The Thunderstorm
Let’s take a fresh look at storms to be ready as winter winds down and we anticipate an active storm season ahead..
Instability
Stability and instability are responsible for much of the weather we encounter. But what exactly does all that mean?
Surface Charts
Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly used type of weather chart and learn what it can tell us.
Icing Encounters
Flying this time of year means dodging a whole new set of hazards. Depending on where you fly, those hazards frequently include the dreaded ice.
More Chart Reading
Learn some tips and tricks from a veteran aviation forecaster about what to look for on even those basic weather charts.
Winter Troubles
You’ve probably heard at least something about a strong El Niño episode that’s underway. During such years, weather hazards are plentiful, especially in the...
Wind Shear
In aviation meteorology articles we often focus on the big problems: thunderstorms, heavy fog, low ceilings, and icing, all of which are responsible for...
Hurricanes
Every summer and autumn headlines cover at least one major hurricane approaching the coast. You’re probably not planning to do any pattern work in...
Nowcasting
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “nowcasting.” The American Meteorological Society defines this word as “a short-term weather forecast, generally for the next few hours.”...
Seeing is Believing
Your flight is short—just over an hour. What could happen? A lot. Solid clouds can develop on the way and hunker down into low...
Summer Weather
Summer is the ideal time to take the plane out and visit fly-ins, see some old friends, and seek out the hundred-dollar hamburger. It’s...
Convection
Convection is something you probably deal with every day as a pilot, whether you’re aware of it or not. When you hear the word...