'32A WSA 20K+ RWY 090 24' indicates that this is ____________.

• A. a wind shear alert
• B. a weather observation
• C. a runway inspection
• D. an air traffic advisory

Answer: (A)

The phrase uses a Windshear Alert (WSA), which is a specific type of alert issued to warn pilots about hazardous wind shear conditions in the vicinity of a runway. The inclusion of WSA signals that what’s being conveyed is an alert about rapidly changing wind characteristics that can affect airspeed and flight path on approach or departure. The rest of the notation—such as the 20K+—indicates the magnitude of the wind-shear concern (wind-shear at least 20 knots), and the Runway 090 shows which runway is affected. This is why it’s identified as a wind shear alert rather than a routine weather observation, a runway inspection, or an ATC advisory. In practice, pilots would expect wind-shear procedures, adjust approach speeds, and be prepared for sudden changes in wind as they near the runway.