Aviation Weather, Regulations, and Aircraft Systems Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering atmospheric conditions, flight regulations, aircraft systems, and emergency medical factors based on the lecture transcript.

High Pressure System Movement

Sinking (downward) air

Air moves outward from the center

Clockwise circulation (Northern Hemisphere)

Low Pressure System Movement

Rising (upward) air

Air moves inward toward the center

Counterclockwise circulation (Northern Hemisphere)

Stable Atmosphere

Stratus clouds

Steady/constant precipitation

Generally good visibility

Low turbulence

Unstable Atmosphere

Cumulus clouds

Showery precipitation

Turbulence

Convective activity

Visibility often reduced in precipitation

Where do fronts occur?

Along or associated with low-pressure systems

Cold Front Characteristics

Cold air pushes under warm air

Warm air rises rapidly

Cumulus/Cumulonimbus clouds

Convective SIGMETs

Turbulence

Poor visibility

Wind shear

Thunderstorms common

Warm Front Characteristics

Warm air gradually rides up over cold air

Stratus clouds

Steady precipitation

Poor visibility

IFR conditions common

Occluded Front Characteristics

Cold front overtakes a warm front

Warm air lifted off the surface

Cloudy skies

Widespread precipitation

Embedded thunderstorms possible

Stationary Front Characteristics

Two opposing air masses stall

Cloudy skies

Persistent precipitation

Little movement

What are isobars?

Lines connecting areas of equal pressure

Closely spaced isobars indicate stronger winds

What is a trough?

Elongated area of relatively low pressure

Rising air

Unstable weather

Convective turbulence possible

What is the orange dashed line on a Prog Chart?

Trough

Dip in pressure

Rising air

Convective turbulence/unsettled weather

What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?

Cumulus

Mature

Dissipating

What is required for a thunderstorm to form?

Moisture

Unstable air

Lifting action (rising air)

What are the VFR weather minimums for each airspace? (14 CFR §91.155)

Class B: Clear of clouds, 3 SM

Class C: 3-152 (3 SM, 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal)