This course is designed for aviation majors but it is helpful for the non-aviation major to understand meteorology at a more advanced level. This course will cover the nature and utility of atmosphere, winds, temperature, moisture, air masses and frontal systems, weather forecasting utilizing charts and reports available from FAA and NWS. This course will incorporate techniques for flying in various weather conditions.
Prerequisites
AVF 113 or Chief Pilot approval
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- The student will be able to understand 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 and interpret weather data. These skills will be demonstrated by written tests.
Course Content Outline
- The Earth and Its Atmosphere
- Warming the Earth and Its Atmosphere
- Seasonal and Daily Temperatures
- Light, Color and Atmospheric Optics
- Atmospheric Moisture
- Condensation: Dew, Fog and Clouds
- Stability and Cloud Development
- Review & Evaluation
- Precipitation
- Air Pressure, Forces and Winds
- Wind: Small Scale and Local Systems
- Air Masses and Fronts
- Review & Evaluation
- Middle Latitude Cyclones
- Weather Forecasting
- Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
- Air Pollution
- Global Climate
- Climate Change
- Review & Evaluation
Department Guidelines
Two mid-term tests will be given plus a comprehensive final. Between major tests, short 15 minutes quizzes may 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 |