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Questions and Answers
The wind at 5,000 feet AGL is southwesterly while the surface wind is southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to ____.
The wind at 5,000 feet AGL is southwesterly while the surface wind is southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to ____.
friction between the wind and surface.
When a temperature inversion exists, you would expect to experience ____.
When a temperature inversion exists, you would expect to experience ____.
an increase in temperature as altitude is increased.
What is meant by the term 'dewpoint'?
What is meant by the term 'dewpoint'?
The temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated.
The amount of water vapor which air can hold depends on the ____.
The amount of water vapor which air can hold depends on the ____.
What condition results in the formation of frost?
What condition results in the formation of frost?
What measurement can be used to determine the stability of the atmosphere?
What measurement can be used to determine the stability of the atmosphere?
How do you calculate the approximate base of a cumulus cloud?
How do you calculate the approximate base of a cumulus cloud?
Clouds are divided into four families according to their ____.
Clouds are divided into four families according to their ____.
Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of ____.
Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of ____.
If the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, and the temperature is 62 F, what type of weather is most likely to develop?
If the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, and the temperature is 62 F, what type of weather is most likely to develop?
In what situation is advection fog most likely to form?
In what situation is advection fog most likely to form?
What clouds have the greatest turbulence?
What clouds have the greatest turbulence?
When may hazardous wind shear be expected?
When may hazardous wind shear be expected?
In what type of environment is aircraft structural ice most likely to have the highest accumulation rate?
In what type of environment is aircraft structural ice most likely to have the highest accumulation rate?
Why is frost considered hazardous to flight?
Why is frost considered hazardous to flight?
What feature is normally associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?
What feature is normally associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?
What weather phenomenon signals the beginning of the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
What weather phenomenon signals the beginning of the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
What conditions are necessary for the formation of thunderstorms?
What conditions are necessary for the formation of thunderstorms?
Wingtip vortices are created only when an aircraft is ____.
Wingtip vortices are created only when an aircraft is ____.
The wind condition that requires maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing is a ____.
The wind condition that requires maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing is a ____.
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Study Notes
Wind Characteristics
- Wind direction at 5,000 feet AGL can differ from surface wind due to friction between wind and the surface.
- A temperature inversion typically results in an increase in temperature with altitude.
Atmospheric Measurements
- Dewpoint refers to the temperature at which air must cool to reach saturation.
- The capacity of air to hold water vapor is dependent on the air temperature.
Frost and Fog Formation
- Frost forms when the temperature of a surface is at or below the dewpoint of adjacent air, and the dewpoint is below freezing.
- Fog or low clouds are likely if the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, with a temperature of 62°F.
Cloud Formation and Types
- Approximate cloud base can be calculated using the formula: (Temperature - Dewpoint) / 4.4°F x 1,000 feet, providing height in thousands of feet AGL.
- Clouds are categorized into four families based on height range.
Precipitation and Turbulence
- Steady precipitation before a front indicates stratiform clouds with minimal turbulence.
- Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with the greatest turbulence in the atmosphere.
Thunderstorm Characteristics
- The initial sign of a mature thunderstorm stage is the onset of precipitation.
- Conditions necessary for thunderstorm formation include high humidity, a lifting force, and unstable atmospheric conditions.
- Continuous updraft is a feature of the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm.
Flight Hazards
- Wingtip vortices are produced only when an aircraft is generating lift.
- For flight safety, maximum caution is advised regarding wake turbulence when landing in light, quartering tailwind conditions.
- Hazardous wind shear may occur in areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence.
- Aircraft structural ice accumulates rapidly in freezing rain, posing a significant flight hazard.
- Frost can hinder aircraft performance by disrupting airflow over wings, thus reducing lift capability.
Fog Conditions
- Advection fog is most frequently formed when an air mass moves inland from the coast during winter months.
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