[b]LEM[/] The instructor may have a common misunderstanding of the term ‘windshear’. There are several references which define that windshear conditions exist with gusts greater than 15 kts; this is technically correct but in some instances this is incorrectly coupled with ‘microburst’ downdraughts which involve different conditions.
For turbulence related / gusty windshear conditions, precautions such a full power should be sufficient. It is important to be aware of the conditions; i.e. preparedness and thinking ahead. The published speeds provide a good but not a complete margin, from stall warning. The certification assumptions should ensure safety in most cases. Speed is the primary reference and the FD will be adequate provided the FD mode is speed referenced – not pitch, but always follow manufactures recommendations on maximum pitch angles particularly if at light weight.
Where microburst conditions exist or the conditions conducive to a microburst are identified then there are significant threats to safe flight. The first consideration is to delay take off. If it is considered safe to take off then several precautions should be considered; see references below.
When still on the runway and during lift off, higher speeds and lower attitudes may be used. I consider these to be emergency procedures where the aircraft has encountered an unexpected microburst and the aircraft has passed V1 (a poor decision to start the take off). Thereafter altitude provides greater safety; thus climb quickly using the recommended speeds, but maintaining awareness of the microburst conditions. If a microburst is encountered then flight near stall warning provides the best compromise between speed and a safe altitude; then in these circumstances the pitch attitude probably has to be lowered just to prevent stall warning.
See this incident:
Windshear – an example of a successful recovery – the crew followed SOPs.
Further information may be found in
FAA Advisory Circulars, search for ‘AC00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide’, and ‘AC00-30B Atmospheric Turbulence Avoidance’.