Airborne Weather Systems
Airborne weather systems help pilots detect precipitation, lightning, turbulence risk, and other hazardous conditions along a flight route.
Airborne Weather Systems
Introduction to Airborne Weather Systems
- Airborne weather systems provide pilots with real-time weather information, an improvement from delays experienced with ground-based services
- Test your understanding of Airborne Weather Systems by applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
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Airborne Weather Systems
Airborne Weather Systems Key Highlights
- Airborne weather systems provide pilots with real-time or near-real-time weather information to improve situational awareness and flight safety.
- Common airborne weather systems include onboard weather radar, lightning detection systems, datalink weather services, and satellite weather displays.
- Weather radar systems detect precipitation intensity and storm structure by transmitting and receiving radio wave reflections.
- Pilots use airborne weather systems to identify thunderstorms, turbulence, precipitation, icing conditions, and hazardous weather areas.
- Datalink weather systems provide graphical weather products such as NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, and NOTAM information.
- Airborne weather displays may contain transmission delays, making real-time thunderstorm avoidance and tactical decisions especially important.
- Weather radar tilt, gain settings, and interpretation techniques significantly affect radar effectiveness and hazard identification.
- Improper interpretation of airborne weather information can lead to hazardous weather penetration and increased operational risk.
- Modern avionics systems integrate weather displays with navigation and traffic information to improve pilot situational awareness.
- Understanding airborne weather systems improves weather decision-making, operational planning, and overall flight safety.
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)
Airborne Weather Systems
Weather Radar Systems Performance
- Weather radars are as effective as their antenna, among other characteristics
- Smaller antennas may have a range of only 40 nautical miles, whereas larger aircraft systems may detect returns at greater distances.
- Attenuation may hide dense weather
Airborne Weather Systems
Weather Radar Best Practices
- Use the antenna tilt control to scan above and below the flight path and compare weather echoes with ground returns
- Use all available weather information for go/no-go decisions and use airborne radar to avoid hazardous weather, not justify penetrating it
- Pilots new to airborne weather radar or lightning-detection equipment should obtain instruction in its operation, interpretation, and limitations before basing tactical weather decisions on it.
- Remember that radar displays precipitation where the antenna is aimed, which may not coincide with the aircraft's flight path
- Treat a radar shadow or missing ground returns behind a strong echo as possible attenuation and avoid the area
Airborne Weather Systems
Airborne Weather Systems Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
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Airborne Weather Systems
Airborne Weather Systems-Related Airman Certification Standards
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 Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 23 ACS Elements
-
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: -
PA.I.C.K2b: Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA). -
PA.I.C.K2c: -
PA.I.C.K2d: -
PA.I.C.K2e: -
PA.I.C.K2f: -
PA.I.C.K2g:
-
-
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: -
PA.I.C.K3d: -
PA.I.C.K3e: -
PA.I.C.K3f: -
PA.I.C.K3g: -
PA.I.C.K3h: Thunderstorms and microbursts. -
PA.I.C.K3i: -
PA.I.C.K3j: -
PA.I.C.K3k: -
PA.I.C.K3l: Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.).
-
-
PA.I.C.K4:
! Risk Management 8 ACS Elements
-
PA.I.C.R1: Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:-
PA.I.C.R1a: -
PA.I.C.R1b: -
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: -
PA.I.C.R2c:
-
โ Skills 3 ACS Elements
-
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.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards
- Area of Operation I: Preflight Preparation.
- Task C: Weather Information.
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.
- 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.
- References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28
- Private Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
-
PH.I.C.K1: Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes. -
PH.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:-
PH.I.C.K2a: a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP) -
PH.I.C.K2b: b. Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA) -
PH.I.C.K2c: c. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) -
PH.I.C.K2d: d. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) -
PH.I.C.K2e: e. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB) -
PH.I.C.K2f: f. Convective Outlook (AC) -
PH.I.C.K2g: g. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
-
-
PH.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:-
PH.I.C.K3a: a. Atmospheric composition and stability -
PH.I.C.K3b: b. Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.) -
PH.I.C.K3c: c. Temperature and heat exchange -
PH.I.C.K3d: d. Moisture/precipitation -
PH.I.C.K3e: e. Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts -
PH.I.C.K3f: f. Clouds -
PH.I.C.K3g: g. Turbulence -
PH.I.C.K3h: h. Thunderstorms and microbursts -
PH.I.C.K3i: i. Icing and freezing level information -
PH.I.C.K3j: j. Fog/mist -
PH.I.C.K3k: k. Frost -
PH.I.C.K3l: l. Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
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-
PH.I.C.K4: Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
! Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
-
PH.I.C.R1: Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:-
PH.I.C.R1a: a. Circumstances that would make diversion prudent -
PH.I.C.R1b: b. Personal weather minimums -
PH.I.C.R1c: c. Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
-
-
PH.I.C.R2: Use and limitations of:-
PH.I.C.R2a: a. Installed onboard weather equipment -
PH.I.C.R2b: b. Aviation weather reports and forecasts -
PH.I.C.R2c: c. Inflight weather resources
-
โ Skills 3 ACS Elements
-
PH.I.C.S1: Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing. -
PH.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. -
PH.I.C.S3: Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Practical Test Standards:
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Area of Operation: I. Preflight Preparation.
- Task: F. Operation of Systems (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; AFM/POH.
- Objective: Exhibit knowledge of the systems on the light-sport aircraft provided for the flight test by explaining at least three applicable systems.
- Sport Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan.
โค Objective Elements 9 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Primary flight controls and trim. -
SP.2: Flaps and lift-enhancing devices. -
SP.3: Water rudders. -
SP.4: Powerplant and propeller. -
SP.5: Landing gear, brakes, and steering. -
SP.6: Fuel, oil, and hydraulic systems. -
SP.7: Electrical systems. -
SP.8: Avionics. -
SP.9: Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Airman Certification Standards:
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the airplane provided for the flight test.
- Note: If K1 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM.
- Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 14 ACS Elements
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CA.I.G.K1: Airplane systems, including:-
CA.I.G.K1a: Primary flight controls. -
CA.I.G.K1b: Secondary flight controls. -
CA.I.G.K1c: Powerplant and propeller. -
CA.I.G.K1d: Landing gear. -
CA.I.G.K1e: Fuel, oil, and hydraulic. -
CA.I.G.K1f: Electrical. -
CA.I.G.K1g: Avionics. -
CA.I.G.K1h: Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments. -
CA.I.G.K1i: Environmental. -
CA.I.G.K1j: Deicing and anti-icing. -
CA.I.G.K1k: Water rudders (ASES, AMES). -
CA.I.G.K1l: Oxygen system.
-
-
CA.I.G.K2: Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.
! Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
-
CA.I.G.R1: Detection of system malfunctions or failures. -
CA.I.G.R2: Management of a system failure. -
CA.I.G.R3: Monitoring and management of automated systems.
โ Skills 2 ACS Elements
-
CA.I.G.S1: Operate at least three of the systems listed in K1a through K1l appropriately. -
CA.I.G.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Instrument Rating (Airplane) Aircraft Systems Related to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Operations Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with anti-icing or deicing systems, and other systems related to IFR flight.
- References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-74; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
- Instrument Rating (Airplane) Aircraft Systems Related to IFR Operations Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
-
IR.II.A.K1: The general operational characteristics and limitations of applicable anti-icing and deicing systems, including airframe, propeller, intake, fuel, and pitot-static systems. -
IR.II.A.K2: Flight Control Systems.
! Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
-
IR.II.A.R1: Operations in icing conditions. -
IR.II.A.R2: Limitations of anti-icing and deicing systems. -
IR.II.A.R3: Use of automated systems in instrument conditions.
โ Skills 2 ACS Elements
-
IR.II.A.S1: Demonstrate familiarity with anti- or de-icing procedures or information published by the manufacturer specific to the aircraft used on the practical test. -
IR.II.A.S2: Demonstrate familiarity with the automatic flight control system (AFCS) procedures or information published by the manufacturer specific to the aircraft used on the practical test, if applicable.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
- Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 15 ACS Elements
-
PA.IX.C.K1: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).-
PA.IX.C.K1a: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1b: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1c: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1d: [Archived].
-
-
PA.IX.C.K2: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:-
PA.IX.C.K2a: -
PA.IX.C.K2b: -
PA.IX.C.K2c: -
PA.IX.C.K2d: Electronic flight deck display malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.K2e: -
PA.IX.C.K2f: Inoperative trim.
-
-
PA.IX.C.K3: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft. -
PA.IX.C.K4: Any other system specific to the aircraft (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing). -
PA.IX.C.K5: Inadvertent door or window opening.
! Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
-
PA.IX.C.R1: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.R2: -
PA.IX.C.R3: Undesired aircraft state. -
PA.IX.C.R4: Startle response.
โ Skills 2 ACS Elements
-
PA.IX.C.S1: Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5. -
PA.IX.C.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
- Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 15 ACS Elements
-
CA.IX.C.K1: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).-
CA.IX.C.K1a: [Archived]. -
CA.IX.C.K1b: [Archived]. -
CA.IX.C.K1c: [Archived]. -
CA.IX.C.K1d: [Archived].
-
-
CA.IX.C.K2: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:-
CA.IX.C.K2a: -
CA.IX.C.K2b: -
CA.IX.C.K2c: -
CA.IX.C.K2d: Electronic flight deck display malfunction. -
CA.IX.C.K2e: -
CA.IX.C.K2f: Inoperative trim.
-
-
CA.IX.C.K3: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft. -
CA.IX.C.K4: Any other system specific to the aircraft (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing). -
CA.IX.C.K5: Inadvertent door or window opening.
! Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
-
CA.IX.C.R1: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction. -
CA.IX.C.R2: -
CA.IX.C.R3: Undesired aircraft state. -
CA.IX.C.R4: Startle response.
โ Skills 2 ACS Elements
-
CA.IX.C.S1: Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5. -
CA.IX.C.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Practical Test Standards:
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: Systems and Equipment Malfunctions (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant demonstrates the required knowledge and appropriate response to systems and equipment malfunctions.
- Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan.
โ Objective Elements 3 PTS Elements
-
SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test. -
SP.2: Evaluates the situation and takes appropriate action for simulated emergencies appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test for at least three of the following:- Partial or complete power loss.
- Engine roughness or overheat.
- Carburetor or induction icing.
- Loss of oil pressure.
- Fuel starvation.
- Electrical malfunction.
- Vacuum/pressure and associated flight-instrument malfunctions.
- Pitot/static malfunction.
- Flap malfunction.
- Inoperative trim.
- Inadvertent door or window opening.
- Smoke, fire, or engine-compartment fire.
- Flight-control malfunction.
- Ballistic recovery system malfunction, if applicable.
- Any other emergency appropriate to the airplane.
-
SP.3: Follows the appropriate checklist or procedure.
Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards
- Area of Operation I: Preflight Preparation.
- Task C: Weather Information.
- Objective: To determine 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, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28
- Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Lesson Plan.
โค Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
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SH.I.C.K1: Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes. -
SH.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:-
SH.I.C.K2a: Airport Observations (METAR, SPECI, AWOS, ASOS) and Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs) -
SH.I.C.K2b: Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA) -
SH.I.C.K2c: Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) -
SH.I.C.K2d: Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) -
SH.I.C.K2e: Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB) -
SH.I.C.K2f: Convective Outlook (AC) -
SH.I.C.K2g: Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
-
-
SH.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:-
SH.I.C.K3a: Atmospheric composition and stability -
SH.I.C.K3b: Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.) -
SH.I.C.K3c: Temperature, heat exchange, and temperature inversion -
SH.I.C.K3d: Moisture/precipitation -
SH.I.C.K3e: Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts -
SH.I.C.K3f: Clouds -
SH.I.C.K3g: Turbulence -
SH.I.C.K3h: Thunderstorms and microbursts -
SH.I.C.K3i: Icing and freezing level information -
SH.I.C.K3j: Fog/mist -
SH.I.C.K3k: Frost -
SH.I.C.K3l: Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
-
-
SH.I.C.K4: Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
! Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
-
SH.I.C.R1: Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:-
SH.I.C.R1a: Circumstances that would make diversion prudent -
SH.I.C.R1b: Personal weather minimums -
SH.I.C.R1c: Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
-
-
SH.I.C.R2: Use and limitations of:-
SH.I.C.R2a: Installed onboard weather equipment -
SH.I.C.R2b: Aviation weather reports and forecasts -
SH.I.C.R2c: In-flight weather resources
-
โ Skills 3 ACS Elements
-
SH.I.C.S1: Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing. -
SH.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. -
SH.I.C.S3: Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.
Airborne Weather Systems
Airborne Weather Systems Conclusion
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Airborne Weather Systems