How does winter aviation weather affect ground operations? When pilots think about winter aviation weather hazards, ice-covered wings and slippery runways usually top the list. But some of the most dangerous winter risks never leave the ground. Cold weather ground
Safer Winter Aviation Weather Flying Winter aviation weather can be deceptive in aviation. On one hand, cold, dense air improves aerodynamic performance and engine power. On the other, extreme cold introduces mechanical, battery, fuel, and human performance challenges that can
Understanding Fuel System Icing: A Critical Winter Aviation Weather Risk Fuel system icing is one of the most quietly dangerous threats in winter aviation weather because it gives little warning and often strikes at the
Mastering Weather: Compliance Overview of AC 91-92, Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing Weather isn’t just something you “check”—it’s something you interpret. AC 91-92 pushes pilots to move beyond static information and develop a deeper sense of what the atmosphere is
Microbursts and aviation explained Among all weather hazards, few are as sudden and destructive as the microburst. Invisible until it’s too late, a microburst can turn a routine flight into a life-threatening emergency in seconds.
Cold Fronts and Squall Lines – Fast-Moving Hazards When it comes to flying, some of the most dramatic and hazardous weather is tied to cold fronts and squall lines. Unlike the lingering drizzle of warm
Lingering Weather Hazards – Warm and Stationary Fronts Not all weather fronts behave the same way. Some, like cold fronts, sweep through quickly with dramatic thunderstorms and abrupt changes. Others, however, move slowly—or not at
What is a METAR? METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It is a standardized aviation weather observation that provides current weather conditions at a specific airport. Issued once an hour (or more frequently if conditions
Understanding Occluded Fronts Weather fronts play a crucial role in aviation decision-making, and among the different types—warm, cold, stationary, and occluded—occluded fronts can be the most challenging for pilots to understand and navigate. An occluded
Understanding the Impact of Dew Point Pilots know that weather is one of the most influential factors in flight safety, and dew point plays a critical role in understanding atmospheric conditions. While temperature and pressure
Winds Aloft in Aviation The invisible currents of air known as winds aloft are a critical factor influencing every flight’s trajectory, efficiency, and safety. These winds, which occur at higher altitudes, can significantly affect flight
Bernoulli’s Principle Every flight training student is introduced to the four fundamental forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. These forces are always acting on an aircraft, and flight happens when they are properly
Flight Training and Thunderstorms Every student pilot hears the same advice: avoid, avoid, avoid thunderstorms. While that’s sound instruction, it barely scratches the surface of what real weather decision-making looks like in the airplane. As
Background The method that the FAA uses to report and interpret runway conditions during inclement winter operations has been updated to eliminate misinformation. The Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) is the new methodology for conveying
Understanding Flat-Light, Whiteout, and Brownout IIMC Conditions Helicopter pilots operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. From mountain ranges to sandy deserts, they often face conditions that can test even the most experienced
Clouds and Turbulence Mastering the art of navigating the skies involves more than just technical skill and precision; it also requires an in-depth understanding of meteorological phenomena, particularly clouds and their potential to cause turbulence.
Supercooled Large Droplets During Winter Operations There are just a few events that strike real fear in an experienced pilot – one is an in-flight smoke or fire event and another is the loud splat,
How Does Freezing Rain Affect Airplanes? Freezing rain has the capability of causing rapid, significant clear ice accumulations on the upper surfaces of an airplane, beyond the capability of anti/de-icing systems. On airplanes without any
The Composition of Clouds Navigating through the skies is both an art and a science. One of the most critical aspects of flight operations is understanding what lies within clouds and why they can become
IFR weather conditions can be dangerous without preplanning IFR weather aviation is a type of air navigation requiring instruments and other navigational equipment to fly aircraft in low visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, or
Winds Aloft in Forecasts Help with Flight Safety When pilots do their preflight planning, weather is one of the first things they look at. Precipitation, cloud heights, wind direction, speed, etc. are all part of
What’s In a Cloud? If your answer to this question was liquid droplets, frozen crystals, or other suspended particles, you would be correct. But if your answer was turbulence, you just might also be right,
Dust Devils are Aviation Weather Demons Dust devils aren’t just charming little puffs of swirling dust. The NTSB is emphasizing the significant danger these miniature tornadoes pose to pilots, with their strength rivaling that of
Aviation Airspace During a Solar Eclipse April 8 promises to bring extraordinary yet demanding aviation airspace requirements. Pilots flying during the eclipse will require heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols as airspace congestion is
Various cloud types cause aviation weather challenges with turbulence As a pilot, one thing that you have to be wary of is turbulence. This unsettling and often uncomfortable phenomenon can make flying an unnerving experience
Winter Aviation Weather Winter aviation weather conditions can present unique challenges to pilots, making it critical that we pay special attention to weather during winter flights. The consequences of inadequate preparation and miscalculations in uncharted
Cold aviation weather is dangerous and rotor blades are getting help Significant progress has been made in combating adverse aviation weather, particularly in the field of de-icing and anti-icing technologies. Even small, single-engine aircraft now
Aviation Weather Approaches in Colder Weather Get ready, colder aviation weather is on the way. While it’s lovely to see the sparkling snow-covered landscape, it’s important to prioritize safety when it comes to winter flying.
Aviation Weather Technology Sees Advancement Aviation weather avoidance technology has advanced significantly over the years, making flying much easier and safer. Gone are the days of complicated radar displays and the need for extensive training.
Navigating Through Microbursts Microbursts are sudden downdrafts caused by winds that rapidly change direction and speed, usually over a short distance. They can occur in any weather condition and often go unnoticed until they hit
For pilots, staying up to date with the latest meteorological trends and data is a critical aspect of flight safety. This blog will explore the role that meteorology plays in aviation safety, from understanding how
Aviation Weather Review Prevent Risks Too often, preventable aircraft accidents occur due to reckless behavior from pilots, such as flying in aviation weather beyond their experience level, neglecting pre-flight checks, or carelessly running out of
Staying Safe in the Summer Skies Summertime is the season of fun and adventure, but for pilots it’s also a time of increased risk and responsibility. Preflight preparation is essential to prevent costly mistakes and
Issues with your flight plan may be easier to predict thanks to a new app Have you ever flown somewhere and found out about something after you landed that you wish you knew before filing
Aviation weather is not something to mess with Here’s the million-dollar question: Did the Russian Airbus take a wild ride because of aviation weather, or was it something more sinister? If you haven’t heard, a
You don’t always know when aviation weather will hit Turbulence is one of those aviation weather events that most experienced pilots shrug off as part of a day’s work. We tell our passengers to expect
Aviation weather decisions may mean life or death, but they shouldn’t mean your job To go or not to go, that’s the question. I was lucky with my EMS position because aviation weather was never
Congested aviation airspace in the northeast with much-needed relief I remember when IFR flight planning was simple. You had your Victor Airways and your Jet Routes. That was it; pick one and be on your
New ice protection technology designed to help flying in winter aviation weather Every season comes with its aviation weather challenges. Spring and summer offer the thrill of thunderstorms and tornado avoidance; Fall brings us level
ILS approach during a snowstorm isn’t something to take your eyes off I’m not too fond of snow-covered runways. There’s nothing worse than flying an ILS approach to minimums and breaking out to a sea
Aviation weather is the cause of another aviation accident I recently spent time flying with a pilot who does not seem to have a healthy respect for aviation weather, and his attitude is starting to
Aviation weather and lighting won’t come out of nowhere with new radar technology There’s not a whole lot that bothers me more than flying on a dark, moonless night with a wall of lightning in
Aviation weather is not to be messed with I’m amazed when a pilot disregards the dangers of winter aviation weather and takes off with a noticeable coating of ice and snow on the aircraft. Were
If it wasn’t aviation weather, what brought down a Gulfstream GIV? My stomach churns when I hear about another accident involving a modern business jet, especially one as advanced as the Gulstream GIV. What could
The jury agrees, aviation weather is a valid reason to cancel a flight The jury agrees, aviation weather is a valid reason to cancel a flight While looking back on high-profile aviation accidents over the years, it’s easy
Aviation weather leads to a lawsuit A flight operated by Canadian Helicopters (CHO) in 2019 led to a lawsuit from the passengers. The official charge of the lawsuit was that bad weather led to multiple
Flight planning after disaster strikes When I worked for an EMS Air Ambulance Company, we were usually on call whenever there was any natural (or manufactured) disaster within flying distance of our base. We were
Aviation weather and other preflight briefing items are in the FAA’s new AC I don’t think that I’m the only pilot out there who has become, shall we say, “relaxed” about my pre-flight briefings. Of
Aviation training is upgrading as new technologies are developed “Better pilots, not better helicopters are the solution for stopping spatial disorientation accidents.” ICARUS. All the technology in the world isn’t going to help the VFR
We have recently refreshed our Bloodborne Pathogens training and have released the new subject to users. We have two options for Bloodborne Pathogens training: a Maintenance Safety course that is designed for non-medical personnel who
Aviation weather radar technology gets a boost Even though I’m entering the “wind-down” portion of a fantastic aviation career, I still get excited to see the latest research and technology created for the sole purpose
Aviation weather combined with electrical failure leads a short trip into the ground It’s true confession time; I’m not too fond of electrical systems. Always have, always will. I’m not even sure how I’ve made
Aviation weather flying is getting safer and more exciting with technological advances Aviation weather has been a challenge for pilots since the first brave soul flew through the clouds and came out the other side.
Aviation weather can build up and strike before you know it When we can, we try to stay at least 20 milesfrom the nearest cell, but as all professional pilots know, that’s not always possible.
Winter aviation weather flight adjustments aren’t straightforward for all pilots I had to really think about a recent warning from the NTSB regarding aviation weather hazards in the winter months. Those of us who fly
Sudden bursts of winter aviation weather don’t have to be disastrous My corporate flight department is not having the best of luck getting into Driggs, Idaho as of late. Don’t get me wrong – it’s
Flight plan software leads to more turbulence awareness and fewer aviation injuries I hate turbulence. With more than 10,000 hours of flight time, I still hate turbulence. If there was a way for me to
Aviation weather checks can’t get any closer than the Apple Watch on your wrist I am embarrassed to say this, but I’ve had an Apple Watch for years and I use it to, well, tell
Best to deal with aviation weather before it arrives Is it Spring yet? No, don’t answer that. I can see the date on my phone. Weather in the dead of winter and its affect on
Aviation weather calls for extra awareness of the possibility of whiteout and flat light I was driving home last December on a nice day in upstate New York when all of a sudden, a squall
Aviation weather phenomena changes can lead to serious consequences White out, brown out and flat light conditions are dangerous aviation weather phenomena for all pilots, but helicopter pilots seem to suffer more ill effects than
Aviation Weather Produces Wary Winter Pilots Did you see the video recently showing the airline skidding off the icy runway at O’Hare? It’s that time of year again…aviation weather is about to wreak havoc with
Aviation weather reports made easier with Stratus ADS-B The Stratus ADS-B receiver has become the most popular aviation weather receiver for the iPad, and for good reason: it is incredibly simple to use. Just turn
Aviation weather radar contouring reading helps you avoid dangerous storms There’s so much more to aviation weather radar than simply turning it on and looking for red blobs to avoid. As long as we keep
Aviation weather warnings – do we need all this info now? It was a dark and stormy night…. well, it was a dark and stormy afternoon. A steady chatter of pilots requested deviations and unscheduled
Races Against Aviation Weather Can End with a Win for Mother Nature I felt like Brittany Spears singing “Whoops, I did it again”…. Mother nature was about to challenge us to a race, like she
In Part 4 of this aviation weather series, we will be discussing the advantages and limitations of Sirius XM weather for pilots. First, a quick reminder: ALL data link weather radar comes with a delay,
Aviation Weather Radar: Attenuation With the recent outbreak of severe weather in the Central United States, this is probably a good time to talk about aviation weather radar. The advancement in radar technology has been
Standard Lapse Rate – No pressure…well, lots of it Atmospheric pressure has important effects on flying, which include being both a key weather element and a “tool” used to lift an aircraft and operate instruments.
Another example of why aviation weather training is an essential component of flight safety If you’ve ever had the urge to play chicken with aviation weather…. If you’ve ever tried to beat a storm to
Hot air rises Density altitude has a notable effect on aircraft performance. One phrase often used when speaking of aircraft performance is “high, hot, and humid”. This references high altitude, hot temperature, and humid air…all
From Ice to Rain – Aviation Weather Can Still Dampen a Flight Spring is here! That magnificent time of the year when the snow is melting and the promise of kinder and gentler aviation weather
Pay it forward: Share clear, mixed, and rime ice PIREPS to help others’ aeronautical decision making It’s easy for us to forget the importance of passing along critical PIREP information when encountering clear, mixed, or
Runway Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA) The braking action report for the runway you are about to land on is 5/3/2. Is that good? Is it Bad? What are runway braking action codes and
What cold temperatures mean to calculating a pressure altitude correction High-to-low, look-out-below! We’ve been hearing that since our private-pilot days. But what about “Cold and low, look out below”? How many times have you heard
Supercooled Large Droplets…If that phrase doesn’t make your skin crawl, then you probably haven’t inadvertently flown into them. The dreaded SLD…You know there is something different about this icing encounter because of the “splat” noise
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to hover at or below freezing, it’s a good idea to spend a few extra minutes thinking about the best time to fuel your aircraft prior
Staying Safe in Winter Weather Winter flying is generally characterized by increased weather hazards. Arguably, the most significant of these is icing and its many associated risks. Pilots must be aware of the different types
Cooler weather is coming and so are its threats to aircraft. Cloud identification assists in avoiding turbulence, thunderstorms, and icing. Icing holds major hazards for airmen, so we have dedicated this blog to identifying the
Convective cloud conundrums and solutions. As we previously discussed in our turbulence blog, all cumulus clouds, particularly towering cumulus, provide visual aids for areas you may wish to avoid. On top of turbulence, another hazard
Hidden dangers in our temperamental airspace companions. Identifying clouds and their potential threats is key to having a keen aviator’s eye and ensuring that you don’t inadvertently encounter any hazards. The FAA mandates yearly recurrent
If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the airspace. As temperatures keep rising across the nation, CTS wanted to look into extreme heat wave temperatures and their influence on aircraft. The definition of
Don’t let a dust storm soil your flight. Dust storms can cause many issues for aircraft and aviation-related activities. Not only are these weather phenomena hard to predict, but they can happen in an instant.
Forecasted funnel clouds mean go-arounds and reroutes. Well, it’s springtime here in Kansas which means one thing: tornadoes. Although these funneling foes aren’t always so friendly, especially to the aviators of the world, we want
What’s in a name? There are many rumors as to how the magnetic compass, found in the cockpit of many aircraft, became known as the ‘whiskey compass.’ Some say it was dubbed the whiskey compass to
Whiteout and Flat Light Considerations As we know from our previous blog (see Arctic Flying: Part 1), there are many optical hazards while flying in the Arctic region. The snow covered ground combined with overcast
How does winter aviation weather affect ground operations? When pilots think about winter aviation weather hazards, ice-covered wings and slippery runways usually top the list. But some of the most dangerous winter risks never leave the ground. Cold weather ground
Safer Winter Aviation Weather Flying Winter aviation weather can be deceptive in aviation. On one hand, cold, dense air improves aerodynamic performance and engine power. On the other, extreme cold introduces mechanical, battery, fuel, and human performance challenges that can
Understanding Fuel System Icing: A Critical Winter Aviation Weather Risk Fuel system icing is one of the most quietly dangerous threats in winter aviation weather because it gives little warning and often strikes at the
Mastering Weather: Compliance Overview of AC 91-92, Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing Weather isn’t just something you “check”—it’s something you interpret. AC 91-92 pushes pilots to move beyond static information and develop a deeper sense of what the atmosphere is
Microbursts and aviation explained Among all weather hazards, few are as sudden and destructive as the microburst. Invisible until it’s too late, a microburst can turn a routine flight into a life-threatening emergency in seconds.
Cold Fronts and Squall Lines – Fast-Moving Hazards When it comes to flying, some of the most dramatic and hazardous weather is tied to cold fronts and squall lines. Unlike the lingering drizzle of warm
Lingering Weather Hazards – Warm and Stationary Fronts Not all weather fronts behave the same way. Some, like cold fronts, sweep through quickly with dramatic thunderstorms and abrupt changes. Others, however, move slowly—or not at
What is a METAR? METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It is a standardized aviation weather observation that provides current weather conditions at a specific airport. Issued once an hour (or more frequently if conditions
Understanding Occluded Fronts Weather fronts play a crucial role in aviation decision-making, and among the different types—warm, cold, stationary, and occluded—occluded fronts can be the most challenging for pilots to understand and navigate. An occluded
Understanding the Impact of Dew Point Pilots know that weather is one of the most influential factors in flight safety, and dew point plays a critical role in understanding atmospheric conditions. While temperature and pressure
Winds Aloft in Aviation The invisible currents of air known as winds aloft are a critical factor influencing every flight’s trajectory, efficiency, and safety. These winds, which occur at higher altitudes, can significantly affect flight
Bernoulli’s Principle Every flight training student is introduced to the four fundamental forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. These forces are always acting on an aircraft, and flight happens when they are properly
Flight Training and Thunderstorms Every student pilot hears the same advice: avoid, avoid, avoid thunderstorms. While that’s sound instruction, it barely scratches the surface of what real weather decision-making looks like in the airplane. As
Background The method that the FAA uses to report and interpret runway conditions during inclement winter operations has been updated to eliminate misinformation. The Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) is the new methodology for conveying
Understanding Flat-Light, Whiteout, and Brownout IIMC Conditions Helicopter pilots operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. From mountain ranges to sandy deserts, they often face conditions that can test even the most experienced
Clouds and Turbulence Mastering the art of navigating the skies involves more than just technical skill and precision; it also requires an in-depth understanding of meteorological phenomena, particularly clouds and their potential to cause turbulence.
Supercooled Large Droplets During Winter Operations There are just a few events that strike real fear in an experienced pilot – one is an in-flight smoke or fire event and another is the loud splat,
How Does Freezing Rain Affect Airplanes? Freezing rain has the capability of causing rapid, significant clear ice accumulations on the upper surfaces of an airplane, beyond the capability of anti/de-icing systems. On airplanes without any
The Composition of Clouds Navigating through the skies is both an art and a science. One of the most critical aspects of flight operations is understanding what lies within clouds and why they can become
IFR weather conditions can be dangerous without preplanning IFR weather aviation is a type of air navigation requiring instruments and other navigational equipment to fly aircraft in low visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, or
Winds Aloft in Forecasts Help with Flight Safety When pilots do their preflight planning, weather is one of the first things they look at. Precipitation, cloud heights, wind direction, speed, etc. are all part of
What’s In a Cloud? If your answer to this question was liquid droplets, frozen crystals, or other suspended particles, you would be correct. But if your answer was turbulence, you just might also be right,
Dust Devils are Aviation Weather Demons Dust devils aren’t just charming little puffs of swirling dust. The NTSB is emphasizing the significant danger these miniature tornadoes pose to pilots, with their strength rivaling that of
Aviation Airspace During a Solar Eclipse April 8 promises to bring extraordinary yet demanding aviation airspace requirements. Pilots flying during the eclipse will require heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols as airspace congestion is
Various cloud types cause aviation weather challenges with turbulence As a pilot, one thing that you have to be wary of is turbulence. This unsettling and often uncomfortable phenomenon can make flying an unnerving experience
Winter Aviation Weather Winter aviation weather conditions can present unique challenges to pilots, making it critical that we pay special attention to weather during winter flights. The consequences of inadequate preparation and miscalculations in uncharted
Cold aviation weather is dangerous and rotor blades are getting help Significant progress has been made in combating adverse aviation weather, particularly in the field of de-icing and anti-icing technologies. Even small, single-engine aircraft now
Aviation Weather Approaches in Colder Weather Get ready, colder aviation weather is on the way. While it’s lovely to see the sparkling snow-covered landscape, it’s important to prioritize safety when it comes to winter flying.
Aviation Weather Technology Sees Advancement Aviation weather avoidance technology has advanced significantly over the years, making flying much easier and safer. Gone are the days of complicated radar displays and the need for extensive training.
Navigating Through Microbursts Microbursts are sudden downdrafts caused by winds that rapidly change direction and speed, usually over a short distance. They can occur in any weather condition and often go unnoticed until they hit
For pilots, staying up to date with the latest meteorological trends and data is a critical aspect of flight safety. This blog will explore the role that meteorology plays in aviation safety, from understanding how
Aviation Weather Review Prevent Risks Too often, preventable aircraft accidents occur due to reckless behavior from pilots, such as flying in aviation weather beyond their experience level, neglecting pre-flight checks, or carelessly running out of
Staying Safe in the Summer Skies Summertime is the season of fun and adventure, but for pilots it’s also a time of increased risk and responsibility. Preflight preparation is essential to prevent costly mistakes and
Issues with your flight plan may be easier to predict thanks to a new app Have you ever flown somewhere and found out about something after you landed that you wish you knew before filing
Aviation weather is not something to mess with Here’s the million-dollar question: Did the Russian Airbus take a wild ride because of aviation weather, or was it something more sinister? If you haven’t heard, a
You don’t always know when aviation weather will hit Turbulence is one of those aviation weather events that most experienced pilots shrug off as part of a day’s work. We tell our passengers to expect
Aviation weather decisions may mean life or death, but they shouldn’t mean your job To go or not to go, that’s the question. I was lucky with my EMS position because aviation weather was never
Congested aviation airspace in the northeast with much-needed relief I remember when IFR flight planning was simple. You had your Victor Airways and your Jet Routes. That was it; pick one and be on your
New ice protection technology designed to help flying in winter aviation weather Every season comes with its aviation weather challenges. Spring and summer offer the thrill of thunderstorms and tornado avoidance; Fall brings us level
ILS approach during a snowstorm isn’t something to take your eyes off I’m not too fond of snow-covered runways. There’s nothing worse than flying an ILS approach to minimums and breaking out to a sea
Aviation weather is the cause of another aviation accident I recently spent time flying with a pilot who does not seem to have a healthy respect for aviation weather, and his attitude is starting to
Aviation weather and lighting won’t come out of nowhere with new radar technology There’s not a whole lot that bothers me more than flying on a dark, moonless night with a wall of lightning in
Aviation weather is not to be messed with I’m amazed when a pilot disregards the dangers of winter aviation weather and takes off with a noticeable coating of ice and snow on the aircraft. Were
If it wasn’t aviation weather, what brought down a Gulfstream GIV? My stomach churns when I hear about another accident involving a modern business jet, especially one as advanced as the Gulstream GIV. What could
The jury agrees, aviation weather is a valid reason to cancel a flight The jury agrees, aviation weather is a valid reason to cancel a flight While looking back on high-profile aviation accidents over the years, it’s easy
Aviation weather leads to a lawsuit A flight operated by Canadian Helicopters (CHO) in 2019 led to a lawsuit from the passengers. The official charge of the lawsuit was that bad weather led to multiple
Flight planning after disaster strikes When I worked for an EMS Air Ambulance Company, we were usually on call whenever there was any natural (or manufactured) disaster within flying distance of our base. We were
Aviation weather and other preflight briefing items are in the FAA’s new AC I don’t think that I’m the only pilot out there who has become, shall we say, “relaxed” about my pre-flight briefings. Of
Aviation training is upgrading as new technologies are developed “Better pilots, not better helicopters are the solution for stopping spatial disorientation accidents.” ICARUS. All the technology in the world isn’t going to help the VFR
We have recently refreshed our Bloodborne Pathogens training and have released the new subject to users. We have two options for Bloodborne Pathogens training: a Maintenance Safety course that is designed for non-medical personnel who
Aviation weather radar technology gets a boost Even though I’m entering the “wind-down” portion of a fantastic aviation career, I still get excited to see the latest research and technology created for the sole purpose
Aviation weather combined with electrical failure leads a short trip into the ground It’s true confession time; I’m not too fond of electrical systems. Always have, always will. I’m not even sure how I’ve made
Aviation weather flying is getting safer and more exciting with technological advances Aviation weather has been a challenge for pilots since the first brave soul flew through the clouds and came out the other side.
Aviation weather can build up and strike before you know it When we can, we try to stay at least 20 milesfrom the nearest cell, but as all professional pilots know, that’s not always possible.
Winter aviation weather flight adjustments aren’t straightforward for all pilots I had to really think about a recent warning from the NTSB regarding aviation weather hazards in the winter months. Those of us who fly
Sudden bursts of winter aviation weather don’t have to be disastrous My corporate flight department is not having the best of luck getting into Driggs, Idaho as of late. Don’t get me wrong – it’s
Flight plan software leads to more turbulence awareness and fewer aviation injuries I hate turbulence. With more than 10,000 hours of flight time, I still hate turbulence. If there was a way for me to
Aviation weather checks can’t get any closer than the Apple Watch on your wrist I am embarrassed to say this, but I’ve had an Apple Watch for years and I use it to, well, tell
Best to deal with aviation weather before it arrives Is it Spring yet? No, don’t answer that. I can see the date on my phone. Weather in the dead of winter and its affect on
Aviation weather calls for extra awareness of the possibility of whiteout and flat light I was driving home last December on a nice day in upstate New York when all of a sudden, a squall
Aviation weather phenomena changes can lead to serious consequences White out, brown out and flat light conditions are dangerous aviation weather phenomena for all pilots, but helicopter pilots seem to suffer more ill effects than
Aviation Weather Produces Wary Winter Pilots Did you see the video recently showing the airline skidding off the icy runway at O’Hare? It’s that time of year again…aviation weather is about to wreak havoc with
Aviation weather reports made easier with Stratus ADS-B The Stratus ADS-B receiver has become the most popular aviation weather receiver for the iPad, and for good reason: it is incredibly simple to use. Just turn
Aviation weather radar contouring reading helps you avoid dangerous storms There’s so much more to aviation weather radar than simply turning it on and looking for red blobs to avoid. As long as we keep
Aviation weather warnings – do we need all this info now? It was a dark and stormy night…. well, it was a dark and stormy afternoon. A steady chatter of pilots requested deviations and unscheduled
Races Against Aviation Weather Can End with a Win for Mother Nature I felt like Brittany Spears singing “Whoops, I did it again”…. Mother nature was about to challenge us to a race, like she
In Part 4 of this aviation weather series, we will be discussing the advantages and limitations of Sirius XM weather for pilots. First, a quick reminder: ALL data link weather radar comes with a delay,
Aviation Weather Radar: Attenuation With the recent outbreak of severe weather in the Central United States, this is probably a good time to talk about aviation weather radar. The advancement in radar technology has been
Standard Lapse Rate – No pressure…well, lots of it Atmospheric pressure has important effects on flying, which include being both a key weather element and a “tool” used to lift an aircraft and operate instruments.
Another example of why aviation weather training is an essential component of flight safety If you’ve ever had the urge to play chicken with aviation weather…. If you’ve ever tried to beat a storm to
Hot air rises Density altitude has a notable effect on aircraft performance. One phrase often used when speaking of aircraft performance is “high, hot, and humid”. This references high altitude, hot temperature, and humid air…all
From Ice to Rain – Aviation Weather Can Still Dampen a Flight Spring is here! That magnificent time of the year when the snow is melting and the promise of kinder and gentler aviation weather
Pay it forward: Share clear, mixed, and rime ice PIREPS to help others’ aeronautical decision making It’s easy for us to forget the importance of passing along critical PIREP information when encountering clear, mixed, or
Runway Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA) The braking action report for the runway you are about to land on is 5/3/2. Is that good? Is it Bad? What are runway braking action codes and
What cold temperatures mean to calculating a pressure altitude correction High-to-low, look-out-below! We’ve been hearing that since our private-pilot days. But what about “Cold and low, look out below”? How many times have you heard
Supercooled Large Droplets…If that phrase doesn’t make your skin crawl, then you probably haven’t inadvertently flown into them. The dreaded SLD…You know there is something different about this icing encounter because of the “splat” noise
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to hover at or below freezing, it’s a good idea to spend a few extra minutes thinking about the best time to fuel your aircraft prior
Staying Safe in Winter Weather Winter flying is generally characterized by increased weather hazards. Arguably, the most significant of these is icing and its many associated risks. Pilots must be aware of the different types
Cooler weather is coming and so are its threats to aircraft. Cloud identification assists in avoiding turbulence, thunderstorms, and icing. Icing holds major hazards for airmen, so we have dedicated this blog to identifying the
Convective cloud conundrums and solutions. As we previously discussed in our turbulence blog, all cumulus clouds, particularly towering cumulus, provide visual aids for areas you may wish to avoid. On top of turbulence, another hazard
Hidden dangers in our temperamental airspace companions. Identifying clouds and their potential threats is key to having a keen aviator’s eye and ensuring that you don’t inadvertently encounter any hazards. The FAA mandates yearly recurrent
If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the airspace. As temperatures keep rising across the nation, CTS wanted to look into extreme heat wave temperatures and their influence on aircraft. The definition of
Don’t let a dust storm soil your flight. Dust storms can cause many issues for aircraft and aviation-related activities. Not only are these weather phenomena hard to predict, but they can happen in an instant.
Forecasted funnel clouds mean go-arounds and reroutes. Well, it’s springtime here in Kansas which means one thing: tornadoes. Although these funneling foes aren’t always so friendly, especially to the aviators of the world, we want
What’s in a name? There are many rumors as to how the magnetic compass, found in the cockpit of many aircraft, became known as the ‘whiskey compass.’ Some say it was dubbed the whiskey compass to
Whiteout and Flat Light Considerations As we know from our previous blog (see Arctic Flying: Part 1), there are many optical hazards while flying in the Arctic region. The snow covered ground combined with overcast
