Radar & Satellite Weather Interpretation for Pilots

In this work, satellite and radar are examined for their application to piloting and flight operations. The first part looks at weather satellites: how they work, how pilots and aviation-associated persons can interpret and apply satellite images, ultimately to avoid flight hazards. Equal emphasis and explanation is given to the limitations of satellite imagery in flight applications. Weather radar fundamentals are outlined in the second part: products and equipment, limitations, and application in the flight environment. The text closes with a section on risk evaluation and decision-making. Reference information and maps to plot radar locations, along with lists to decode location identifiers, are provided. It explains limitations of satellite and radar resources to flight application, and draws the relationship between satellite, radar and lightning detection.

Author Biography

Terry T. Lankford has been a Weather Specialist with the FAA for nearly 30 years, and is the author of three titles in McGraw-Hill’s Practical Flying Series: Understanding Aeronautical Charts, 2nd Edition, Cockpit Weather Decisions, and all three editions of this book. He also wrote Aircraft Icing. A pilot since 1967, he also holds single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings, as well as an FAA Gold Seal Instructor certificate. An FAA accident prevention counselor, he earned the Flight Safety Award in 1979. Lankford also contributes articles to pilot periodicals.