Tutor Platform
Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

Sign in to generate a study note

From the FAA library

  • Chapter 12: Weather Theory › Air Masses

    Areas of stagnation can be found in polar regions, tropical oceans, and dry deserts. Air masses are generally identified as polar or tropical based on temperature characteristics and maritime or continental based on moisture content. A continental polar air mass ... forms over a polar region and brings cool, dry air with it. Maritime tropical air masses form over warm tropical waters like the Caribbean Sea and bring warm, moist air. As the air mass moves from its source region…

  • Chapter 12: Weather Theory › Atmospheric Stability › Methods by Which Air Reaches the Saturation Point

    Methods by Which Air Reaches the Saturation Point If air reaches the saturation point while temperature and dew point are close together, it is highly likely that fog, low clouds, and precipitation will form. There are four methods by which ... air can reach the saturation point. First, when warm air moves over a cold surface, the air temperature drops and reaches the saturation point. Second, the saturation point may be reached when cold air and warm air mix. Third, when…

  • Chapter 12: Weather Theory › Atmospheric Stability

    opposite is true of descending air; as atmospheric pressure increases, the temperature of descending air increases as it is compressed. Adiabatic heating and adiabatic cooling are terms used to describe this temperature change. The adiabatic process takes place ... upward and downward moving air. When air rises into an area of lower pressure, it expands to a larger volume. As the molecules of air expand, the temperature of the air lowers. As a result, when a parcel of air…

  • Pilot/Controller Glossary › A

    regulation, or in the pilot’s opinion, would place the aircraft in jeopardy. (See ATC INSTRUCTIONS.) (See ICAO term AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCE.) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL- A service operated by appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly and expeditious flow ... air traffic. (See ICAO term AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE.) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCE [ICAO]- Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit. Note 1: For convenience, the term air traffic control clearance…

  • Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control › Section 3. Airport Operations › 4-3-17. VFR Helicopter Operations at Controlled Airports

    blowing dust/snow could obscure visibility. If it is necessary to operate above 25 feet AGL when hover taxiing, the pilot should initiate a request to ATC. 3. Air taxi is the preferred method for helicopter ground movements on airports provided ... ground operations and conditions permit. Unless otherwise requested or instructed, pilots are expected to remain below 100 feet AGL. However, if a higher than normal airspeed or altitude is desired, the request should be made prior to lift…

  • Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control › Section 3. Airport Operations › 4-3-18. Taxiing

    EXAMPLE-Tower: “Beechcraft One Three One Five Niner, cleared to the Chicago Midway Airport via Victor Eight, maintain eight thousand.” Aircraft: “Beechcraft One Three One Five Niner, cleared to the Chicago Midway Airport via Victor Eight, maintain eight thousand.” NOTE ... surveillance or control over the movement of traffic is exercised by this position of operation. 3. Request for taxi instructions after landing. State your aircraft identification, location, and that you request taxi instructions. EXAMPLE-Aircraft: “Dulles ground, Beechcraft One Four…