Lesson 2:Wind, Pressure and Altitude
Introduction

To avoid accidents it is important that you, as a pilot, are aware of where your plane is, in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude. This lesson focuses on understanding the concept of altimetry. Your altitude will be referenced to standard atmospheric conditions, which rarely occur! It is important to be aware of the difference between the altitude indicated by your altimeter and the actual altitude of your aircraft. In addition, it introductions weather maps in the middle and upper troposphere, referred to as upper air maps.

The motion of air is important for flight and for weather. It is therefore crucial that you understand the forces that make the air move. The book provides a good discussion on these forces.

Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental forces that drive the winds. We will soon learn to read weather maps and identifying forces at work, which Chapter 4 introduces.

How to Proceed

Some suggestions:

  • Do the reading (Review Chap 3, Chap 4)
  • Review the material on the Content page
  • Check the applets on the Learning Activities
  • Do the assignment
Time Requirement

One hour.