How should wind shear be reported in a PIREP — and what terms should be avoided?

7-1-22. Wind Shear PIREPs
a. Because unexpected changes in wind speed and direction can be hazardous to aircraft operations at low
altitudes on approach to and departing from airports, pilots are urged to promptly volunteer reports to controllers
of wind shear conditions they encounter. An advance warning of this information will assist other pilots in
avoiding or coping with a wind shear on approach or departure.
b. When describing conditions, use of the terms "negative" or "positive" wind shear should be avoided.
PIREPs of "negative wind shear on final," intended to describe loss of airspeed and lift, have been interpreted
to mean that no wind shear was encountered. The recommended method for wind shear reporting is to state the
loss or gain of airspeed and the altitudes at which it was encountered.
Meteorology 7-1-49

AIM 2/20/25
EXAMPLE-
1. Denver Tower , Cessna 1234 encountered wind shear, loss of 20 knots at 400.
2. Tulsa Tower, American 721 encountered wind shear on final, gained 25 knots between 600 and 400 feet followed by loss
of 40 knots between 400 feet and surface.
1. Pilots who are not able to report wind shear in these specific terms are encouraged to make reports in
terms of the effect upon their aircraft.
EXAMPLE-
Miami Tower , Gulfstream 403 Charlie encountered an abrupt wind shear at 800 feet on final, max thrust required.
2. Pilots using Inertial Navigation Systems (INSs) should report the wind and altitude both above and below
the shear level.
c. Wind Shear Escape
1. Pilots should report to ATC when they are performing a wind shear escape maneuver. This report should
be made as soon as practicable, but not until aircraft safety and control is assured, which may not be satisfied
until the aircraft is clear of the wind shear or microburst. ATC should provide safety alerts and traffic advisories,
as appropriate.
EXAMPLE-
"Denver Tower , United 1154, wind shear escape."
2. Once the pilot initiates a wind shear escape maneuver, ATC is not responsible for providing approved
separation between the aircraft and any other aircraft, airspace, terrain, or obstacle until the pilot reports that the
escape procedure is complete and approved separation has been re-established. Pilots should advise ATC that
they are resuming the previously assigned clearance or should request an alternate clearance.
EXAMPLE-
"Denver Tower , United ll54, wind shear escape complete, resuming last assigned heading/(name) DP/clearance."
or
"Denver Tower , United ll54, wind shear escape complete, request further instructions."