Instructor Notes
Windshear

Windshear Systems
PWSWAGS
  • All MD-10s, Only 5 MD-11s - more coming..., but ALL sims
  • Used to AVOID
  • Male voice (if within 3 miles)
  • Says: "WINDSHEAR AHEAD" on PFD and voice (if within 3 miles)
  • Icon on ND, words on PFD (at "10:30") (if within 3 miles)
  • OK to change configuration
         "Go around, Flaps 28..."
  • May need to turn immediately
  • (suggest) Have PM ND on WX (to see 'silent icon')
  • Not visible above 1,200' AGL (but may be there!)

  • Advisory (3-5 miles) = Icon only - (What I call "The Silent Icon")
  • Caution (< 3 miles) = Icon + voice: "Monitor radar display"
  • Warning T/O (< 3 miles within 1/4 mile of C/L) = Icon + voice: "Windshear Ahead!"
  • Warning Landing (< 1 1/2 miles within 1/4 mile of C/L) = Icon + voice: "Go Around Windshear Ahead!"
  • T/O to 1,200' (aural inhibited >100K to 50' RA), Landing 1,200' to 50'
  • All MD-11, All MD-10, ALL sims
  • Too late - "You're in it"
  • Female voice
  • Only on PFD
  • Do NOT change configuration

  • Alert displays: "WINDSHEAR" red or amber on PFD (at "10:30")
  • Voice says either "TAILWIND SHEAR" or "HEADWIND SHEAR" (3 x)
  • Guidance displays "WINDSHEAR" (white) in SPD and ALT FMAs
  • Selecting heading change does NOT affect guidance (It's OK to select a turn if necessary)
  • OK to use Autopilot above 500'
  • Only get guidance with throttles > 95% -OR- G/A button
  • Firewall Power usually appropriate
  • T/O: 80 K to 1,500'
  • Landing: 1,500' to 50' (Not below!)