Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Commercial Pilot License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Wind shear primarily occurs due to specific atmospheric conditions, making the option regarding atmospheric conditions like temperature inversions and frontal zones the best choice.

Wind shear is characterized by a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a relatively short distance. One significant atmospheric condition that can lead to wind shear is a temperature inversion, where warmer air traps cooler air near the surface, potentially causing abrupt changes in wind speed and direction. Similarly, the presence of frontal zones, which are boundaries between different air masses, can create significant shear as they often bring about rapid changes in wind characteristics.

While nighttime conditions and seasonal changes can influence specific weather patterns and contribute to overall atmospheric phenomena, they do not directly determine the occurrence of wind shear. Additionally, aircraft altitude can affect how wind shear is experienced during flight, but it does not dictate where wind shear can occur in the broader atmospheric context.

Understanding the role of atmospheric conditions is essential for pilots, as it helps them anticipate and prepare for potential wind shear encounters during both approach and departure phases.