What is the primary goal when encountering wind shear on approach?

When encountering wind shear on approach, the primary goal is to apply thrust and control the aircraft. Wind shear is a sudden change in wind direction and speed, which can significantly impact the aircraft's vertical performance and airspeed. By applying thrust effectively, the pilot can counteract the immediate effects of wind shear, maintain a stable approach path, and ensure the aircraft remains controllable.

Maintaining proper control of the aircraft in these conditions is crucial for safety, especially when close to the ground during landing. This option emphasizes the importance of active management of thrust and flight controls to navigate through turbulence or changes in wind patterns while prioritizing aircraft safety.

In contrast, while maintaining speed is also important, it should not be pursued at the expense of controlling the aircraft effectively; hence, it's not considered the primary goal in this scenario. Reporting the situation to air traffic control is essential but is more of an administrative action than an immediate tactical response. Executing a go-around may sometimes be necessary, but the priority in the moment of encountering wind shear is to stabilize the approach first and manage the aircraft's behavior.