Recognizing / Avoiding Severe Weather (Wind Shear, CAT, Icing, and Hail)

Question 1

Your local news channel has interrupted its programming to announce that a line of severe thunderstorms are moving through your area. How is this same information transmitted to aircraft in flight?

Answer 1

Via a Convective SIGMET, relayed by ATC and available on HIWAS

AIM 7-1-6 d

Question 2

How often is a convective SIGMET updated?

Answer 2

Hourly at H+55.

Special bulletins are provided as needed and updated at H+55

AIM 7-1-6 d

Question 3

What type of cloud formation would indicate to you the possibility of mountainwave induced clear air turbulence (CAT)? Are these clouds always present when CAT is present?

Answer 3

Standing lenticular are sometimes indicators of CAT. At times the air may be too dry for clouds to form yet a mountain wave (of which standing lenticular clouds are indicators) exists

AC 006A

Question 4

While on final to a runway, you notice a large, transport category airplane beginning his take-off from the same runway?

What are your concerns and how should you react?

Answer 4

Wake turbulence.

Land so you do not reach the mid-point of his take-off roll.

AC-006A

Question 5

What hazardous condition might you expect if virga was reported in the vicinity of your flight route?

Answer 5

Strong down draft associated with a Microburst

AIM 7-1-26d.3

Question 6

What are the two greatest hazards to aviation presented by a thunderstorm?

Answer 6

AC 006A

Turbulence & Hail