In this guide, we will cover the various weather considerations for pilots in the UK and how pilots can plan around weather conditions for successful flights.
Modern aviation is known for its use of highly advanced instrumentation and meticulous planning. However, when it comes to weather conditions, we will almost always be at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Weather is a fickle thing, and while we can predict climates with high accuracy, there is a lot of variation that can occur in the weather conditions for a particular area. Sure, we can predict the weather with a lot of accuracy using advanced models, trends, and satellite data – but sometimes, the weather just doesn’t agree with flying conditions.
In this guide, we will cover the various weather considerations for pilots in the UK and how pilots can plan around weather conditions for successful flights.
METEOROLOGY AND AVIATION
Weather conditions play a huge role in aviation safety. This is why aviation and meteorology are so closely intertwined. Even with our advanced technology, the aviation industry still actively scans for changes in weather conditions to avoid mishaps.
When aviation was in its infancy, there were a lot of challenges that aviators had to face to attempt a successful flight. Even as early as the 1900s, the UK had seen very serious weather-related aircraft crashes, but luckily, the aviation industry always evolved by keeping past mistakes in mind.
Today, meteorology remains the topmost concern for pilots around the world, and using strict regulations, the industry has moved forward by taking into account various weather considerations.
This is why pilots are always advised to check and recheck the weather before embarking on a flight, especially when travelling in light aircraft.
AIRCRAFT SAFETY IN BAD WEATHER
Weather conditions can affect various factors of flight, even the type of aircraft allowed to fly during weather events. Here are some important factors that impact aircraft safety in bad weather:
Size of aircraft
Light aircraft and microlights are not the best choice when flying in the middle of strong winds or heavy rain. Due to their aerodynamics and limitations, these aircraft can experience extreme turbulence.
Larger aircraft fare well due to being equipped with multiple engines and a sturdier fuselage. These aircraft can withstand strong winds and heavy rains – but in extreme conditions, even large airliners are required to be grounded until the weather stabilises.
Experience of pilot
An experienced pilot with a stellar Instrument Rating (IR) will be much more comfortable flying in unideal weather conditions as opposed to an amateur. There are a lot of nuances that go into instrument flying, which is when pilots use the onboard instruments to fly aircraft without using visual aids.
A beginner pilot, on the other hand, will usually not have the skills or expertise to navigate aircraft to safety during various weather events. This is why pilots need to prove their skills using certifications to ensure the safety of the aircraft as well as themselves.
Forecasted weather
Aviation has come a long way. Today, every pilot has access to highly calibrated and sensitive meteorological devices that can help them plan around weather conditions. The meteorological conditions of the airspace you plan to fly in are of utmost importance!
Weather-related accidents mostly happen when pilots fly into bad weather without anticipating it, which leaves them ill-prepared to handle issues of impaired visibility and heightened turbulence.
This is why pilots need to meticulously plan around the weather and log the forecasted weather conditions in their flight plans. In case of sudden weather changes, pilots are advised to contact via radio and connect with ground control for guidance.
WEATHER CONDITIONS IN AVIATION
Here is a list of weather conditions that pilots need to be aware of during flight:
Low clouds
Clouds aren’t the problem, and they don’t always signal rain. The real problem is how clouds affect visibility. Low clouds combine to form a thick mist that severely hampers visibility, and pilots should avoid these flying conditions for maximum safety.
Flying in low clouds may be permissible with an Instrument Rating (IR), however, if a pilot does not have enough logged hours or experience, then it is best to remain grounded until the weather clears.
Heavy rain/Thunderstorms/Hail
During rain, the intensity, not the presence, dictates whether an aircraft can fly. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand moisture and rainy conditions; however, every aircraft has limitations, and pilots are advised to know these limitations before embarking on a rainy flight.
In some situations, especially during hail, pilots are advised to remain grounded since the light aircraft are not designed to withstand larger chunks of hail. Icing is also a serious problem that can impact the engines of light aircraft.
Strong winds
Turbulence is expected in almost all flights. However, with very strong winds, pilots can lose control of the aircraft very easily. With proper training, pilots can navigate out of turbulent skies but if you are a novice, it is best that you gain a bit of experience before taking off during strong winds.
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN AVIATION
There are two types or “grades” of meteorological conditions in aviation:
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) are ideal for flight and follow the Visual Flight Rules (VFR). VMC simply means that the weather conditions are ideal and that a pilot can operate the aircraft without depending on the onboard instruments.
In VMC, pilots may be allowed to fly even with light rain or cloud cover since these conditions may be self-limiting and not pose a hindrance.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
When weather conditions are particularly bad, pilots may need more than just visual aids to fly. This is where the onboard guidance instrumentation comes in.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) are when pilots need to rely on flight instruments to navigate the aircraft. Pilots who do not have valid Instrument Ratings (IR) are not eligible to fly in IMC. It is important to note that flying without an IR, even with a valid pilot licence during IMC is illegal in the UK!
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR PILOTS DURING FLIGHT PLANNING
When flying a light aircraft, pilots need to consider every factor that can impact their flight, and this especially includes the weather.
Here are some considerations that pilots need to keep in mind during flight planning:
Considering Weather Information and Trends
Checking for weather isn’t just about going on an app and glancing at the forecast for a day. For pilots, checking the weather is about going through past trends, looking at the nuances of the forecast, and using advanced forecasting tools to make informed decisions about their flight.
Pilots rely on METeorological Aerodrome Reports, or METARs that provide a snapshot of what you can expect from the weather. METARs are highly detailed and can provide information on temperature, wind speed, visibility, cloud density, wind direction, and any other concerning weather events.
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast or a TAF is also frequently used to predict the weather conditions over a day.
Interpreting METARS and TAF reports is also incredibly important as pilots need to understand the jargon, nuances, and codes in the reports to make better flight decisions.
Knowing Limitations
Aircraft and pilot limitations are very important because they dictate the success of a flight during bad weather. Weather conditions impact various factors such as visibility, speed, and altitude. So, if pilots do plan on flying in bad weather, they must account for the limitations of the aircraft and their flying experience as well.
For example, during thunderstorms, lightning is a very real but rare possibility. Lightning rarely impacts an aircraft but when the conditions are right, it can cause systemic damage to the electronics of the aircraft.
In particularly bad storms, static and the presence of lightning can also impact radio signals and may even cause communication equipment to malfunction.
Snowstorms also pose a threat since they can cause hail and icing to occur. These conditions can be impossible to avoid during flight – and when you add turbulence into the equation, the pilot may end up losing control of the aircraft.
Visibility Challenges
Not every aircraft is equipped with guidance instruments. For example, flex-wings are incredibly light and simple aircraft with usually just an on-board compass. This is why when you experience a weather event during a flight, pilots must ground the aircraft as soon as possible.
Without instrumentation, pilots can be at the risk of flying blind which can be an extremely dangerous scenario. If you don’t have additional training for flying in bad weather conditions, then it is best that you remain in contact with the ground crew and figure out a strategy to land the aircraft as safely as possible.
Bad Weather and Runways
Moisture can impact friction. This is why runways can also become unpredictable during rain or icy weather conditions. Rain, stagnant or pooled water, icing, and snow can impact the braking of an aircraft and may even cause the aircraft to skid.
Proper Planning
Pick any decorated pilot and you will notice how they are meticulous when it comes to flight planning.
Pilots must not only plan around the weather, but they must also come up with alternate routes to avoid mishaps. This way, even if you face bad weather, you can simply adjust your route to get out of these conditions.
The flight plan contains all this information and is perhaps the most important document a pilot possesses during flight. A typical flight plan includes information on fuel calculations, altitude, terrain, weather, and any other factor that can impact the flight. Pilots also need to go through various pre-flight checks to ensure that the weather is forecasted to be favourable even when they are on the tarmac.
Pilots are also advised to cross-check their flight plans with experienced pilots to make sure that they have left no stone unturned. This is an excellent way to not only learn how to make a thorough flight plan but to also ensure safety during flight.
Keep Practising
As mentioned above, weather can be quite fickle. So, the best thing a pilot can do is to train!
Pilots who want to grow in their aviation careers need to constantly be in a state of learning. In aviation, learning never stops, even when you become a captain. Gaining additional certifications and logging flight and simulator hours are just a few ways pilots can prepare themselves for emergency weather conditions.
Flight schools, like Sherburn, also frequently host workshops or seminars on weather interpretation. These workshops can be gold for pilots seeking to advance their skills and be better prepared.
If anything, with all of this additional training, you can even eventually upgrade from a Private Pilot Licence to a Commercial Pilot Licence if you decide to make a career in aviation – so there is no downside to being prepared!
WEATHER-RELATED FACILITIES AT AEROCLUBS
Every comprehensive aeroclub, like Sherburn Aero Club, has a series of weather-related facilities that are available for all pilots. These facilities can not only help pilots plan around the weather but can also help them decide whether it is safe to fly during a particular day, even if the planned day had previously shown to have clear skies.
Here are some facilities that you can expect at most full-fledged aeroclubs:
Webcam and weather details
Aeroclubs provide a 24/7 webcam facility along with weather details that are available on their website. Take the example of Sherburn. The Sherburn Aerodrome Station provides pilots with a real-time report on the weather in the area. This data is not only open for all pilots but is also publicly accessible using their website.
Simulator training
Pilots looking to achieve or improve their instrument rating can use simulator training. For example, Sherburn’s dedicated simulator, which is free for members to use, is an excellent tool to help pilots experience turbulent skies in various weather conditions.
Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FROTL) course
Communication is key in aviation, especially during intense and stressful weather conditions. This is why pilots looking to achieve an Instrument Rating need to highlight their proficiency in radio communication.
Sherburn offers a Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FROTL) course
that helps pilots learn how to use radio communication during adverse conditions to stay in touch with ground control and even establish communication with other aircraft.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Sophie Grieve-Williams on Unsplash
