Aviation Flight Rules & Weather Reports

Vocabulary flashcards that review fundamental aviation flight rules and weather reporting terminology.

VFR (Visual Flight Rules)

Regulations that allow pilots to fly when visibility is sufficient to see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles.

IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)

Regulations permitting pilots to navigate and fly using instruments when visibility is poor.

METAR

Meteorological Aerodrome Report; an aviation weather report detailing current conditions at an airport.

TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

A weather forecast specific to an airport’s vicinity, typically covering a 24- to 30-hour period.

Stratus cloud

Typically low-altitude and bring steady precipitation, which may reduce visibility.

Cumulus clouds

Generally indicate fair weather but can grow into thunderstorm clouds when combined with instability and moisture

Cumulonimbus clouds

Towering clouds associated with thunderstorms, turbulence, and heavy precipitation.

Headwinds

Slow aircraft down. Affect fuel efficiency and flight time.

Tailwind

Speed an aircraft up and affect fuel efficiency and flight time.

Crosswinds

Winds that blow perpendicular to the aircraft’s direction can make takeoff and landing challenging, requiring specific techniques to maintain stability.

Wind shear

A sudden change in wind speed or direction, often associated with thunderstorms, jet streams, and temperature inversions. Wind shear can be hazardous, especially during takeoff and landing.

Turbulence

Caused by irregular air movement, turbulence can range from light (minor bumps) to severe (causing altitude changes or control difficulties). Sources include weather fronts, thunderstorms, and the jet stream

Aircraft icing

when moisture in the air freezes on the aircraft’s surface. This is particularly dangerous as it can increase weight, reduce lift, and affect aerodynamics

Structural icing

Forms on the exterior surfaces, potentially causing a loss of

Instrument icing

Affects sensors and instruments, leading to inaccurate readings and impairing a pilot’s ability to make informed decisions

Thunderstorms are generally associated with (blank) clouds and often develop quickly.

Cumulonimbus

Microbursts and Downbursts

localized downdrafts within thunderstorms that can create extreme wind shear. This sudden shift in wind direction can be highly dangerous, especially during takeoff and landing when altitude and speed are low.

Low-pressure systems

generally bring cloudy, wet, and sometimes stormy weather

High-pressure systems

often bring clear skies and calm weather

Temperature inversions

Occur when warmer air sits above cooler air, creating stable conditions but potentially trapping pollutants and fog

Density altitude

A measure that accounts for altitude, temperature, and humidity. High-density altitudes (often found in hot and high environments) reduce engine performance, lift, and propeller efficiency.

METAR

Issued hourly, providing real-time data on current weather conditions at specific locations. For example, “METAR KJFK 081651Z 18015KT 10SM FEW050 BKN100 22/M02 A3012 RMK AO2 SLP201” provides detailed information about wind speed, visibility, cloud layers, and more.

TAF

Issued four times a day for specific airports, providing a forecast for 24 to 30 hours ahead. TAFs are more predictive and help pilots plan for expected weather patterns along their route.

Weather radar

Detects precipitation intensity and movement, helping pilots anticipate areas of heavy rain or thunderstorms

Satellite imagery

Provides real-time data on cloud cover, moisture levels, and storm systems

Pilot Reports (PIREPs)

Reports from other pilots on conditions experienced during flight, such as turbulence, icing, or visibility issues

Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)

An automated system providing real-time weather observations at airports