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Somebody HELP with Aviation Weather??

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squale

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Posts
200
All I have to say is "Wow"... I thought a knew a little about weather until I started checking out aviation weather sites such as:
http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/
http://www.duats.com/
http://aviationweather.gov/

Now I am completley LOST.. LOL
But anyhow, as a just-beginning student pilot, I was told that it's a good idea to get a headstart on learning aviation weather. And after having my first lesson canceled due to high winds today and me having no idea how to learn about this, I figure it's time I start reading up on it a bit.

So what I am looking for is some links for useful information on explaining all the aviation weather terminology like Sigmets, etc..

Any help is very much appreciated.. thanks guys!
 
wow, slow down sparky.

Kneeboard, com stuff, aviation weather things...
Man, so you're starting this weekend and your v-ride is on monday?

But good to see you're going for it!!!
 
7B2 said:
wow, slow down sparky.

Kneeboard, com stuff, aviation weather things...
Man, so you're starting this weekend and your v-ride is on monday?

But good to see you're going for it!!!
Click to expand...
He’s going to be shooting a localizer approach next week at this rate.. It’s really good you’re excited though, your CFI will appreciate it.:)
 
7B2 said:
wow, slow down sparky.

Kneeboard, com stuff, aviation weather things...
Man, so you're starting this weekend and your v-ride is on monday?

But good to see you're going for it!!!
Click to expand...

lol, yeah I know I am asking lots of questions, etc... but I am trying to learn as much as possible up front so I can understand and "take in" more of what I will get in the real airplane. I just like to be ahead of the game so to speak, so I can relax while I am in actual training because I already will know some of the things from studying ahead of time.

This is a lot of money for a fun hobby, so I am going to make sure I get the most knowledge to become the best pilot I can out of it..
 
Don't try to "force feed" all of this at once.

First, if you are not already one, become a weather channel junky. As pretty as Sharon Resultan is, she does talk weather. These people like to teach their craft, often taking time to explain arcane terminology.

Start by getting to know the elements of a TAF and a METAR. How often do they come out? When do they vary from that schedule? What do you find on an Area Forecast?

What do the common two letter codes mean that you find used to describe weather phenomona?

Start with the text, and ask question. Watch weather reporting on TV, and find the telphone numbers that let you access the weather machine at the local airport. I have many such numbers still in my cell phone.

There's a lot to know. You won't learn it all overnight. Just make weather a habit, for now.
 
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I would start sending in your application to the regionals the rate you're going..

Texan Aviator, you had me laughing pretty good
 
yeah but I am looking for places online to read up about TAF and METARS in plain english.. not some crazy technical specs that you can't understand...
 
Unfortunately, the FAA does not test in plain english.

You have to learn weather on ICAO terms. No way around it. Some of it can be humorous, like remembering that GR might mean "granite rain."
 
squale said:
yeah but I am looking for places online to read up about TAF and METARS in plain english.. not some crazy technical specs that you can't understand...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about online.. But you can go to your school and either get a FAA weather services publication, Jeppesen Private pilot textbook is a good one with some rounded information to read; or simply tell a staff member where you are and you'd like some reading material to get ahead of the game. Good luck!

Fly safe,
TA
 
Hey what do these "Transponders" do. I see these handheld transponder devices all over the net for sale, but don't know what they do? are they dealing with weather?

do all planes have transponders built in?

if not, do you NEED one to fly on your own?
 
squale said:
Hey what do these "Transponders" do. I see these handheld transponder devices all over the net for sale, but don't know what they do? are they dealing with weather?

do all planes have transponders built in?

if not, do you NEED one to fly on your own?
Click to expand...
Okay you really need to just get a textbook and read...:D
 
We used "books" before we had "online."

Try 'em. They're portable, and they are powered by the user.

Open some of them.
 
books...? what are those?

is that an ancient word?

I was born in the internet age, no need for books!

lol, just kidding... but I prefer to read up online..
 
Get a nice library going if you're going to get involved in aviation. I've got so many books from weather to private training info to aerodynamics to engines. Books are your friend.

If you want a good basic approach to weather, try Aviation Weather by Jeppesen. It breaks down METARs, TAFs, and even some theory behind weather forecasting so you can start getting an idea ahead of time what the weather will be doing.

If you're looking for an all encompassing book, get the Private Pilot Flight Manual by Jeppesen. Great book which touches on all the information you'll be responsible for knowing to get a private license.

***No, I do not get kick backs from Jeppesen for promoting their products. I've used some of the other stuff and realized that Jepp does the best job of putting everything together.

Most of all, have fun with it. This isn't all about learning boring rules and weather and crap. Every now and then it's about getting in the airplane and having some fun!

:cool:
 
Weather Flying, Bob Buck.

Flying the Weather Map, Richard Collins.

Ancient, but very useful.

:)
 
thanks guys, I do appreciate the help, sorry for all the newbie questions.. just looking to the pros for advice...

My Jep PPL ultimate kit is on order and should be getting to me on Monday, so I will have all the books then. I was just trying to mainly get a jumpstart on the weather so I can at least read these weather forcasts and get an idea of whether I will be able to fly or not that day..

Of course, I guess I have to learn the VFR minimums before I worry about comparing the weather to them.. lol.. I will have to do some searching for these I guess.... I know they are on a lot of kneeboards, but I don't have one of those yet either.. lol

all I have so far, is FS2004 and a Ch Yoke and Pedals, and a desire to learn..
 
Duats

I always liked Duats ability to give you the same wx report in plain english and ICAO code; you can then compare the 2 and learn a lot. It'll also give your CFI a chance to brush up on his wx!
 
Scan the front and back of your medical.
Go to www.duats.com
You will find info on how to register, you will need to email them your medical scan, because I'm assuming you just got your medical and you don't want to wait three months to get good online weather OR as we "pilots" say WX...
Once you send them the email you will have a username in 1-2 days, then all the wx u need...

PS where u flyin out of?
 

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