[Ref AC 00-45H, weather.gov] How can we expect encountering Jet stream from reading charts? We have various method to check the location of Jet stream: Mid-Level SIGWX Chart Constant Pressure Charts (Isotach chart) : both 300 mb and 200 mb Note: Isotach – a line connecting points of equal wind speed. For Mid-Level SIGWX Chart, a […]
Category: Meteorology
Where is a likely location of CAT?
[Ref AC 00-6B 17.2.3.2, AC 00-30C 6.5] Where is a likely location of CAT? Ans: upwind of the base of the trough on the polar side of a jet stream According to AC 00-30C 6.5: “There are several patterns of upper-level winds that are associated with CAT. One of these is a deep, upper trough. The word “trough” refers to winds that dip southward, then rise northward, forming a trough-like pattern. A “ridge” is the opposite, […]
What’s CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)?
[Ref AC 00-6B 17.2.3.2, AC 00-30C 6.5] What’s CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)? Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is a higher altitude turbulence phenomenon occurring (from 20,000 to 50,000 feet) in cloud-free regions associated with wind shear. CAT can occur between the core of a jet stream and the surrounding air. It can often affect an aircraft without […]
What’s the different between “Wind shear alert” and “microburst alert” ? (US)
[Ref US AIM Section 3 Airport Operations 4-3-7] What’s the different between “Wind shear alert” and “microburst alert” ? (US) Ans: “Wind shear alert” is the information from basic LLWAS; “microburst alert” is provided when LLWAS integrated with TDWR. LLWAS (Low Level Wind Shear Alert System) only provides Wind shear alert – wind shear alert […]
How do pilots know if there is low-level wind shear (LLWS) near airport? (US)
[Ref US AIM Section 3 Airport Operations 4-3-7] How do pilots know if there is low-level wind shear (LLWS) near airport? (in USA) Ans: Controllers (ATC) will provide low-level wind shear (LLWS) information to pilots by giving the pilot the airport wind followed by the boundary wind. EXAMPLE− Wind shear alert, airport wind 230 at […]
What’s the meaning of “terrestrial”?
[Ref Cambridge Dictionary, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B Page 12-15] According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it means “(of a planet) similar to Earth“/ “relating to the earth“. Rightly, my next question is : What type of fog ALWAYS form over land? Ans: Radiation fog Radiation fog forms when the ground cools rapidly due to terrestrial radiation! Fog
How can we know (calc) the estimated cloud bases? [Dew point Application]
[Ref Understanding Weather & Climate, Books a la Carte Edition (6th Edition) #ISBN-13: 978-0321773227 #ISBN-10: 0321773225 CH 5 Atmospheric Moisture, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B Page 12-13] Application of dew point – determine the height of the cloud base Divide the temperature-dew point spread by the convergence rate (2.4ºC or 4.4 ºF), and multiply by 1000 […]
What’s Turbulence?
[Ref AC 00-6B] Turbulence is irregular motion of an aircraft in flight, especially when characterized by rapid up-and-down motion caused by a rapid variation of atmospheric wind velocities. 3 major causes (types) of Turbulence convective currents : called convective turbulence obstructions in the wind flow : called mechanical turbulence (e.g Mountain Wave) wind shear […]
Where can we expect “fair weather cumulus”?
[Ref AC00-6B] “fair weather cumulus” is a kind of Cumulus with little vertical development. The formation of the cumulus with little vertical development related to convective currents. Day time – sea breeze – over lands Night time – land breeze – over water bodies Over land, on clear mornings, cumulus may form as the sun […]
What can you expect in Cumulus Cloud (Cu)?
[Ref AC00-6B] What can you expect in Cumulus Cloud (Cu)? Indeed, there are 2 types of Cumulus Cloud (Cu): Cumulus with little vertical development (e.g fair weather cumulus) Towering cumulus (TCU) For Cumulus with little vertical development: turbulence Note: suppose no significant icing! For Towering cumulus (TCU) – cumulus with moderate/strong development: very […]