4 3 . 1 Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms A weather phenomena whose presence creates extremely serious hazards to flying. They may be accompanied by: Thunder Lightning Strong Vertical Drafts Severe Gusts and Turbulence Heavy Rain Hail Micro/Macrobursts Tornadoes Severe Wind Shear It is a weather condition of which a pilot should be enormously respectful. Regional Gliding School
Thunderstorms must have the following requirements: Unstable air to high levels Lifting agent High moisture content Regional Gliding School
Life of Thunderstorm Stage 1 Initial or Cumulus Stage Strong updrafts prevail (unstable air to high levels). Temperature is higher inside the cloud than the surrounding air. Diameter ranges from 1 to 2 miles (but may become as large as 6 miles). Steep lapse rate. Regional Gliding School
Life of Thunderstorm Stage 2 Mature Stage Updrafts penetrate to great heights. Downdrafts start in middle and lower level cell. Precipitation starts. Stage usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes (may last as long as 60 minutes). Regional Gliding School
Life of Thunderstorm Stage 3 Dissipating Stage Downdrafts occupy all but top of cloud where updrafts persists. Rain starts to slow and stop. Top of cloud frays into anvil shape. Regional Gliding School
Types Air Mass Frontal Usually form on hot summer days Relatively easy to avoid Form as a result of either convection or orgraphic lift. Frontal Associated with cold fronts Usually form in a line that may extent for hundreds of miles of cold front, known as LINE SQUALL Can develop at warm front and may be embedded. Regional Gliding School
Corfirmation Stage NOTE: You must use the buttons in the Confirmation Stage
Meteorology Thunderstorms Let's try a few review questions on Meteorology: Question #1 - Name a requirement for thunderstorm development. A Lifting Agent B Moisture C Unstable All of the above D Regional Gliding School
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Meteorology Thunderstorms Let's try a few review questions on Meteorology: Question #2 - In what stage are updrafts the strongest? A Initial B Mature C Dissipating Both B and C D Regional Gliding School
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Thunderstorm Hazards Turbulence Winds could overstress aircraft or cause loss of control downdrafts as strong as 2000 feet per minute and updrafts as strong as 6000 feet per minute that can severely cripple aircraft strongest between 12,000 - 20,000 feet in mature stage can be experienced, in clear air up, to 20 miles away from severe cells can be severe in micro/macrobursts and at gust front Winds danger of gusts up to 80 knots with rapid changes in direction gust front generates strong, gusty winds near the surface which can change direction by 180° and gust up to 50 knots in seconds Regional Gliding School
Thunderstorm Hazards Hail Icing could cause serious structural damage can be encountered outside of cloud as it is thrown upward and outward by active cells Icing abundance of supercooled water droplets, will cause severe icing most severe during the mature stage Regional Gliding School
Thunderstorm Hazards Lightning Pressure hamper vision for 30-50 seconds at a time greatest likelihood of strike at temperatures between -5°C and +5 °C solid state circuitry is particularly vulnerable to strikes electrical may be disrupted possibility of igniting fuel vapour in fuel cells Pressure rapid changes in pressure cause unreliable altimeter readings Regional Gliding School
Thunderstorm Avoidance If you must fly past one, stay at least 15 miles away and pass to the right. A thunderstorm is an area of low pressure (anti-clockwise and inward). You will encounter more favorable winds (tailwind) if you pass to the right. Never fly under a thunderstorm due to up/down drafts. BEST ADVISE - STAY ON THE GROUND Regional Gliding School
Confirmation Stage NOTE: You must use the buttons in the Confirmation Stage Regional Gliding School
Can severely cripple an aircraft Meteorology Thunderstorms Let's try a few review questions on Meteorology: Question #3 - Match Can severely cripple an aircraft Can cause serious structural damage A Turbulence B Hail A Turbulence B Hail Regional Gliding School
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Meteorology Thunderstorms Congratulations!! You have now completed the Thunderstorm lesson of the Meteorology Module. Of course, this lesson is always available to you for future reference if required. You are now ready to move along to the next Meteorology lesson you have not completed or to any other module you wish. You can advance to the Self Test Module if you feel ready to challenge the final exam. Good Luck! Regional Gliding School