Overview
This lecture updates students on the new Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS), focusing on weather information, its sources, interpretation, risk management, and decision-making for VFR flight. It also highlights recent changes in the ACS and practical advice for check ride preparation.
Recent Changes to ACS (Tasks A & B)
- Minor wording updates for clarity; little change in proficiency requirements.
- Task A includes new references: BasicMed advisory circular and the Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH 8083 D3).
- Task B adds owner/operator PIC responsibilities and reference to the "Plane Sense" FAA handbook.
- Introduction of special vs. standard airworthiness certificates and their operational limitations.
Weather Information (Task C)
- Objective: Demonstrate knowledge, risk management, and skill in using weather info for VFR flight.
- VFR pilots must interpret weather products to avoid adverse conditions, not to fly into them.
Sources and Products of Weather Data
- Use National Weather Service and Flight Service (1800wxbrief.com) for preflight planning.
- Key weather products: METAR, TAF, Surface Analysis Chart, GFA, Winds Aloft, Convective Outlooks, AIRMETs/SIGMETs.
Key Weather Knowledge Areas (K2, K3)
- Be able to read and interpret at least three types of weather products (e.g., METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs).
- Understanding: atmospheric stability, wind, temperature/heat exchange, moisture/precipitation, air masses/fronts, clouds, turbulence, thunderstorms/microbursts, icing, fog/mist, frost, visibility obstructions.
- Expect scenario-based questions linking weather concepts to real flying decisions.
Weather Briefings and Decision-Making
- Complete a weather briefing before check rides via official or self-assembled sources.
- Personal minimums must be established and adhered to during flights and check rides.
Risk Management and Skills
- Make go/no-go/continue/divert decisions based on weather data and personal minimums.
- Understand limitations of onboard weather equipment (ADSB, NEXRAD) and their data delays.
- Use scenario-based analysis to apply weather info to practical flight choices.
Key Terms & Definitions
- VFR (Visual Flight Rules) — Flying when visibility and cloud clearance requirements are met.
- METAR — Routine aviation weather report, valid for one hour.
- TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) — Forecasted weather for airports, usually in 24/30-hour blocks.
- AIRMET/SIGMET — Advisory of weather hazards; SIGMET for severe, AIRMET for less severe.
- Convective Outlook — Forecast for potential thunderstorm activity.
- Personal Minimums — Self-imposed weather limitations to enhance safety.
- ADSB (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) — System for receiving weather and traffic data in-flight.
- NEXRAD — Next-Generation Radar used for weather depiction; may be delayed when received in-cockpit.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and understand changes in new ACS, especially weather-related topics.
- Create and document your personal minimums with CFI assistance.
- Practice interpreting METARs, TAFs, and surface charts.
- Complete a thorough weather briefing ahead of your check ride.
- Prepare to answer scenario-based weather questions using practical examples.