Meteorology: Atmosphere, Weather Systems and Hazards
Core concepts
Meteorology questions test atmospheric pressure and temperature lapse, wind (surface friction, veering/backing, gradient), cloud formation, frontal systems, thunderstorms, icing and turbulence. Know the standard atmosphere values, QNH/QFE/QNE, and how to read METAR/TAF reports.
Traps
- QNH vs QFE: QNH gives altitude above mean sea level; QFE gives height above the aerodrome. Setting the wrong one causes a height error on approach.
- Icing: clear ice forms in freezing rain / large supercooled droplets, rime ice in small droplets at high airspeed; both degrade performance.
- Thunderstorm stages: cumulus (updrafts), mature (updrafts and downdrafts, lightning, hail), dissipating (downdrafts). The mature stage is the most hazardous.
- Wind shear and microbursts near the surface are the biggest low-level threat; questions test recognition and escape (go-around).
Worked example
Standard atmosphere: at sea level 1013.25 hPa and 15 °C; lapse rate 2 °C per 1000 ft (approx 6.5 °C/km). At 10 000 ft, ISA temperature ≈ 15 − 20 = −5 °C. Rule of thumb: 2 °C per 1000 ft up to the tropopause.
Study tip
Practise decoding a METAR line by line (wind, visibility, weather, cloud, temperature, QNH) until it is automatic.