Meteorology
Meteorology questions reward a physical understanding of the atmosphere. Start with the standard atmosphere and pressure: isobars, pressure gradients, and how pressure systems drive wind. Learn the difference between true and apparent wind, and how friction and Coriolis force shape surface wind versus geostrophic wind aloft. Understand the formation of clouds by lifting mechanisms - convection, orographic, frontal, and convergence - and the stability that determines whether you get cumulus or stratus.
Know the air masses and fronts: cold, warm, occluded, and stationary, with their associated weather, cloud sequences, and visibility. Thunderstorms require attention: the life cycle, the hazards of hail, icing, wind shear, and microbursts, and the avoidance rule of thumb. Icing is another frequent topic: types, conditions, and the effect on lift and drag.
Worked example
A question gives a temperature of 18 °C and a dew point of 10 °C. The spread is 8 °C, so the approximate cloud base is 8 × 125 m ≈ 1,000 m above ground. Use the spread rule to estimate bases quickly.
Traps include confusing the approach of a warm front with a cold front, misreading QNH versus QFE, and ignoring the difference between surface and upper winds.