This course is designed for pilots but is helpful for the non-aviation major to understand the basics of meteorology. A study in the nature of the atmosphere, winds, temperature, moisture, air masses and frontal systems, weather forecasting utilizing charts and reports available from FAA FSS’s; incorporates techniques for flying in various weather conditions.
Prerequisites
AVF 112 or Chief Pilot approval.
Quarters Offered
Winter
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to understand basic weather theory, and the cause and effect relationship to each part, recognize critical and typical weather phenomenon including cloud types & related weather, and be able to read the weather service's charts and reports. These skills will be demonstrated by written tests.Course Content Outline
- Introduction
- The earth’s’ atmosphere & temperature
- Atmospheric Pressure and Wind
- Moisture and Clouds
- Stability and Turbulence
- Air Masses & Fronts
- Review & Evaluation
- Icing
- Thunderstorms
- Common IFR Producers
- High Altitude
- Arctic Weather
- Tropical Weather
- Soaring Weather
- Review & Evaluation
- Aviation Weather Services
- Weather Charts
- Review
- Review & Evaluation
Department Guidelines
Three mid-term tests will be given plus a comprehensive final. Between major tests, short 15 minutes quizzes will be used to maintain study motivation and supplement the overall-testing program. Grades will be earned according to the following numerical system. Note *70% is lowest passing grade.
| 98-100% | 4.0 |
| 97% | 3.9 |
| 96% | 3.8 |
| 95% | 3.7 |
| 94% | 3.6 |
| 93% | 3.5 |
| 92% | 3.4 |
| 91% | 3.3 |
| 90% | 3.2 |
| 89% | 3.1 |
| 88% | 3.0 |
| 87% | 2.9 |
| 86% | 2.8 |
| 85% | 2.7 |
| 84% | 2.6 |
| 83% | 2.5 |
| 82% | 2.4 |
| 81% | 2.3 |
| 80% | 2.2 |
| 79% | 2.1 |
| 78% | 2.0 |
| 77% | 1.9 |
| 76% | 1.8 |
| 75% | 1.7 |
| 74% | 1.5 |
| 73% | 1.3 |
| 72% | 1.1 |
| 71% | 0.9 |
| 70% | 0.7 |