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

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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 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

Airborne Weather Systems Interactive Scenario

Interactive Scenario

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Scenario Complete

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.

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:
  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.

Risk Management 8 ACS Elements

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.

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 (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.

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:
  Electrical malfunction.
- PA.IX.C.K2b:
  Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions.
- PA.IX.C.K2c:
  Pitot/static system malfunction.
- PA.IX.C.K2d:
  Electronic flight deck display malfunction.
- PA.IX.C.K2e:
  Landing gear or flap malfunction.
- 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:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.IX.C.R3:
Undesired aircraft state.
PA.IX.C.R4:
Startle response.

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.

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:
  Electrical malfunction.
- CA.IX.C.K2b:
  Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions.
- CA.IX.C.K2c:
  Pitot/static system malfunction.
- CA.IX.C.K2d:
  Electronic flight deck display malfunction.
- CA.IX.C.K2e:
  Landing gear or flap malfunction.
- 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:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.C.R3:
Undesired aircraft state.
CA.IX.C.R4:
Startle response.

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.

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:
1. Partial or complete power loss.
2. Engine roughness or overheat.
3. Carburetor or induction icing.
4. Loss of oil pressure.
5. Fuel starvation.
6. Electrical malfunction.
7. Vacuum/pressure and associated flight-instrument malfunctions.
8. Pitot/static malfunction.
9. Flap malfunction.
10. Inoperative trim.
11. Inadvertent door or window opening.
12. Smoke, fire, or engine-compartment fire.
13. Flight-control malfunction.
14. Ballistic recovery system malfunction, if applicable.
15. Any other emergency appropriate to the airplane.
SP.3:
Follows the appropriate checklist or procedure.

Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne Weather Systems Knowledge Check

Private Pilot

Core Knowledge Review

Review the foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations for Airborne Weather Systems.

Foundational Immediate Feedback Answer Explanations

Commercial Pilot

Advanced Application

Apply your knowledge of Airborne Weather Systems to advanced operational scenarios, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making.

Advanced Scenario Based Risk Management

Why Take a Quiz?

Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions in the cockpit. Quiz material is representative of the information provided here and is not based on or sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration test bank.

Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne Weather Systems Conclusion

Still looking for something? Continue searching:

Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne Weather Systems

Introduction to Airborne Weather Systems

Airborne Weather Systems Key Highlights

Weather Radar Systems

Weather Radar Systems Performance

Weather Radar Best Practices

Airborne Weather Systems Interactive Scenario

Interactive Scenario

Scenario Complete

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

Sport Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Practical Test Standards:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Systems Airman Certification Standards:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards

Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Practical Test Standards:

Airborne Weather Systems Knowledge Check

Core Knowledge Review

Advanced Application

Why Take a Quiz?

Airborne Weather Systems Conclusion

Airborne Weather Systems References