Airborne Weather Systems

Modern aircraft are equipped with onboard tools that help pilots detect and interpret hazardous weather ahead. Understanding airborne weather systems helps pilots recognize how radar and other sensing technologies provide real-time information about precipitation and storm intensity.

Introduction to Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne weather systems provide pilots with real-time weather information, an improvement from delays experienced with ground-based services

Airborne Weather Systems

Weather Radar Systems

Weather radar systems send out radio waves that are reflected by weather or other surfaces (i.e., the ground)
FAA Validation: Loading…
Report

Airborne Weather Systems

Weather Radar Systems Performance

Weather radars are as effective as their antenna, among other characteristics
Smaller antennas may only be able to see 40 Nautical Miles (NMs) whereas larget aircraft can see further
Attenuation may hide dense weather

Airborne Weather Systems

Weather Radar Best Practices

Since weather and terrain will submit returns to the aircraft, pilots may wish to point the radar down until reaching terrain, and adjust from there
Avoid reliance on weather systems for go/no-go decisions, but rather for in-flight adjustments
Remember that weather radar's point in the direction of the aircraft, but not necessarily the flight path

Airborne Weather Systems

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR
References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8033-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), FAA-H-8083-28 (Aviation Weather Handbook).
Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
Note: If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate understanding of:

PA.I.C.K1:
Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
PA.I.C.K2:
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:.
- PA.I.C.K2a:
  Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP).
- PA.I.C.K2b:
  Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA).
- PA.I.C.K2c:
  Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF).
- PA.I.C.K2d:
  Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA).
- PA.I.C.K2e:
  Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB).
- PA.I.C.K2f:
  Convective Outlook (AC).
- PA.I.C.K2g:
  Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET.
PA.I.C.K3:
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
- PA.I.C.K3a:
  Atmospheric composition and stability.
- PA.I.C.K3b:
  Wind (e.g. crosswind, tailwind, wind shear, mountain wave, etc.).
- PA.I.C.K3c:
  Temperature and heat exchange.
- PA.I.C.K3d:
  Moisture/precipitation.
- PA.I.C.K3e:
  Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts.
- PA.I.C.K3f:
  Clouds.
- PA.I.C.K3g:
  Turbulence.
- PA.I.C.K3h:
  Thunderstorms and microbursts.
- PA.I.C.K3i:
  Icing and freezing level information.
- PA.I.C.K3j:
  Fog/mist.
- PA.I.C.K3k:
  Frost.
- PA.I.C.K3l:
  Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.).
PA.I.C.K4:
Flight deck displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:

PA.I.C.R1:
Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- PA.I.C.R1a:
  Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
- PA.I.C.R1b:
  Personal weather minimums.
- PA.I.C.R1c:
  Hazardous weather conditions to include known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft.
PA.I.C.R2:
Use and limitations of:
- PA.I.C.R2a:
  Installed onboard weather equipment.
- PA.I.C.R2b:
  Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
- PA.I.C.R2c:
  Inflight weather resources.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

PA.I.C.S1:
Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
PA.I.C.S2:
Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
PA.I.C.S3:
Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

Airborne Weather Systems

Conclusion

Still looking for something? Continue searching:

Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne Weather Systems

Introduction to Airborne Weather Systems

Weather Radar Systems

Weather Radar Systems Performance

Weather Radar Best Practices

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Knowledge:

PA.I.C.K1:

PA.I.C.K2:

PA.I.C.K2a:

PA.I.C.K2b:

PA.I.C.K2c:

PA.I.C.K2d:

PA.I.C.K2e:

PA.I.C.K2f:

PA.I.C.K2g:

PA.I.C.K3:

PA.I.C.K3a:

PA.I.C.K3b:

PA.I.C.K3c:

PA.I.C.K3d:

PA.I.C.K3e:

PA.I.C.K3f:

PA.I.C.K3g:

PA.I.C.K3h:

PA.I.C.K3i:

PA.I.C.K3j:

PA.I.C.K3k:

PA.I.C.K3l:

PA.I.C.K4:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Risk Management:

PA.I.C.R1:

PA.I.C.R1a:

PA.I.C.R1b:

PA.I.C.R1c:

PA.I.C.R2:

PA.I.C.R2a:

PA.I.C.R2b:

PA.I.C.R2c:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Skills:

PA.I.C.S1:

PA.I.C.S2:

PA.I.C.S3:

Conclusion

References