Meteorology

Duration (hours)

Trainees without previous aviation experience	42
Trainees with previous aviation experience	21

1.    Atmosphere; atmospheric temperature and humidity 
2.    Atmospheric pressure; pressure-wind relationships
3.    Winds near the Earth’s surface; wind in the free atmosphere; turbulence
4.    Vertical motion in the atmosphere; formation of clouds and precipitation
5.    Thunderstorms; aircraft icing
6.    Visibility and RVR; volcanic ash
7.    Surface observations; upper-air observations; station model
8.    Air masses and fronts; frontal depressions
9.    Weather at fronts and other parts of the frontal depression; other types of pressure systems
10.    General climatology; weather in the tropics
11.    Aeronautical meteorological reports; analysis of surface and upper-air charts
12.    Prognostic charts; aeronautical forecasts
13.    Meteorological service for international air navigation
14.    Field trip to local meteorological office

Meteorology offers a thorough exploration of the atmospheric processes and weather phenomena that influence aviation. The course begins with the structure of the atmosphere and the behavior of atmospheric temperature and humidity, followed by an examination of atmospheric pressure and the relationships between pressure and wind. Students study winds both near the Earth’s surface and in the free atmosphere, including the causes and effects of turbulence. The curriculum then moves into vertical motion within the atmosphere, explaining how rising and sinking air contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Learners also investigate hazardous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms and aircraft icing, along with visibility considerations, runway visual range (RVR), and the dangers posed by volcanic ash. The course covers the methods used to gather meteorological data, including surface observations, upper‑air observations, and the interpretation of the station model. Students explore the characteristics of air masses and fronts, the development of frontal depressions, and the weather patterns associated with fronts and other pressure systems. General climatology and tropical weather are also introduced to provide a broader understanding of global weather behavior.

The latter part of the course focuses on aviation‑specific applications. Students learn to interpret aeronautical meteorological reports and analyze both surface and upper‑air charts. They are introduced to prognostic charts and the preparation and use of aeronautical forecasts. The course concludes with an overview of the meteorological services that support international air navigation, ensuring pilots and operators receive timely and accurate weather information. A field trip to a local meteorological office provides practical exposure to real‑world forecasting and observation practices.