Weather Archives

METAR and TAF: A Pilot’s Guide to Aviation Weather Reports

Accurate weather information is critical to aviation safety, planning, and decision-making. From flight school weather training to professional flight operations, understanding aviation weather reports like METAR and TAF can be the difference between a successful flight and a serious accident. Why Aviation Weather Matters Accurate weather information is critical to aviation safety, decision-making, and planning. From flight school weather training to professional flight operations, understanding aviation weather reports like METAR and TAF can be the difference between a successful flight and a serious accident. The FAA mandates that pilots receive proper training in interpreting aviation weather information, and tools like the AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual) and FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations) support this education. Decoding METAR and TAF reports, understanding aviation … Read more

Understanding Holding Patterns: A Pilot’s Guide

Understanding how to safely and effectively navigate a holding pattern is essential, whether during instrument approaches, IFR en route delays, or during emergency procedures. Mastery of this topic is not only a critical skill assessed during the checkride for an instrument rating, but it’s also part of everyday flight operations governed by FAA regulations, outlined in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS). What is a holding pattern? A holding pattern is a racetrack pattern that allows an aircraft to hold over a fix or waypoint. This is often due to ATC instructions, spacing restrictions, altitude restrictions, or a missed approach procedure. The aircraft flies an inbound leg to the fix and then turns to fly an … Read more

Decoding NOTAMs: Hanoi to Hong Kong

The Citation jet was ready for departure at Hanoi, Vietnam (VVNB) with a destination Hong Kong (VHHH). Weather was agreeable along our entire route. The NOTAMs were an issue. Acquiring the most current weather and NOTAMs can be challenging when flying international. For example, each country will have a different responsible agency to contact for this information. Once the pilot locates the agency, they must often pay a fee and apply for ramp access to the facility. Airlines provide this information to the crew. General aviation pilots can pre-purchase this information through a commercial contractor or locate the agency on their own. During our 2015 World Flight, we pre-purchased these services. The weather, Notices, and filed instrument flight plan were … Read more

Weather Insights From Captain Judy: The Role of PIREPs

Captain Judy’s Corner: Cross-Country Adventure with PIREPs Sunrise brings the promise of perfect flying weather! Today is a satisfying day to apply your knowledge to practice with the long solo cross-country. Therefore, your private pilot check ride prep will follow. You arrive at Epic Flight Academy obtaining a final review on weather before departure. There are ample computers in the flight planning area connected to Aviation Weather. The METeorogical Aerodrome Report (METAR), Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), graphic weather, radar and satellite imaging, prognostic charts all indicate departure, enroute weather, and destination are visual flight rules (VFR). There are currently no pilot reports, also called PIREPs, along your route. A call to 800-WX-BRIEF Flight Service Station (FSS) briefer verified the VFR online … Read more

What is turbulence, and why is it so scary?

Turbulence is the drink-spilling, bag-tossing, heart-racing jolt that every traveler dreads. This bumpy ride happens when an airplane encounters powerful wind currents that push or pull it in unexpected ways. While most commercial jets cruise at altitudes designed to bypass these rough patches, gusts can strike at any altitude. From clear-air turbulence to mechanical and thermal varieties, there are several types of turbulence that can shake up your flight experience. Does turbulence shake you up? It shouldn’t! Pilots experience different types of turbulence during flight. Understanding turbulence can help you better respond when you face this situation. What is the definition of turbulence? Flight turbulence is something most passengers hate. What is turbulence? The meaning of turbulence is a sudden, … Read more

Foggy Facts: What Pilots Need to Know About Flying in Fog

“Caution, Sea Smoke approaching Ormond Beach.” Lifting my view limiting device while on a practice instrument approach at Dayton Beach (KDAB), a solid wall of white clouds rolled over the ocean toward my home airport at KOMN. I immediately canceled my practice instrument approach with KDAB approach requesting direct to KOMN. Fog is the most frequent cause of reduced surface visibility and is a persistent weather hazard. The speed with which fog can form makes it especially hazardous. In a matter of minutes, visibility can drop from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to less than a mile. Fog can also reduce visibilities below Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) minimum approach requirements. Fog is composed of either water vapor or ice crystals. A small temperature-dew … Read more

Captain Judy’s Corner: Hurricanes – What’s in a name?

10-Year Hurricane Track (2005-2015)Source: National Geographic Did you know that “Huracan” was the god of big winds and evil spirits worshiped by the Maya people of Central America? Hurricane preparedness is serious business. While people have been naming major storms for hundreds of years, meteorologist first named hurricanes by the latitude and longitude coordinates where the storm was located. This system of tracking was confusing to people seeking hurricane information. In the early 1950s, the U.S. National Hurricane Center started the process by naming storms according to a phonetic alphabet, such as: Able, Baker, Charlie. The first hurricane of each season was always named “Able,” the second “Baker,” and so on. (This was also part of the early alpha codes, … Read more

Captain Judy’s Corner: Flexibility is the Key to Safety in a Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm flexibility is essential for all pilots. The Citation was at FL370 (37000’) when I saw a thunderstorm building in the distance. I was amazed to watch and feel this energy from a far distance. The cumulonimbus clouds were building higher than the jet’s altitude. The lightning brightened the darkening sky. Are thunderstorms really all that dangerous? Every student pilot dreads the thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are part of summer weather in Florida, and most pilots here know to respect them. The first thing they learn is flexibility. Thunderstorms are one of nature’s most powerful forces and a weather hazard that are dangerous for all pilots. Flying too close to these powerful beasts can end in disaster. Pilots must understand thunderstorms and … Read more

Density Altitude: Do Airplanes Feel It?

How does hot, humid air affect flying? The cockpit felt like a sauna in the Arizona heat. I wasn’t the only one enduring the summer weather. My airplane was, too. In aviation, changes in air temperature, humidity, and pressure directly affect performance. To understand why, pilots use calculations, equations, and even a density altitude chart or calculator to determine how their aircraft will behave. On a cool Florida morning, you’ll notice a short takeoff roll and a quick climb. By contrast, a hot, humid afternoon produces a very different result: more runway used, slower acceleration, and less climb performance. The difference comes down to air density, which changes constantly with weather and altitude. Quick Navigation to Density Altitude What is … Read more