METEOROLOGY ..... SIMPLY FOR PILOTS
THE IDEAL TEACHING MEDIA FOR ALL AVIATORS WISHING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT METEOROLOGY AND HOW THE WORLD'S WEATHER HAPPENS
THE LESSONS
This lesson looks briefly at the structure of the World’s total atmosphere from outer space inwards, then concentrates on the Troposphere – within which the majority of all conventional flight occurs. The lesson focuses on the Standard Atmosphere, Pressure and Density, Lapse Rates, Adiabatic Cooling and finally – and probably the most important topic within the study of Meteorology – the Stability of an Air Mass. You will learn about a 'Conditionally Unstable' and 'Absolutely Unstable' atmosphere and begin to understand the significance of all the 'stability' terms used
Cloud comes in all shapes and sizes and a close look is taken at each of these. Often, the cloud type will give a good indication of the weather to expect from it. More importantly, this lesson is all about how cloud forms in the first place. It covers Dew Point, Dry and Saturated Lapse Rate, Cloud Development and the vertical limit of this, and finally how air can be helped to start its upwards journey through the troposphere, which then leads to the formation of the cloud base and continuing vertical growth until no further lifting process or assistance is available
Fronts produce an abundance and variety of all sorts of weather and this lesson starts with an examination of major air masses in the Northern hemisphere and their pressure distribution. The formation of the Polar Front is explained and the lesson develops by looking at the structure and behaviour of a typical frontal depression and the cloud structure to be expected on warm and cold fronts. It also covers occluded fronts and six well known and classic large air masses that significantly affects the weather experienced in the
Differential pressure areas in the Troposphere cause the lateral movement of air between them – known to us as Wind. This lesson explains how winds develop and flow. In particular, a close look is taken at Pressure Gradient Force, Geostrophic Force (Coriolis) and Centripetal Force, the resultant of which cause Geostrophic and Gradient winds. How these are effected by latitude is explained and surface frictional effects are discussed. The lesson then focuses on Sea and Land Breezes, Katabatic Winds, the Föhn Wind and the change in wind as a warm and cold front passes
The Jet Stream lesson explores extreme winds which occur in the upper atmosphere close to the tropopause. The lesson looks at the basis of winds caused by contrasting temperatures between adjacent air masses – commonly known as thermal winds – and their development into speeds which fall into the Jet Stream category of over 60 knots. Learn about their wave pattern, their seasonal change of latitude in the Northern hemisphere, where these appear geographically with reference to frontal systems, and understand the aviation hazards associated with them
Each lesson finishes with an interactive self testing questionnaire which will provide a good indication of how much of the lesson content has been absorbed by the reader and also where to return to in the lesson to reinforce any weaknesses in learning during the lesson. Each self testing slide can be skipped if desired.
The focus turns to low level conditions and the area mostly used by microlights, paragliders, hanglider, paramotor and smaller aircraft. Turbulence and Wind Shear have the greatest effect on all light aircraft and this lesson looks the many factors which can lead to both. Mechanical Turbulence, Thermal Turbulence, Rotor Turbulence, Standing Waves, and Roll Cloud are all explained. Finally, the severe hazards of Wet and Dry Microbursts are explained and exposed. This lesson is of greatest importance to non commercial sports and recreational pilots 
Icing is indeed the hidden aviation enemy – and one of the most dangerous. Learn why icing occurs, the types of icing that can be experienced in the air and on the ground and the particular height bands and scenarios in which icing can be expected whilst flying. Discover what ‘super cooled water droplets’ means, know how your particular air frame and engine can be affected and find out what weapons the aviator has to fight this dangerous natural phenomena
The inability to see the ground for whatever reason is always the back drop to stressful flying unless you are prepared, trained and knowledgeable. This lesson discusses all the degrees of reducing visibility ranging from pollution induced haze, through mist and eventually to fog in all its guises. Learn the difference between Radiation Fog, Advection Fog and Frontal Fog and the environmental conditions that are involved in the formation of each. You will also learn the mechanics of fog clearance. Finally, discover how you can avoid being caught out with below limits conditions
Thunderstorms were the angry Gods of stone age man and it is not surprising that the power and potential danger that these meteorological phenomena possess is still highly respected by all levels of aviators to this day. Learn about the conditions suitable for the development of Cumulonimbus thunderstorm clouds and the ways that they can be triggered to grow into a potent threat to the safety of all flying machines. Find out about the phases of thunderstorm development and dispersal, and the hazards that you may face when flying your particular type of aircraft in or near a storm
Finally, the various Meteorological Services available to Aviators are examined. This lesson takes a close look at the ‘
