This chapter provides a concise overview of key atmospheric concepts that impact flight. It covers atmospheric circulation, pressure, and Coriolis force, explaining how winds and weather patterns form. Topics like wind shear, convective currents, and stability help pilots understand turbulence and airflow. It also explores humidity, dew point, fog, and frost—factors affecting visibility. Additionally, it addresses clouds, thunderstorms, and precipitation, highlighting their influence on flight conditions. Finally, air masses and fronts are discussed to help pilots predict weather changes and adjust flight plans accordingly.
The atmosphere is a blanket of air made up of a mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. This mixture is in constant motion. If the atmosphere were visible, it might look like an ocean with swirls and eddies, rising and falling air, and waves that travel for great distances.