Pilot/Controller Glossary
DOWNBURST
This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.
A strong downdraft which induces an outburst of damaging winds on or near the ground. Damaging winds, either straight or curved, are highly divergent. The sizes of downbursts vary from 1/2 mile or less to more than 10 miles. An intense downburst often causes widespread damage. Damaging winds, lasting 5 to 30 minutes, could reach speeds as high as 120 knots.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.