Simple analyses of paths through windshears and downdrafts

Abstract

Quasi-steady analysis and energy-state approximation are employed to study flight paths through windshears and downdrafts. Takeoff flight is mainly considerd while landing flight is briefly discussed. The relation between angle of attack and airspeed is found to be almost independent of horizontal wind and slightly dependent on vertical wind. In slowly-varying windshears and/or downdrafts, quasi-steady flight can be achieved by flying an aircraft at a lower than nominal climb rate; this will avoid stall. In severe windshears and/or downdrafts, energy-state approximation indicates that descending paths save more energy and provide higher survival capability.