54 Radar Weather avoidance

Question 1

Hail and Hazardous Returns

Hard to detect

Answer 1

Two features of hail that make it difficult to detect
Hail is dry (ice) and may give little or no return
Radar may not see hail until it is too late to avoid

It is therefore important to know where it is most likely to occur
Hail may be encountered several miles form the strongest returns due to strong air currents
Hail is most likely downwind of the storm, especially under the anvil

Question 2

Return associated with dangerous weather

Answer 2

Edges of the weather return resembling pointed fingers, or hooks may indicate hail, or even tornadoes
Scalloped edges or rapidly changing edges indicate a developing storms and should be avoided by greater distances

Question 3

Weather Avoidancce rule

Answer 3

5nm when flying below the freezing level
10nm when flying above freezing level
20nm when flying above 30 000’

Question 4

Weather avoidance AN/APS 504 V 3

Answer 4

Weather (WX) – orients display to line of sight (LOS) and sector offset
Weather contour (CTR) – provides signal processing to show areas of strongest returns within a cell
Useful mode for avoidance of weather but not necessary to be in WX or CTR Mode to detect weather
Adjust antenna tilt to a point just above the reception of ground clutter
Adjust radar range frequently between short to longer ranges to avoid flying into a blind alley