Meteorology
Weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and forecasting for aviation.
Overview
Aviation meteorology focuses on understanding weather phenomena that affect flight safety and efficiency. Pilots must interpret weather reports (METARs, TAFs), understand atmospheric processes, recognize dangerous weather conditions, and make informed go/no-go decisions based on weather information.
Key Topics
1. The Atmosphere
Structure of the atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, etc.), composition, International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) with standard temperature of 15°C at sea level, pressure of 1013.25 hPa, and lapse rate of approximately 2°C per 1000 feet.
2. Wind and Pressure Systems
Understanding how pressure gradients create wind, the Coriolis effect, high and low pressure systems, land and sea breezes, mountain waves, and wind shear. Wind always flows from high to low pressure.
3. Clouds and Precipitation
Cloud formation processes (convection, orographic lift, frontal lift), cloud types (cumulus, stratus, cirrus families), and associated precipitation. Cumulonimbus clouds pose the greatest threat to aviation.
4. Weather Fronts
Warm fronts (gradual weather changes, layered clouds), cold fronts (sharp weather changes, cumuliform clouds), occluded fronts, and their associated weather patterns that pilots must recognize and avoid.
5. Aviation Weather Reports
METAR (current conditions), TAF (forecast), SIGMET (significant meteorological hazards), and ATIS (automatic terminal information). Learning to decode these reports is essential for pre-flight planning.
6. Visibility and Fog
Types of fog (radiation, advection, frontal, upslope), mist, haze, and their formation conditions. Reduced visibility is one of the most common weather-related causes of aviation accidents.
Key Terms & Definitions
Exam Tips
- Tip 1:Know the ISA values: 15°C at sea level, lapse rate of ~2°C/1000ft, 1013.25 hPa
- Tip 2:Practice decoding METARs and TAFs - these appear frequently in exams
- Tip 3:Understand the difference between warm and cold front weather patterns
- Tip 4:Learn the conditions that produce different types of icing (clear, rime, mixed)
- Tip 5:Memorize cloud types and their associated weather hazards
Recommended References
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45)
FAA advisory circular explaining aviation weather products and services
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
FAA handbook covering weather theory for pilots
ICAO Annex 3 - Meteorological Service
International standards for aviation meteorological services
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