SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-microburst-downdraft-strength

How strong can the downdraft in a microburst be?

Up to 6,000 feet per minute.

Start playing free

  1. Up to 6,000 feet per minute ✔
  2. Up to 600 feet per minute
  3. Up to 60,000 feet per minute

Why: A microburst is a small, intense downdraft that spreads out at the ground. It lasts only about 5 to 15 minutes, but can cause a huge loss of performance if you take off or land into one.

Huh, didn't know that: A typical microburst is surprisingly shallow, with a nominal depth of only about 1,000 feet.

The dad joke
What did one raindrop say to the other raindrop? Two's company. Three's a cloud.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Up to 6,000 feet per minute. A microburst is a small, intense downdraft that spreads out at the ground. It lasts only about 5 to 15 minutes, but can cause a huge loss of performance if you take off or land into one.

  1. PHAK ch 12, Weather Theory (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/14_phak_ch12.pdf
    produce downdrafts of up to 6,000 feet per minute (fpm)
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. PHAK ch 12, Weather Theory (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/14_phak_ch12.pdf
    a nominal depth of 1,000 feet.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. PHAK ch 12, Weather Theory (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/14_phak_ch12.pdf
    performance-increasing headwind (1), followed by performance-decreasing downdrafts (2), followed by a rapidly increasing tailwind (3).
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingWhat can a commercial pilot do that a private pilot generally cannot?FlyingA new commercial airplane pilot has no instrument rating. Passengers for hire cannot go cross-country beyond how far?FlyingHow does a commercial pilot remove the 50 nautical mile and night passenger limitation?

That's stuff everyone should know.