Where does wind shear typically occur?

Wind shear occurs at various altitudes and can affect aircraft in different flight phases, which makes it a significant factor for pilots to consider. It can manifest in numerous ways—including horizontal shear, vertical shear, and changes in wind direction and speed. Wind shear is not limited to a specific altitude; it can occur at low altitudes during takeoff and landing, as well as at higher altitudes in the vicinity of jet streams or turbulence zones.

Additionally, while wind shear might be more commonly discussed in the context of severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, it is not confined to such conditions. It can also occur in clear air, at all altitudes, as a result of terrain effects, frontal boundaries, and atmospheric pressure variations, which is why it is essential for pilots to be aware of it throughout their flight operations. Therefore, stating that wind shear occurs at all altitudes and in all directions accurately reflects its broad nature and the variety of situations that pilots may encounter.