Flight Operations
- Review Aerodynamics & Airplane Systems
- 1.1Explain the four forces which act on an airplane in flight
- 1.2Explain the angle of attack- Commercial Pilot-Aerodynamics and Performance
- 1.3Explain the basics of Aerodynamics
- 1.4Explain drag
- 1.5Explain thrust, stability, and center of gravity
- 1.6Explain weight and balance
- 1.7Demonstrate knowledge of aircraft components
- Pressure, Temperature & Density
- Weather
- 3.1Identify and explain the structure of the earth’s layers of the atmosphere, and become knowledgeable of the history of the study of meteorology
- 3.2Describe atmospheric conditions using appropriate weather terminology
- 3.3Demonstrate an understanding of frontal systems
- 3.4Demonstrate an understanding of wind speed, temperature, pressure & dew point
- 3.5Employ meteorological terminology and coding procedures
- 3.6Identify air masses and monitor daily weather phenomena
- 3.7Demonstrate an understanding of synoptic weather structure
- Weather Forecasting
- Weather Hazards
- Weather Tools
- IFR
- IFR
- IFR Navigation
Weather
Understanding and Describing Atmospheric Conditions
Gas layer surrounding Earth.
Atmospheric conditions play a crucial role in weather formation and changes. This unit will delve into the understanding and description of these conditions, providing a foundation for further study of weather and its impact on aircraft navigation.
Temperature
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a system. In the atmosphere, temperature varies with altitude, and this variation is a significant factor in weather formation. The Earth's surface absorbs heat from the Sun and re-emits it, warming the air above. This process leads to the formation of different temperature layers in the atmosphere, which in turn influence weather patterns.
Pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a given point. It decreases with increasing altitude. Changes in atmospheric pressure can lead to the formation of wind, as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Pressure systems, including high-pressure systems (anticyclones) and low-pressure systems (cyclones), are key drivers of weather patterns.
Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. It is an important factor in the formation of clouds, fog, dew, and precipitation. High humidity can make the air feel warmer, as it reduces the effectiveness of perspiration to cool the body. Humidity levels can influence the development of weather systems, particularly those that produce precipitation.
Describing Atmospheric Conditions
Meteorologists use a variety of terms to describe atmospheric conditions. Some of these include:
- Clear: Less than 1/10th of the sky is covered by clouds.
- Partly Cloudy/Partly Sunny: 3/10ths to 7/10ths of the sky is covered by clouds.
- Mostly Cloudy/Mostly Sunny: 6/10ths to 9/10ths of the sky is covered by clouds.
- Overcast: The sky is completely covered by clouds.
- Foggy: Visibility is less than 1 kilometer due to fog.
- Misty: Visibility is between 1 and 2 kilometers due to mist.
- Hazy: Visibility is between 2 and 5 kilometers due to haze.
Understanding and accurately describing atmospheric conditions is crucial for weather forecasting and for safe and efficient aircraft navigation. As we move forward in this course, we will delve deeper into how these conditions influence weather patterns and how pilots can use this knowledge to navigate safely.