Aviation Weather Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When may hazardous wind shear be expected?

In areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence.

Why is frost considered hazardous to flight?

Frost spoils the smooth flow of air over the wings, thereby decreasing lifting capability.

When requesting weather information for the following morning, a pilot should request?

An outlook briefing.

What should pilots state initially when telephoning a weather briefing facility for preflight weather information?

Identify themselves as pilots. Signup and view all the answers

What does a TAF include?

Wind, visibility, weather phenomena, obstructions to vision, and cloud coverage. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Weather Depiction Chart, what is the weather for a flight from southern Michigan to north Indiana?

Ceilings greater than 3,000 feet and visibility greater than 5 miles. Signup and view all the answers

Which in-flight advisory would contain information on severe icing not associated with thunderstorms?

SIGMET. Signup and view all the answers

What values are used for Winds Aloft Forecasts?

True direction and knots. Signup and view all the answers

Of what value is the Weather Depiction Chart to the pilot?

For determining general weather conditions on which to base flight planning. Signup and view all the answers

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is?

Specific to an airport. Signup and view all the answers

What is the only cloud type forecast in TAF reports?

Cumulonimbus. Signup and view all the answers

What information is contained in a CONVECTIVE SIGMET?

Tornadoes, embedded thunderstorms, and hail 3/4 inch or greater in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

When does the most accurate part of a forecast occur?

At the beginning of the forecast period. Signup and view all the answers

Radar weather reports are of special interest to pilots because they indicate?

Location of precipitation along with type, intensity, and cell movement of precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

To determine the freezing level and areas of probable icing aloft, which should the pilot refer to?

Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories. Signup and view all the answers

How are Significant Weather Prognostic Charts best used by a pilot?

For determining areas to avoid (freezing levels and turbulence). Signup and view all the answers

Humid air at the surface, especially in summer, can cause?

Instability and the formation of afternoon thunderstorms. Signup and view all the answers

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a?

Heat exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate base of the cumulus clouds if the surface air temperature at 1,000 feet MSL is 70 °F and the dewpoint is 48 °F?

6,000 feet MSL. Signup and view all the answers

After takeoff, you encounter a temperature inversion. You should expect?

Wind shear. Signup and view all the answers

A temperature inversion would most likely result in which weather condition?

An increase in temperature as altitude is increased. Signup and view all the answers

Which weather conditions should be expected beneath a low-level temperature inversion layer when the relative humidity is high?

Smooth air, poor visibility, fog, haze, or low clouds. Signup and view all the answers

What feature is associated with a temperature inversion?

A stable layer of air. Signup and view all the answers

Moist, stable air flowing upslope can be expected to?

Produce stratus type clouds. Signup and view all the answers

Which is true with respect to a high- or low-pressure system?

A high-pressure area or ridge is an area of descending air. Signup and view all the answers

Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of?

Stratiform clouds with little or no turbulence. Signup and view all the answers

Clouds are divided into four families according to their?

Height range. Signup and view all the answers

Low level inversions may cause?

Smoke and dust to be trapped close to the surface. Signup and view all the answers

You can expect dangerous turbulence in mountain waves and?

Below rotor clouds. Signup and view all the answers

What causes sea breezes to move inland?

Cool, dense air moving inland from over the water to replace warm air that has risen over the land. Signup and view all the answers

Which conditions result in the formation of frost?

The temperature of the collecting surface is at or below the dewpoint of the adjacent air and the dewpoint is below freezing. Signup and view all the answers

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 °F and the dewpoint is 38 °F?

10,000 feet AGL. Signup and view all the answers

The layers of the atmosphere, beginning at the earth's surface, are?

Troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wind Shear

Hazardous wind shear may occur in low-level temperature inversions, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence.

Frost Hazards

Frost disrupts smooth airflow over wings, reducing lift capacity and posing a flight hazard.

Weather Briefing

Pilots should request an outlook briefing for weather information for the following morning.

Initial Communication

Pilots must identify themselves when contacting a weather briefing facility for preflight information.

TAF Content

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) includes wind, visibility, weather phenomena, obstructions, and cloud coverage.

Weather Conditions Overview

Weather for flights from southern Michigan to north Indiana typically features ceilings over 3,000 feet and visibility exceeding 5 miles.

In-Flight Advisory for Icing

SIGMETs contain information on severe icing not related to thunderstorms.

Winds Aloft Forecast

Winds Aloft Forecasts use true direction and wind speed in knots for reporting.

Weather Depiction Chart

The Weather Depiction Chart is valuable for pilots to assess general weather conditions for flight planning purposes.

Specificity of TAF

TAFs are specific forecasts pertinent to individual airports.

Cloud Type Forecasting

The only cloud type included in TAF reports is cumulonimbus.

Information in CONVECTIVE SIGMET

CONVECTIVE SIGMETs provide details on tornadoes, embedded thunderstorms, and hail that is 3/4 inch or greater.

Forecast Accuracy

The initial part of any forecast period tends to be the most accurate.

Radar Weather Reports

Radar reports are crucial for pilots as they indicate precipitation location, type, intensity, and movement.

Freezing Level Reference

To determine freezing levels and possible icing aloft, pilots should consult Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories.

Use of Significant Weather Prognostic Charts

Pilots utilize Significant Weather Prognostic Charts to identify areas to avoid due to freezing levels and turbulence.

Humid Air Impacts

Humid surface air can lead to instability and cause afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in summer.

Weather and Heat Exchange

Every weather process involves a heat exchange, influencing atmospheric conditions.

Cumulus Cloud Base Calculation

If the surface temperature is 70 °F and the dewpoint is 48 °F, the base of cumulus clouds is approximately 6,000 feet MSL.

Effects of Temperature Inversion

Encountering a temperature inversion post-takeoff often results in wind shear conditions.

Temperature Inversion Results

A temperature inversion typically causes an increase in temperature with altitude.

Conditions Under Low-Level Inversions

High relative humidity beneath a low-level temperature inversion can lead to smooth air, fog, haze, or low clouds.

Stable Air Layer

A stable air layer is a characteristic feature of temperature inversions.

Upslope Moist Stable Air

Moist, stable air that flows upslope generally forms stratus-type clouds.

High/Low-Pressure Systems

Areas of high pressure or ridges are characterized by descending air.

Stratiform Clouds Indication

Steady precipitation before a front indicates the presence of stratiform clouds and minimal turbulence.

Cloud Classification

Clouds are categorized into four families based on their height range.

Effects of Low-Level Inversions

Low-level inversions can trap smoke and dust close to the ground level.

Turbulence in Mountain Waves

Dangerous turbulence can arise from mountain waves and beneath rotor clouds.

Sea Breeze Mechanism

Sea breezes move inland due to cool, dense air flowing from water to replace rising warm air over land.

Frost Formation Conditions

Frost forms when the collecting surface temperature is at or below the dewpoint of the surrounding air, with the dewpoint under freezing.

Altitude for Cumuliform Clouds

Given a surface air temperature of 82 °F and a dewpoint of 38 °F, cumuliform clouds are expected at around 10,000 feet AGL.

Atmospheric Layers

The atmosphere consists of three primary layers: troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere.

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Description

Test your knowledge of aviation weather concepts with these flashcards. Learn about hazardous conditions like wind shear and frost, and their implications for flight safety. Perfect for pilots and aviation enthusiasts looking to improve their understanding of weather phenomena.