Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Achieve Your Pilot Certification Success!

A microburst is a localized weather phenomenon characterized by a strong downdraft that results in violent winds at the surface, often associated with thunderstorms. The typical size of a microburst is generally less than one mile in diameter. This is due to the rapid development and concentrated nature of the downdraft, which usually spreads out as it reaches the ground, causing damaging winds that can affect a very small area.

The concern with microbursts lies in their potential to hit suddenly and with such intensity that they can create dangerous conditions for aircraft during takeoff and landing. By understanding the size of a microburst, pilots can better recognize the possible impact on aircraft performance and make informed decisions when encountering such weather phenomena.

Larger areas such as those over 5 miles or up to 3 miles exceed the typical definition of a microburst, as these would generally be associated with larger storm systems rather than the rapid and localized downdrafts that microbursts produce.