📢 This glossary was created to be a dynamic version of the Pilot/Controller Glossary published by the FAA. Because the FAA now maintains its own dynamic version of the Pilot/Controller Glossary, this version is no longer updated.
| Term: |
DOWNBURST |
|---|---|
| Meaning: | A strong downdraft which induces an outburst of damaging winds on or near the ground. Damaging winds, either straight or curved, are highly divergent. The sizes of downbursts vary from 1/2 mile or less to more than 10 miles. An intense downburst often causes widespread damage. Damaging winds, lasting 5 to 30 minutes, could reach speeds as high as 120 knots. |
| Previous Term: | DOMESTIC AIRSPACE |
| Next Term: | DOWNWIND LEG |