Aviation Weather
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

STRAND 1
Students will understand the composition and elements of the Earth's atmosphere.

Standard 1
Elements and composition of Earth's atmosphere

1. Describe basic elements and gas composition of the atmosphere.
   
2. Differentiate the layers in the atmosphere.
   
3. Explain stability and lapse rates and how they affect aviation.
   

Standard 2
Cloud formations and locations

1. Identify cloud formations and weather associated with each type:
   
   • Stratiform
   • Cirriform
   • Stratocumuliform
   • Cumuliform
   • Cumulonimboform
2. Describe cloud classifications (genus) and location of each:
   
   • Cirro-
   • Alto-
   • Cumulo-
   • Nimbo-
   • Strato-

Standard 3
Atmospheric pressure and gas laws

1. Understand atmospheric pressure.
   
2. Describe gas laws relating to the atmosphere.
   

Standard 4
Atmospheric moisture

1. Discuss relationship between temperature moisture (dew point), and precipitation.
   
2. Describe fog formation and impacts to aviation.
   

STRAND 2
Students will understand properties of cold and warm air masses.

Standard 1
Moving air masses

1. Describe weather fronts and associated weather patterns:
   
   • Cold Front
   • Warm Front
2. Understand boundary layers and related winds.
   
3. Describe hazards of Low-Level Wind Shear.
   

Standard 2
Define and identify hazards of Airframe Icing.

Standard 3
Define turbulence and associated hazards.

1. Describe hazardous winds including mountain winds.
   

Standard 4
Identify thunderstorms and associated hazards.

STRAND 3
Students will become familiar with common aviation weather information sources.

Standard 1
Read basic aviation weather information sources:

1. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
   
2. Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR)
   
3. Pilot Report (PIREP)
   

Standard 2
Describe and read weather advisories.

1. Significant Meteorological Information - SIGMET
   
   • Convective
   • Non-convective
2. Airmen Meteorological Information - AIRMET
   
3. Convective Weather Information - CW
   
4. Analyze Upper Winds and Temperatures.
   

Standard 3
Read aviation weather charts

1. Surface charts
   
2. Upper air charts
   
3. Significant weather charts.
   

STRAND 4
Students will be able to describe other weather phenomena hazardous to aviation and interpret weather radar data.

Standard 1
Describe weather hazards associated with hurricanes.

Standard 2
Understand impacts of space weather.

Standard 3
Describe the hazards of volcanic ash to aviation.

Standard 4
Understand the causes and hazards of sand/dust storms.

Standard 5
Read satellite imagery.

Performance Skills

1. Read a basic METAR/TAF/Prog Chart/Winds Aloft/PIREP
   
2. Make a go/no go decision for flight based on weather data
   
3. Explain weather associated with cold or warm fronts
   
4. Calculate windspeed and direction from flight data
   
5. Identify cloud formations approximate levels
   

Workplace Skills

1. Students will develop professional and interpersonal skills needed for success in industry. Determine the difference between hard skills and soft skills.
   
   • Hard Skills: Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured
   • Soft Skills: Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
2. Identify soft skills needed in the workplace
   
   • Professionalism
   • Respect legal requirements/expectations
   • Resourcefulness & creativity
   • Work ethic

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Brent  Cox and see the CTE/Supply Chain & Transportation website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - THALEA  LONGHURST.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.