Chapter Seven In-Flight Weather Analysis

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PLANNING

CHAPTER SEVEN

IN-FLIGHT WEATHER ANALYSIS

700.

INTRODUCTION

Some weather conditions are hazardous to flight. It is essential that you know what these

hazardous conditions are, where to find out about them and how to report them. Unfortunately,

there is nothing we can do to prevent the hazardous weather conditions from developing, but we

can avoid them and let others know about them. This section is designed mainly as a discussion

on weather analysis during instrument flight. Most of this information is taken from the

NATOPS Instrument Flight Manual.

701.

LESSON TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

Navigate an aircraft via visual references and navigational instruments with the assistance

of a flight instructor.

ENABLING OBJECTIVE

C.10 Evaluate observed and forecast meteorological conditions to avoid weather hazards and

enhance mission accomplishment, during simulator navigation trainer mission in accordance

with OPNAVINST 3710.7.

C.10.1

Interpret flight weather advisories and ATIS information.

C.10.2

Employ pilot-to-metro services (PMSV) when appropriate.

C.10.3

Recall OPNAVINST 3710.7 weather minimums for destination and alternates.

702.

PREFLIGHT ANALYSIS

In preparing for a flight, you always conduct your own analysis of the weather. You are

negligent in the performance of your duties if you accept an analysis or forecast which you do

not completely understand. The object of this analysis is to give you a complete picture of the

weather conditions and developments affecting flight along your route. It also enables you to

intelligently discuss any apparent discrepancies in the forecasts. Once in the air, you cannot

always consult the forecaster or the weather charts to understand the reasons for unexpected

changes. You must be able to determine the corrective action to be taken. At these times, you

rely on your knowledge, experience, and the information obtained before departure.

Before going into a weather office, know exactly what information you want. You need to know

the local weather at the time of T/O and during climb to altitude, enroute and its effect on aircraft

performance, and at your destination and alternate(s). The type of information needed varies

considerably depending upon whether you are flying a jet aircraft, turboprop, a piston-driven

propeller aircraft or a helicopter. The following is a general guide for your preflight weather

analysis.

IN-FLIGHT WEATHER ANALYSIS 7-1