RADAR & SATELLITE

WEATHER INTERPRETATION FOR PILOTS

* Recent breakthroughs in radar and satellite imaging and communications technology have put a tremendous amount of useful weather-related data at a pilot's disposal. This information is freely available to pilots through FSS or on the internet. However, it's not so easy to figure out without some expert assistance! This heavily illustrated, expertly written resource explains how to obtain, interpret, and effectively apply all this information. This book, filled with excellent examples, thoroughly describes the usefulness and limitations of radar and satellite imaging in flight planning and operations and offers in-depth coverage of key topics:

Table of Contents:


Introduction to Radar
The Radar Beam
Radar Intensity Levels
Radar Limitations
Weather Avoidance
3. Thunderstorm Avoidance Systems
National Weather Service Radars
Air Traffic Control Radar
Airborne Weather Radar
Lightning Detection Systems
National Convective Weather Forecast
4. Radar Weather Products
Automated Radar Weather Reports
(RAREPs)
Echo Configuration and Coverage
Precipitation lype and Intensity
Echo Location and Movement
Echo Height
RAREP Digital Data
Radar Composite Products
Radar Summary Chart
National Reflectivity Mosaic
Radar Coded Message Image
Using RAREPs and the Radar Composite Products
Convective SIGMETS
Severe Weather Bulletins
Center Weather Advisories (CWA)
Dissemination
5. Introduction to Satellite Imagery

Visible Imagery
Infrared Imagery
Enhancement
Cloud Types
Moisture, Vertical Motion, and Stability
Putting It Together
6. Geographical andWeather Features on Satellite Imagery

Major Weather Systems
Air Masses
Fronts
The Jet Stream
Lake Effect
Sea Breeze
Upper-Level Lows and Highs
Hurricanes
Convective Weather and Convective Weather Systems
Obstructions to Visibility and Fog
Turbulence
7. Satellite Interpretation and Application

Low Ceilings and Low Visibilities
Winds and Turbulence
Icing
Thunderstorms
Fronts
Nonfrontal Weather Systems
8. Flight Planning Strategies

Personal Minimums
The Weather Briefing
Preparation
Evaluating the Weather
Updating Weather en Route
Weather System Analysis
9. Evaluating Risk

Thunderstorm Scenario
Lake Effect Scenario
Upper-Level Weather System Scenario
Requesting Assistance

Appendix B: NWS Weather Radar Chart and Locations
Appendix C: Weather Advisory Plotting Chart and Locations
Appendix D: Geographical Area Designators
Glossary

You'll also find reference information and maps to help plot radar locations and lists to decode location identifiers. RADAR & SATELLITE WEATHER INTERPRETATION FOR PILOTS includes an in-depth review of satellite and weather radar fundamentals as applied to flight, making it a working tool that teaches pilots solid decision-making and risk assessment skills. The author, a former FAA Weather Specialist and a consultant for NASA, includes useful case study examples of correct and erroneous interpretations.