Pilot/Controller Glossary 

12/2/21 

National Weather Service. Winds at specific 
altitudes, along with temperatures and air pressure 
can be viewed. 

WIND SHEAR

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 A change in wind speed and/or wind 

direction in a short distance resulting in a tearing or 
shearing effect. It can exist in a horizontal or vertical 
direction and occasionally in both. 

WIND SHEAR ESCAPE

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 An unplanned abortive 

maneuver initiated by the pilot in command (PIC) as 
a result of onboard cockpit systems. Wind shear 
escapes are characterized by maximum thrust climbs 
in the low altitude terminal environment until wind 
shear conditions are no longer detected. 

WING TIP VORTICES

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(See VORTICES.) 

WORDS TWICE

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a. 

As a request: “Communication is difficult. 

Please say every phrase twice.” 

b. 

As information: “Since communications are 

difficult, every phrase in this message will be spoken 
twice.” 

WS

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(See SIGMET.) 
(See WEATHER ADVISORY.) 

WST

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(See CONVECTIVE SIGMET.) 
(See WEATHER ADVISORY.) 

PCG W

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