WEATHER MATTERS

(Extracts from EASA GA Safety Team ‘Weather Anticipation’ leaflet)

POINTS OF IMPORTANCE

·    Understand weather patterns and their likely effects on your flying

·    Never fly without an aviation forecast!

·    Look for and consider PROB, TEMPO, OCNL and ISOL

·    Expect conditions to be about 30% worse than forecast!

·    Check actual conditions against the forecast

·    Identify alternative routes and suitable diversion aerodromes

·    Carry enough fuel

·    Scan the sky and horizon for possible problems

·    Avoid suspected or reported thunderstorms by at least 10 nm

·    Note local surface winds

·    Check weather reports whilst flying

·    Be prepared to divert

INFORMATION SOURCES

·    Aerodromes with FIS have a duty to provide pilots on request with METARs, SPECIs and TAFs, so ask for these whenever conditions are less than perfect

·  Check the METARS for your destination and possible diversion airfields every half hour before you depart (and en route if possible)

·   Tune in to airfields nearby which have ATIS to obtain likely conditions at your own field

·   Tune in to VOLMET broadcasts from time to time to get a broader picture

·  Take note of any TREND broadcast at the end of a report which denotes a  deterioration in visibility, cloud base etc.

SOME INDICATORS

·   Lowering pressure suggests possible worsening conditions

·   Surface wind speed or direction change occurring earlier than forecast can denote change of speed in the approach of a front

·   In Summer, wind changes can indicate nearby showers or thunderstorms

·   In Autumn or Winter, temperature and dew point comparison can indicate a likelihood of mist or fog, before visibility noticeably deteriorates

·   In the cruise, cloud below you (particularly in valleys) can indicate a potential fog hazard close to the ground