeoff and landing.

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