“Teaching the Science, Inspiring the Art, Producing Aviation Candidates!”

Flying the WeatherFlying the WeatherFlying the WeatherFlying the WeatherAnd Not Letting the Weather Fly YouAnd Not Letting the Weather Fly You

Written for the Notre Dame Pilot Initiative By the Pilots of the University of Notre Dame

Written for the Notre Dame Pilot Initiative By the Pilots of the University of Notre Dame

RoadmapRoadmapRoadmapRoadmap

Weather ReportsWeather ProblemsWeather Briefing Sources

Weather ReportsWeather ProblemsWeather Briefing Sources

Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)

Components of METARs South Bend 17th day of the month, taken at 1551 Zulu Time (GMT) Wind from 080° at 15 gusting to 20 Knots 10 Statute Miles Visibility Few clouds at 3000 feet, scattered 6000, overcast 8500 Temp 13° C / Dewpoint 7°C 30.28 inches of Hg 2nd level ASOS / Rain began 22 minutes after the hour

and ended 38 minutes past the hour

Components of METARs South Bend 17th day of the month, taken at 1551 Zulu Time (GMT) Wind from 080° at 15 gusting to 20 Knots 10 Statute Miles Visibility Few clouds at 3000 feet, scattered 6000, overcast 8500 Temp 13° C / Dewpoint 7°C 30.28 inches of Hg 2nd level ASOS / Rain began 22 minutes after the hour

and ended 38 minutes past the hour

KSBN 171551Z 08015G20KT 10SM FEW030 SCT060 OVC085 13/07 A3028 RMK AO2 RAB22E38

Day/Time

WindAirport Visibility Clouds Temp/Dewpnt

Altimeter Remarks

METAR ExamplesMETAR ExamplesMETAR ExamplesMETAR ExamplesMETAR KSBN 130554Z 30010KT 10SM OVC045 M04/M11 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP178

METAR KSBN 130454Z 30010KT 10SM FEW037 OVC050 M04/M09 A3002 RMK AO2 SNE0355B25E28

METAR KSBN 130354Z 31012KT 9SM -SN BKN029 OVC038 M03/M08 A3003 RMK AO2 SNE16B34

SPECI KSBN 130417Z 31011KT 10SM BKN031 BKN040 OVC055 M04/M08 A3002 RMK AO2 SNE0355

METAR KIAD 081055Z AUTO/COR 21019G27KT 1/2SM R04R/3000FT -SN FG SCT011 OVC015 01/M02 A2945 RMK PK WND 19029/16 SLP045 T00081016

METAR KSBN 130554Z 30010KT 10SM OVC045 M04/M11 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP178

METAR KSBN 130454Z 30010KT 10SM FEW037 OVC050 M04/M09 A3002 RMK AO2 SNE0355B25E28

METAR KSBN 130354Z 31012KT 9SM -SN BKN029 OVC038 M03/M08 A3003 RMK AO2 SNE16B34

SPECI KSBN 130417Z 31011KT 10SM BKN031 BKN040 OVC055 M04/M08 A3002 RMK AO2 SNE0355

METAR KIAD 081055Z AUTO/COR 21019G27KT 1/2SM R04R/3000FT -SN FG SCT011 OVC015 01/M02 A2945 RMK PK WND 19029/16 SLP045 T00081016

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)

Components of TAF South Bend 17th day of the month, predicted at 1145 Zulu Time (GMT) Valid from 1200-1200 on the 17th Wind variable at 3 knots 2 Statute Miles Visibility Scattered 3000, Broken 8000 Temporarily between 1500-1700 Rain Showers From 2200 Wind 130 at 9 Kts, 1 SM visibility, overcast 3000 Between 0200-1000, No Significant Weather, Ceiling Broken 3000

Components of TAF South Bend 17th day of the month, predicted at 1145 Zulu Time (GMT) Valid from 1200-1200 on the 17th Wind variable at 3 knots 2 Statute Miles Visibility Scattered 3000, Broken 8000 Temporarily between 1500-1700 Rain Showers From 2200 Wind 130 at 9 Kts, 1 SM visibility, overcast 3000 Between 0200-1000, No Significant Weather, Ceiling Broken 3000

Day/Time

WindAirport Visibility Ceilings Temporarily

TAF KSBN 171145Z 171212 VRB03KT 2 SM SCT030 BKN080 TEMPO 1517 SHRA

FM2200 13009KT 1SM OVC030 BECMG0210 NSW BKN030

Valid

Wind / Visibility / Ceiling BecomingFrom Wx / Ceiling

TAF ExamplesTAF ExamplesTAF ExamplesTAF Examples

TAF KSBN 130537Z 130606 30009KT P6SM OVC040 FM0900 27009KT P6SM BKN040FM1400 22014KT P6SM SCT040 BKN100

TAF KORD 130520Z 130606 30009KT P6SM BKN035 FM0800 28009KT P6SM SCT035 SCT250FM1200 25008KT P6SM SCT150 BKN200FM1600 23012G22KT P6SM BKN150FM0200 28011KT P6SM SCT015

TAF KAZO 130520Z 130606 27008KT P6SM -SHSN OVC050 TEMPO 0610 4SM -SHSN SCT015 BKN025FM1400 24013G22KT 5SM -SHSN BKN035 OVC100FM0000 24008KT P6SM -SHSN BKN035

TAF KSBN 130537Z 130606 30009KT P6SM OVC040 FM0900 27009KT P6SM BKN040FM1400 22014KT P6SM SCT040 BKN100

TAF KORD 130520Z 130606 30009KT P6SM BKN035 FM0800 28009KT P6SM SCT035 SCT250FM1200 25008KT P6SM SCT150 BKN200FM1600 23012G22KT P6SM BKN150FM0200 28011KT P6SM SCT015

TAF KAZO 130520Z 130606 27008KT P6SM -SHSN OVC050 TEMPO 0610 4SM -SHSN SCT015 BKN025FM1400 24013G22KT 5SM -SHSN BKN035 OVC100FM0000 24008KT P6SM -SHSN BKN035

Pilot Report (PIREP)Pilot Report (PIREP)Pilot Report (PIREP)Pilot Report (PIREP)

Components of PIREPsGipperReported at 2200 Zulu Time (GMT)Flight Level 090 (9000 Feet)Piper CherokeeBroken Layer between 800 and 1600 feetTemp -3° C Wind from 270° at 25Light Turbulence / Negative Icing

Components of PIREPsGipperReported at 2200 Zulu Time (GMT)Flight Level 090 (9000 Feet)Piper CherokeeBroken Layer between 800 and 1600 feetTemp -3° C Wind from 270° at 25Light Turbulence / Negative Icing

/OV GIJ /TM 2200 /FL090 TP/PA28 /SK 008 BKN 016 /TA -3 /WV2725 /TB LGT /IC NEG

Time Flight Level

Over Type A/C

Sky Cover TempAloft

Wind Aloft

Turbulence Icing

PIREP ExamplesPIREP ExamplesPIREP ExamplesPIREP Examples

UA /OV FLW090022/TM 0534/FL095/TP C172/SK SKC/WX FV99SM/TB NEG

UA /OV MZB/TM 0547/FL295/TP MD80/TA M43/WV 27211KT/TB NEG

UA /OV HYP090028/TM 0639/FL220/TP MD80/TB MDT

UA /OV FRA320015/TM 0604/FL200/TP A320/TB MDT/RM NORCAL

UA /OV FLW090022/TM 0534/FL095/TP C172/SK SKC/WX FV99SM/TB NEG

UA /OV MZB/TM 0547/FL295/TP MD80/TA M43/WV 27211KT/TB NEG

UA /OV HYP090028/TM 0639/FL220/TP MD80/TB MDT

UA /OV FRA320015/TM 0604/FL200/TP A320/TB MDT/RM NORCAL

Winds Aloft ForecastWinds Aloft ForecastWinds Aloft ForecastWinds Aloft Forecast******** FD Winds Aloft Forecast ********DATA BASED ON 130000Z VALID 130600Z FOR USE 0500-0900Z. TEMPS NEG ABV 24000FT 3000 6000 9000 12000 18000 24000 30000 34000 39000FWA 3315 3113-16 3119-19 3221-23 3226-31 3232-42 344752 345252 334851JOT 3114 3114-14 3323-16 3428-21 3548-30 3673-39 861450 369655 346952MKG 3015 3013-16 3220-18 3223-22 3338-33 3455-42 860151 358655 346353

First 2 Digits: TRUE Wind DirectionSecond 2 Digits: Wind SpeedThird 2 Digits: Temperature

******** FD Winds Aloft Forecast ********DATA BASED ON 130000Z VALID 130600Z FOR USE 0500-0900Z. TEMPS NEG ABV 24000FT 3000 6000 9000 12000 18000 24000 30000 34000 39000FWA 3315 3113-16 3119-19 3221-23 3226-31 3232-42 344752 345252 334851JOT 3114 3114-14 3323-16 3428-21 3548-30 3673-39 861450 369655 346952MKG 3015 3013-16 3220-18 3223-22 3338-33 3455-42 860151 358655 346353

First 2 Digits: TRUE Wind DirectionSecond 2 Digits: Wind SpeedThird 2 Digits: Temperature

AIRMET (WA)AIRMET (WA)AIRMET (WA)AIRMET (WA)

Warn of hazards primarily to small aircraft

Classifications Tango – Turbulence Sierra – IFR Weather & Mountain Obscuration Zulu - Icing

Warn of hazards primarily to small aircraft

Classifications Tango – Turbulence Sierra – IFR Weather & Mountain Obscuration Zulu - Icing

AIRMET ExampleAIRMET ExampleAIRMET ExampleAIRMET Example

******** AIRMETs ********CHIS WA 130334 AMD AIRMET SIERRA UPDT 1 FOR IFR AND MTN

OBSCN VALID UNTIL 130900.AIRMET IFR...MN IA...UPDTFROM 30WNW MSP TO 50W ODI TO 50SE MCW TO 20SSW MCW TO 40NE RWF TO 30WNW MSPOCNL CIG BLW 010 AND/OR VIS BLW 3SM PCPN/BR. CONDS ENDG 05-07Z..AIRMET IFR...LM MI INFROM 50NNE MKG TO 30NE GRR TO 20ENE GIJ TO 30WSW GIJ TO 30NW MKG TO 50NNE MKGOCNL CIG BLW 010 AND/OR VIS BLW 3SM PCPN/BR. CONDS ENDG

07-09Z.

******** AIRMETs ********CHIS WA 130334 AMD AIRMET SIERRA UPDT 1 FOR IFR AND MTN

OBSCN VALID UNTIL 130900.AIRMET IFR...MN IA...UPDTFROM 30WNW MSP TO 50W ODI TO 50SE MCW TO 20SSW MCW TO 40NE RWF TO 30WNW MSPOCNL CIG BLW 010 AND/OR VIS BLW 3SM PCPN/BR. CONDS ENDG 05-07Z..AIRMET IFR...LM MI INFROM 50NNE MKG TO 30NE GRR TO 20ENE GIJ TO 30WSW GIJ TO 30NW MKG TO 50NNE MKGOCNL CIG BLW 010 AND/OR VIS BLW 3SM PCPN/BR. CONDS ENDG

07-09Z.

SIGMET (WS) and Convective SIGMET (WS) and Convective SIGMET (WST)SIGMET (WST)

SIGMET (WS) and Convective SIGMET (WS) and Convective SIGMET (WST)SIGMET (WST)

SIGMET Warn of conditions that could be dangerous to

all aircraft Severe Icing Severe Turbulence

Convective SIGMET Observations and/or forecasts that warn of

conditions associated with thunderstorms Tornados Large Hail Embedded Thunderstorms

SIGMET Warn of conditions that could be dangerous to

all aircraft Severe Icing Severe Turbulence

Convective SIGMET Observations and/or forecasts that warn of

conditions associated with thunderstorms Tornados Large Hail Embedded Thunderstorms

Additional Weather ServicesAdditional Weather ServicesAdditional Weather ServicesAdditional Weather Services Area Forecasts (FA)

Summary of weather over a large area Issued 3 times a day

12 hour forecast, + 6 hour categorical outlook

4 Sections: Product Header, Precautionary Statements, Synposis, VFR Clouds/Weather

Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB) Route forecast covering 25 miles either side of a particular

route Hazardous In-Flight Weather Advisory Services (HIWAS)

Continuous broadcast of in-flight weather advisories Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

Continuous broadcast of recorded information at certain airports containing weather information, runway(s) in use, and other pertinent remarks

Area Forecasts (FA) Summary of weather over a large area Issued 3 times a day

12 hour forecast, + 6 hour categorical outlook

4 Sections: Product Header, Precautionary Statements, Synposis, VFR Clouds/Weather

Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB) Route forecast covering 25 miles either side of a particular

route Hazardous In-Flight Weather Advisory Services (HIWAS)

Continuous broadcast of in-flight weather advisories Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

Continuous broadcast of recorded information at certain airports containing weather information, runway(s) in use, and other pertinent remarks

Weather ChartsWeather ChartsWeather ChartsWeather Charts

Weather Depiction Chart Information from METARs Broad overview of flying conditions

Surface Analysis Chart Location of pressure systems and fronts Isobars

Radar Summary Chart Shows areas and direction of heavy precipitation

Low-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart 4 Panels Forecasts of surface and weather up to 24,000 MSL

Weather Depiction Chart Information from METARs Broad overview of flying conditions

Surface Analysis Chart Location of pressure systems and fronts Isobars

Radar Summary Chart Shows areas and direction of heavy precipitation

Low-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart 4 Panels Forecasts of surface and weather up to 24,000 MSL

Weather ChartsWeather ChartsWeather ChartsWeather Charts

Convective Outlook (AC)Forecasts possibility for general, as well

as severe, thunderstorm activity during the following 24 hours

Radar Weather Reports (SD)Textual position and intensity of

thunderstorm cells

Convective Outlook (AC)Forecasts possibility for general, as well

as severe, thunderstorm activity during the following 24 hours

Radar Weather Reports (SD)Textual position and intensity of

thunderstorm cells

Sources of Aviation WeatherSources of Aviation WeatherSources of Aviation WeatherSources of Aviation Weather

Aviation sourcesFSS 800-WX-BRIEFDUAT(S)

www.duat(s).com

AOPA www.aopa.org

ADDS Aviation Digital Data

Service adds.aviationweather.gov

Aviation sourcesFSS 800-WX-BRIEFDUAT(S)

www.duat(s).com

AOPA www.aopa.org

ADDS Aviation Digital Data

Service adds.aviationweather.gov

Non Aviation-sourcesWeather channel

www.weather.com

Accuweather www.accuweather.com

Intellicast www.intellicast.com

Unisys www.weather.unisys.com

Non Aviation-sourcesWeather channel

www.weather.com

Accuweather www.accuweather.com

Intellicast www.intellicast.com

Unisys www.weather.unisys.com

BriefingsBriefingsBriefingsBriefings

Standard BriefingFull BriefingSee Table 18-1 on p. 395

Outlook BriefingMore than 6 hours away

Abbreviated BriefingIntended to supplement or update

previous information

Standard BriefingFull BriefingSee Table 18-1 on p. 395

Outlook BriefingMore than 6 hours away

Abbreviated BriefingIntended to supplement or update

previous information

Aviation Weather ProblemsAviation Weather ProblemsAviation Weather ProblemsAviation Weather Problems

VFR ProblemsVFR Problems Low CeilingsLow Ceilings

Forecast trendsForecast trends Few (<10%)Few (<10%)

Scattered (10-15%)Scattered (10-15%) Broken (60-90%)Broken (60-90%) Overcast (>90%)Overcast (>90%)

Low VisibilityLow Visibility Temp/Dewpoint spreadTemp/Dewpoint spread

High WindsHigh Winds Pressure gradientPressure gradient Spacing of isobarsSpacing of isobars

VFR ProblemsVFR Problems Low CeilingsLow Ceilings

Forecast trendsForecast trends Few (<10%)Few (<10%)

Scattered (10-15%)Scattered (10-15%) Broken (60-90%)Broken (60-90%) Overcast (>90%)Overcast (>90%)

Low VisibilityLow Visibility Temp/Dewpoint spreadTemp/Dewpoint spread

High WindsHigh Winds Pressure gradientPressure gradient Spacing of isobarsSpacing of isobars

IFR ProblemsIFR Problems Structural iceStructural ice

Above freezing levelAbove freezing level Rime iceRime ice Clear iceClear ice

T-stormsT-storms EmbeddedEmbedded

Need radar or Need radar or stormscope stormscope

Fog Fog

IFR ProblemsIFR Problems Structural iceStructural ice

Above freezing levelAbove freezing level Rime iceRime ice Clear iceClear ice

T-stormsT-storms EmbeddedEmbedded

Need radar or Need radar or stormscope stormscope

Fog Fog

Problems for both IFR/VFRProblems for both IFR/VFRProblems for both IFR/VFRProblems for both IFR/VFR

Thunderstorms Avoid by 20 nm

Turbulence Caused by:

Unstable air Warming from the ground

Friction with the ground Ridge effects Mountain waves

Frontal effectsCarburetor ice

Thunderstorms Avoid by 20 nm

Turbulence Caused by:

Unstable air Warming from the ground

Friction with the ground Ridge effects Mountain waves

Frontal effectsCarburetor ice

What can the prudent pilot do?What can the prudent pilot do?What can the prudent pilot do?What can the prudent pilot do?

While still on the ground Get actual weather (overall & hourly) Check trends (wind direction, ceiling, visibility.) Is actual similar to forecast?

In the air Always have an “out” 180 degree turn Climb/descend

Know terrain

Maintain basic instrument skills Explain your problem to ATC & ask for help

Call Flight Watch for WX updates

While still on the ground Get actual weather (overall & hourly) Check trends (wind direction, ceiling, visibility.) Is actual similar to forecast?

In the air Always have an “out” 180 degree turn Climb/descend

Know terrain

Maintain basic instrument skills Explain your problem to ATC & ask for help

Call Flight Watch for WX updates

Call Flight Watch on 122.0 between 0600L

and 2200L when above 5000 MSL!

Wind Shear PixWind Shear PixWind Shear PixWind Shear Pix

Not so nICENot so nICENot so nICENot so nICE