CPL Meteorology (Sri Lanka CAA Pilot Licence Examinations) case studies
CPL Meteorology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Meteorology is one of the core theoretical knowledge subjects a candidate must pass before, or alongside, the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence. The subject exists to prove that you can read a weather picture, predict how it will change while you are airborne, and make operational decisions - diversion, alternate selection, icing avoidance, crosswind limits - from information rather than guesswork. The CPL Meteorology case studies are 5 cases and about 2,844 words.
1High-elevation departure at 31°C
You are the pilot-in-command of a normally aspirated, four-seat single-engine aeroplane, MTOW 1,150 kg, departing a dry, sealed runway 1,250 m long at an aerodrome elevation of 4,400 ft. The QNH is 1016 hPa and the outside air temperature is 31°C.
567 words, about 3 min2Afternoon convection over a valley route
At 0600 local a plains aerodrome reports surface temperature 24°C, dewpoint 20°C, and a light southerly wind. The 0600 sounding is: 1000 hPa (150 m) 23/19; 850 hPa (1,500 m) 15/12; 700 hPa (3,000 m) 5/−1; 500 hPa (5,600 m) −11/−22.
571 words, about 3 min3Radiation fog before a 0645 arrival
You are the duty pilot for a night freight run into a valley aerodrome (elevation 300 ft) with no ILS; the only instrument approach is RNAV with an MDA of 520 ft and a visibility minimum of 1,600 m. At 2000 local the aerodrome reports temperature 7°C, dewpoint 6°C, wind 040/03 kt, sky clear, QNH 1026 hPa.
561 words, about 3 min4Freezing rain ahead of a warm front
You are flying a non-FIKI, turbocharged single-engine aeroplane at 6,500 ft in stratiform cloud. The OAT is −2°C, and you have accumulated a thin trace of rime ice on the leading edges; pitot heat is on.
585 words, about 3 min5Mountain-wave crossing at 9,500 ft
You are planning a VFR crossing of a north-south ridge whose highest crest is 7,800 ft. The planned crossing altitude is 9,500 ft; the MEA is 9,000 ft.
560 words, about 3 min