[FUNAV] M5 | METEOROLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON AVIATION

atmosphere

The mixture of gases which surround

the earth, held in place by gravity.

What is it made of?

78% Nitrogen

21% oxygen

1% other gases

atmosphere

is characterised with its temperature changes in height

troposphere

[Layers of Atmosphere]

The most important layer for aviation is the ______, because:

All weather occurs here

All commercial flight phases

interact with this laye

Tropopause

Boundary

Temperature changes stop

Where most commercial aviation takes place

ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Low-pressure

[WEATHER SYSTEM: How They Affect Operations]

______ systems bring:

Poor visibility

Thunderstorms

Strong winds

Turbulence

High-pressure

[WEATHER SYSTEM: How They Affect Operations]

_________ systems support:

Higher arrival rates

Better on-time performance

Safer ground operations

Low-pressure

When a _______ system approaches an airport:

ATC may reduce arrival flow

Airlines prepare for delays

Passenger congestion increases

Operations managers must act early,

not react late

monsoons

[GLOBAL CIRCULATION PATTERNS]

The Earth heats unevenly. Warm air rises near the equator and moves

outward, creating global wind systems.

Here in the Philippines, this results in ______.

Amihan; Habagat

[GLOBAL CIRCULATION PATTERNS]

______: Strong winds, cooler air

_______: Heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding risk

Seasonal scheduling

Flood mitigation planning

Staffing adjustments

Equipment readiness

[GLOBAL CIRCULATION PATTERNS]

For aviation managers, this knowledge supports: (4)

Weather is predictable at the seasonal level—even if daily weather is not

Moist air is lifted → Air is cooled and dew point is reached → Air is then saturated → Water vapour condenses into water droplets

How Clouds Form?

Humidity

Lifting action (Convection, Orographic lifting)

Instability

Condensation Nuclei (Dust, Pollen, Dirt, Salt)

Requirements for Formation: (4)

1.Low Level Clouds

2.Mid Level Clouds

3.High Level Clouds

4.Clouds with

Extensive Vertical

Development

Families of Clouds: (4)

Low-Level Clouds

[Families of Clouds]

Clouds that form near the ground, usually below 6,500 feet.

Mid-Level Clouds

Clouds that form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet.

High-Level Clouds

Clouds that form above 20,000 feet, made mostly of ice crystals.

Clouds with Extensive Vertical Development

Clouds that grow vertically from low to high levels, often producing storms and heavy rain.

Stratus cloud

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

Low-level

Reduce visibility

Common in overcast condition

Nimbostratus clouds

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

Low to mid-level

Bring continuous rain

Affect runway conditions and braking action

Altostratus clouds

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

Mid-level

Indicate approaching weather systems

May lead to rain or storm

Cirrus cloud

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

High-level

Thin and wispy

Indicate changing weather patterns

Cumulus cloud

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

Low to mid-level

Puffy with flat bases

Generally fair weather but can develop into storm

Cumulonimbus clouds

[CLOUD TYPES AND FORMATION]

Extensive vertical development

Associated with thunderstorms

Cause turbulence, heavy rain, lightning, and wind shear

Precipitation Forms

Occurs when water droplets or ice crystals in clouds grow too heavy for the air to hold

Rain

Falls to the ground as:

from nimbostratus or cumulonimbus clouds

Snow

Falls to the ground as:

from high-altitude clouds in cold regions

Hail

Falls to the ground as:

ice pellets from cumulonimbus clouds with strong updraft

Heavy rain

[Effects on Flight Safety]

reduces visibility; risk of hydroplaning on runways

Snow/Ice

[Effects on Flight Safety]

slippery runways; aircraft surface icing

Hail

[Effects on Flight Safety]

potential damage to aircraft fuselage and engine

Effects on Runway Operation

Requires snow removal, de-icing, and runway friction monitoring

Drainage and braking action assessments are critical for safe takeoff and landing

Effects on Flight Schedulin

Intense precipitation may cause:

Delays

Diversions

Cancellations

Impacts fuel usage, crew scheduling, and operational costs

Thunderstorms pose additional risks

Lightning hazards to ground staff

Suspension of refueling and baggage loading

Key factors: direction, speed, and wind pattern

Why winds matter in Aviation?

Wind Direction

Determines runway selection

Headwind

[Wind Direction]

Shorter takeoff and landing distances

Preferred for safe operations

Crosswind

[Wind Direction]

Increases handling difficulty

May cause runway restrictions or delays

Tailwind

[Wind Direction]

Increases takeoff and landing distance

Generally avoided in operation

Wind Speed

Affects ground handling, aircraft parking, and ground equipment safety

Wind Speed

Strong winds increase operational risk

May cause:

Go-arounds

Delays and reduced arrival rates

Temporary reduction in airport

capacity

Jet streams (cruising)

[Wind Pattern]

Tailwinds reduce fuel burn and flight time

Headwinds increase fuel consumption and delays

Seasonal winds (monsoons)

[Wind Pattern]

Influence scheduling, runway usage, and delay pattern

Strong crosswinds

________ at an airport may require:

Runway configuration changes

Reduced arrival flow

Delay and congestion management in terminal

Visibility

Refers to how far a pilot can clearly see the runway, lights, and surroundings

Visibility

Critical for takeoff, landing, and overall airport capacity

Reduced visibility directly affects safety and operational efficiency

Fog

Forms when moist air near the ground cools to its dew point; Creates suspended water droplets, reducing visibility

Fog

Can occur even without rain or strong winds; Often the most disruptive weather phenomenon for airports

VISIBILITY AND FOG

Effects on Airport Operations

Reduced arrival and departure rates

ATC may implement Low-Visibility Procedures (LVPs)

Runway spacing increases → fewer aircraft can land safely

Weather

Aircraft performance is directly influenced by weather conditions

_______ affects lift, engine power, braking, and flight stability

Understanding this interaction supports safe and efficient operational decisions

Temperature

Lift and Engine Power

High temperatures

______ reduce air density

Reduced air density results in:

Less lift

Lower engine efficiency

Longer takeoff distances

Wind

– Takeoff and Landing Limits

Wind direction and speed significantly affect aircraft control

Rain

– Braking Efficiency

Wet runways reduce friction

Increased risk of hydroplaning

Longer stopping distances during landing

Turbulence

– Safety and Passenger Comfort

_______ poses safety risks to:

Passengers

Cabin crew

May require altitude or route adjustments