Questions tagged [weather]

Weather means the atmospheric conditions, including wind, temperature and precipitation, in a specific area at a specific time.

Weather refers to atmospheric conditions such as , , and , all of which have a large influence over aviation activities, especially flights. Weather is a key factor in , but also affects and , and is always included in .

National weather services usually prepare aviation-specific forecasts and other information, and there are international formats for describing weather in aviation terms. Among the most well known are s and s, which are current observations and forecasts for a specific or weather observation point.

This tag is appropriate for all questions where weather is a factor, including weather observation and forecasting (for aviation specifically), the effect of weather on aircraft and flight planning, in-flight operational considerations, etc..

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Why is the Cumulonimbus cloud formation so dangerous?

I once heard my pilot friend say that it's really dangerous to fly near any Cumulonimbus cloud formations... Something about that it could drag the plane into it. Cumulonimbus : Why is it so dangerous? How is it created?
Gabriel Brito
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How can you identify the upwind side of a thunderstorm, and why should you fly there?

When flying around a thunderstorm, it is advised that you fly in the upwind portion of the thunderstorm. First off, how do you figure out which side is the upwind and downwind of a thunderstorm? Second, why fly in the upwind?
nyorkr23
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Why is the mammatus cloud formation so dangerous?

I have read and heard that the mammatus cloud formation presents a danger to aircraft and is often associated with funnel clouds and tornadoes. How is it formed and why is it dangerous? Source: Wikipedia
ryan1618
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What does AO2 in the remarks of an ASOS/AWOS mean?

I occasionally see AO2 in the remarks of an automated weather report. What does the AO2 mean? METAR KSLC 280453Z 00000KT 10SM FEW042 SCT055 BKN080 04/02 A2981 RMK AO2 CIG 037 NW RNWY SLP087 T00440022
ryan1618
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How can a pilot anticipate cloud formation?

I read a few articles and a book about cloud forming, but I didn't really understand it. Can anybody explain in simple terms how clouds form? As a pilot, what factors that contribute to cloud formation can I anticipate? Where do the terms Saturated…
wiaim
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Is the pressure change due to volcanic activity a concern?

The recent eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai sent a shockwave so massive that it got picked all over the world by weather stations. This is the pressure detected one in Italy (source), where multiple spikes were detected: What I'm…
peppe
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Is there any way to determine or estimate where the cloud tops are?

There are various ways to find out or at least estimate where cloud bases are, e.g. ATIS/AWOS/ASOS report them directly, PIREPs may mention them, and you can make a rough estimate based on the temperature/dew point spread. Is there any way to…
Pondlife
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Can small planes see lights on the ground?

I live about 5 miles from a small airport. At night, during rain or snow storms when I imagine there would be poor visibility, I always turn our outside house lights on, in case they could possibly help a little plane in distress. Am I crazy?
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What do these weather depiction chart symbols mean?

I have several present weather symbols from the weather depiction chart that I'm not clear on and AC-0045 doesn't have in it's legend. I know the mist and fog symbols, and these look very similar, but I'm not sure what the broken lines imply. I've…
John
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What is an "all-weather" aircraft?

I've read a few times that such-and-such a plane is an "all-weather" aircraft, for example: The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet. This is quite intriguing and a rather…
Daniele Procida
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How does a constant pressure chart affect your preflight planning?

Would you choose a route or altitude based on the information in a constant pressure chart? How does a constant pressure chart help a pilot plan his or her flight?
jskypilot
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How long is a winds and temperatures aloft forecast valid for?

How long is a winds and temperatures aloft forecast valid for and how often is it published? Also, is there anywhere which says the times of publication and valid through times for all of the aviation weather charts? My google fu isn't helping.
jskypilot
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How do SIGWX chart updates work?

AWS says the SIGWX charts are issued at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC, which I assume matches the VT times on the charts themselves. What confuses me is AWS' parenthesized statement based on the current ETA model available…
qwe890
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How do visiting foreign pilots access Duats or Duat?

I'm visiting the US and will get my foreign licence verified, but this means that I won't have a US license or medical. I understand that it is a requirement to sign up for Duats and Duat?! Any idea or suggestion on how else to use it?
alex25
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Is there any difference in landing minima between ICAO and FAA?

The FAA IFR Landing Minima Chart has both ceiling and visibility minima regardless of approach type (straight-in or circling). I believe it means that a pilot should meet the both ceiling and visibility minima although he conducts straight-in…
user12972
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