Meteorology for Helicopter Pilots
Atmosphere and pressure
Understand how pressure, temperature, and humidity affect aircraft performance. Know standard atmosphere values and how to read a METAR and TAF. Learn the difference between QNH, QFE, and QNE and when each is used.
Weather systems
Study fronts, thunderstorms, and their hazards: wind shear, microbursts, hail, and icing. Understand how terrain and local heating create mountain waves and thermals, both relevant to helicopters.
Wind and visibility
Learn how wind affects hover, takeoff, and landing, and how to interpret wind reports. Study fog, mist, and visibility restrictions, and the conditions that create them.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: a temperature-dewpoint spread of 2°C or less suggests fog or low cloud is likely. If the spread is small and the wind is light, plan for reduced visibility.
Traps
Questions often test the difference between reported and forecast weather, or ask about icing conditions. Remember that METAR is observed and TAF is forecast.