1. AVAT11001: Course Outline 1.Aircraft and Terminology 2.Radio Communications 3.Structure, Propulsion, Fuel Systems 4.Electrical, Hydraulic Systems and Instruments 5.Air Law 6.Aerodynamics: Basics 7.Aerodynamics: Performance 8.Human Factors 9.Meteorology 10.Loading 11.Take-off and Landing Performance 12.Navigation

2. Stuff to read Required Reading: –BAK Chapter 7, pp. 229-246 –BAK Chapter 9, pp. 285-312 –VFG PLANNING, pp.53-82

3. The Atmosphere The atmosphere contains several layers Aviation is mostly concerned with the layer closest to the surface of the earth, the Troposphere –This is where most “weather” occurs, as well as most flying ISA, the International Standard Atmosphere –This is a theoretical model of the atmosphere that is primarily used to compare aircraft performance data

4. Local Weather The main weather concerns for pilots are: –Wind: direction and magnitude –Visibility: distance –Clouds: coverage, type, and base level Also, any hazardous weather –Thunderstorms –Fog –Precipitation –Turbulence –Icing conditions

5. Heat Effects Most weather is caused by the heating and cooling of the air –Warm air rises –Cold air sinks Warm air is capable of holding more moisture (water vapour) than cold air As warm air rises, it cools –If the air contains moisture, clouds may form when the air cools

6. Wind Wind is described by it speed (typically in knots) and its direction –The direction where is wind is coming from –If you stand with the wind hitting you in the face, the direction you are looking is the one that will be reported as the wind direction Wind is caused by air flowing from high pressure areas to low pressure areas –Warm air rising creates low pressure areas Wind direction is also affected by the rotation of the earth –This is called the Coriolis Effect In addition to navigation concerns (during cruise), wind can have a large impact on operation on or near the ground

7. Taxiing Wind can damage light aircraft when taxiing Take precautions to ensure safety –See Figures 7-2 though 7-4 page 231 –If the wind will raise your right wing, use the ailerons to decrease lift on the right wing –If the wind causes a nose down moment, use the elevator to raise the nose –If the wind causes a nose right yaw moment, use the rudder to apply a nose left moment.

8. Take-Off and Climb See Figure 7-5 page 232 –Wind has a big impact on take-off distance –Also affects climb angle Crosswind affects control –Do not attempt to take-off or land if the crosswind component is greater than that allowed for your aircraft –See Figure 7-6 page 232

9. Turns and the Circuit Wind changes your ground track during turns –See Figure 7-11 page 235 Be careful when flying the circuit pattern –Avoid entering an accelerated stall trying to maintain a particular ground track –Pay attention to the ASI –Avoid excessive back pressure on the control column –Proficiency comes with practice –If in doubt, err on the side of caution Level wings, increase power, and climb

10. Approach and Landing Headwind/Tailwind affects touchdown point –See Figure 7-13 page 236 –Adjust rate of descent to land at desired spot Rule of thumb: descent in fpm = 5 x ground speed in knots Crosswind affect landing technique –See Figure 7-16 page 237 –Crab technique –Also wing-down technique can be used Landing distance required affected by wind

11. Windshear Windshear occurs at the boundary between to air masses that are moving at different speeds or in different directions This can be a hazard at altitude, because it can suddenly change the load factor This can be a hazard near the ground, because it can suddenly change altitude –Many crashes have been caused by windshear –Be careful flying into any area where strong windshear has been reported Know how windshear affects climb and descent –Overshoot/Undershoot caused by windshear –See Figure 7-18 page 238 and Figure 7-20 page 239

12. Turbulence Turbulence is the name for wind that does not flow smoothly –Most air contains some amount of turbulence Know the 3 classifications of turbulence so that you can communicate effectively (page 295) When encountering Moderate or Severe turbulence, fly at the turbulence penetration speed, V B –Designed to be fast enough to avoid most gust induced stalls –Designed to be slow enough to reduce gust induced load factors

13. Wake Turbulence Wake turbulence is caused by wingtip vortices –See Figure 7-24 and Figure 7-27 page 241 Avoid flying in the wake of other aircraft –Especially large heavy jets Take-off techniques –See Figure 7-29 page 242 and Figure 7-30 page 243 Landing techniques –See Figures 7-32 through 7-35 page 244 If in doubt, wait –Vortex strength decreases with time

14. Clouds Clouds are formed when moist air cools below its dew point and water vapour condenses Clouds are very useful to pilots They are a way to “see” the air –Towering clouds show unstable air –Thin layered clouds show stable air Know the abbreviations used for clouds and what they look like

15. Forecasts and Reports Weather forecasts and reports are extremely important to aviators Planning a safe flight requires knowledge of the weather all along a desired route Know the different types of forecasts and reports and what they tell you –ARFOR –TAF –METAR/SPECI –TTF These reports are dealt with in greater detail in AVAT12002

16. ATIS The automatic terminal information service (ATIS) provides a report of the weather conditions at a particular aerodrome Take-off and landing are the most dangerous parts of flight Having the latest weather information can greatly assist pilots in performing these tasks safely –Listen to ATIS prior to taxiing –Listen to ATIS prior to making your inbound call

17. For next week… Required Reading: BAK Chapter 10, pp. 313-332