Analysis of Low-level Wind and Turbulence Characteristics at a Typical General Aviation Airport Based on Aircraft-based Detection Data

Jun-jie WU , Zhuo-qun SHI , Xiao-yuan HUANG , Liang BAI

Science Technology and Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (4) : 1358 -1365.

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Science Technology and Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (4) : 1358-1365 DOI: 10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2502444
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Analysis of Low-level Wind and Turbulence Characteristics at a Typical General Aviation Airport Based on Aircraft-based Detection Data
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Abstract

The low-level wind exerts a significant influence on flight safety during the critical phases of takeoff and landing. The characteristics of low-level wind and turbulence at a typical general aviation airport were investigated using aircraft-based detection data. Wind profiles along the glide path of Guanghan Airport were classified through K-means clustering,and their associated turbulence characteristics were analyzed. The results show that the wind profiles can be categorized into six distinct types. Among them,types I to IV exhibit minimal variation in wind direction with height and demonstrate high directional consistency. These four types constitute 90.2% of all profiles,representing the predominant low-level wind structures. In contrast,types V and VI display significant directional shear with altitude. Temporal variations are evident. Types I and II mostly occur from August to November. Type III occurs from May to July,and type IV appears from June to August. In terms of diurnal variation,type II is mostly observed between 13:00 and 15:00,while the others mainly occur between 19:00 and 21:00. Turbulence analysis shows that type II has the highest turbulence frequency (26.3%),followed by type III. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that turbulence in type II is mainly caused by thermal effects. In contrast,turbulence in type III results from both thermal and dynamic mechanisms. Turbulence events are mainly concentrated between 120 and 175 m in altitude. The research results provide insights into the structural features of low-level wind and turbulence over a typical general aviation airport are revealed. The findings are expected to enhance meteorological support capabilities,improve pilots’ awareness and preparedness for adverse atmospheric conditions,and contribute to ensuring the safety of general aviation flight operations.

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aircraft-based detection data / low-level wind profile / turbulence characteristics / K-means clustering / general aviation flight safety

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Jun-jie WU, Zhuo-qun SHI, Xiao-yuan HUANG, Liang BAI. Analysis of Low-level Wind and Turbulence Characteristics at a Typical General Aviation Airport Based on Aircraft-based Detection Data. Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(4): 1358-1365 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2502444

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