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Private Pilot Helicopter

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  1. Introduction
    5 Lessons
  2. Airmanship
    10 Lessons
  3. Aerodynamics
    9 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  4. Performance
    6 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  5. Systems
    16 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  6. Weather
    18 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  7. Weather Products
    6 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  8. Airport Operations
    2 Lessons
  9. Navigation Systems
    8 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  10. Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
    3 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  11. Pilot Qualifications
    5 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  12. Airworthiness
    5 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  13. National Airspace System (NAS)
    13 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  14. ATC and Radio Procedures
    5 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
  15. Cross Country Planning
    6 Lessons
    |
    1 Quiz
Section 16, Lesson 1
In Progress

Cloud Formation & Frontal Systems

Cloud Formation & Frontal Systems

A lot of adverse weather is associated with frontal systems. Pilots that understand what weather conditions to expect from frontal systems can plan accordingly.

Lesson Notes

A front is a boundary between two air masses. We name the fronts according to which air mass is overtaking the other air mass. There are four types: Cold, Warm, Stationary and Occluded. Frontal systems often produce clouds and instability because they cause one air mass to rise over the other. The exact weather produced by frontal activity varies considerably by the temperature, humidity, atmospheric stability and strength of the front. Weak fronts can lead to relatively minor changes in weather, while strong fronts can generate intense storms.

Additional Resources

Flashcard Questions

  • What is an airmass?
  • What is a front?
  • What is a cold front?
  • What is a warm front?
  • Why do fronts often produce weather?
  • What would likely create more intense weather? A fast moving cold front or a slow moving cold front? Why?