Aviation meteorology

Aviation meteorology applies atmospheric science to aircraft operations, forecasting weather hazards and conditions that affect flight planning, performance, and safety.

Aviation weather forecast: A forecast describing weather conditions relevant to aircraft operations at an airport or along a route. It turns meteorological data into expected conditions for flight planning.
Atmospheric icing: Ice formation on an aircraft when it encounters supercooled liquid water in the atmosphere. Accumulated ice changes lift and drag and can disrupt engines or sensors.
Meteorology: The scientific study of the atmosphere and its weather. Aviation forecasting applies this broader science to flight operations.
Visual flight rules: Rules permitting pilots to navigate primarily by visual reference when visibility and cloud conditions meet prescribed minima. These operations depend directly on weather visibility and cloud clearance.
Controlled flight into terrain: An accident in which an airworthy aircraft is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or an obstacle. Poor visibility and cloud can obscure terrain and increase this accident risk.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast: A coded forecast of expected meteorological conditions at an airport, typically covering a defined period. Pilots and dispatchers use it to anticipate changing conditions near an airport.
Clear-air turbulence: Turbulence occurring without visible clouds, often near jet streams or strong wind shear. It can buffet aircraft at cruise altitude without visual warning.
Atmospheric pressure: The force per unit area exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. Pressure measurements support altimeter settings and indicate large-scale weather patterns.
Instrument flight rules: Rules governing flights conducted primarily by reference to instruments and air traffic control clearances. They allow controlled operations when weather prevents reliable visual navigation.
Windshear warning system: An airport system that detects and warns of wind shear affecting aircraft near runways. It provides immediate warnings when forecasts cannot capture a rapidly changing local hazard.

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