Are you planning a quick local flight or a weeklong cross-country adventure? Understanding the large-scale forces that create weather makes it easier to come to the right decisions about flying in weather. For example, hazardous weather associated with fronts can include thunderstorms, icing, low ceilings and visibilities, and wind and turbulence. It’s also good to remember that forecasts are not guarantees of what the weather will be, so compare them to actual conditions and pay attention to trends.

This safety spotlight lifts the curtain on air masses, fronts, regional weather, and high- and low-pressure systems. 

You’ll review:

• How geography influences air masses
• Stable vs unstable air characteristics
• High and low pressure systems
• Isobars and pressure gradients
• Front types and characteristics
• Regional weather trends
• The value of PIREPs
• Cockpit weather tools