The
weather knowledge and tools
you need to fly safely!
One of the
Greatest Risk Factors
Weather impacts
every pilot on every flight. However, there is
a serious lack of understanding in this critical area of
aviation knowledge. To complicate matters, weather is an extremely
complex and dynamic phenomenon. Meteorologists spend a lifetime to
understand it's complexities, as pilots how
can we be expected to develop the needed proficiency in this area?
Flight
training offers little focus on weather, so pilots are
typically left to figure it out for themselves. Most pilots learn
about weather through personal experience. Unfortunately, this can
lead them into conditions that are beyond their
abilities or even the structural limitations of the airplanes they
fly. There is no worse feeling than being in the air, wishing you
were on the ground because you are flying in conditions that exceed
your capabilities.
Weather is a major cause of fatal GA accidents and has the
highest rate of fatalities, over 80%. Between one-quarter and
one-third of fatal GA accidents are weather related.
- FAA (Safer Skies: A Focused Agenda)
The Weather Knowledge
You Need
This program is
designed to give pilots all the information they need to fully
understand and analyze the weather before each flight. The
benefit is the peace of mind that comes from
having full confidence in your ability to evaluate the conditions,
plan your flights and make sound decisions before climbing into your
airplane.
A deeper knowledge of weather
also allows you to
adjust your flights when needed and make sound dynamic planning
decisions to keep you out of harm's way.
Learn to use the latest online
tools to plan your
flights and avoid potential weather hazards...
Thunderstorms
Clear Air
Turbulence
Precipitation
High
Terrain Weather
Icing and
Freezing Levels
Wind
Shear
Reduced
Visibility
Freezing
Rain
Gust
Fronts
Convection
Thermal
Turbulence
Over
Water Conditions
Mountain
Waves
Surface
Pressure Troughs
And much more...
See the complete training course
overview below...
Meet Your Instructor
Scott Dennstaedt is a nationally known aviation weather expert, having the unique qualifications of being a meteorologist and a CFII. In addition to teaching aviation weather, Scott is a flight instructor in technically advanced aircraft including the Cessna 400/350 and Cirrus SR20 and SR22.
He co-developed a recurrent training program for
the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club and the
Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). Scott is also a contributing editor for
IFR magazine and has been a regular contributor to
Twin & Turbine.
Essential Resource For All Pilots
Scott teaches
complex weather topics in a no-nonsense, easy-to-understand style.
His workshops will give you a solid foundation of weather knowledge and
he will show
you step-by-step how to use the best and latest online tools to get
the weather information you need.
IFR Pilots
- obviously, weather plays a big part in your flying. This series
provides a wealth of information for Instrument pilots - taking you
from basic through advanced weather analysis and planning.
You will learn
how to use all the best tools to identify
convective activity, turbulence, thunderstorms, wind shear, icing,
freezing levels, gust fronts, surface pressure troughs and all kinds of other other bad stuff
you should avoid. This program provides the training you need to accurately forecast the conditions along
your route and plan safer cross-country flights with greater precision.
Note: for
pilots who own our IFR Proficiency Series...the Aviation Weather Series is the perfect
complement to the IFR Series as it provides hours of
additional weather details, analysis and new tools for IFR
pilots.
VFR Pilots
- even though you don't fly in
instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), you are
still exposed to the effects of weather on all your flights. Learn
to predict areas of reduced visibility, low ceilings, turbulence, wind shear,
gusty conditions, precipitation, high terrain conditions,
mountain waves and much more.
By learning more advanced aspects of
weather, you can plan your flights more accurately to avoid areas of
marginal conditions and IMC. "VFR-into-IMC" is a leading cause of fatal accidents in
general aviation.
If
you are working on your instrument rating or planning to pursue it
down the road, you will be far more prepared to fly in the system
when the time comes.
Short Workshops Make Learning Easy
The
training is delivered in a series of short, highly focused
workshops. This allows you to learn at your own
pace and tackle the complexities of weather in
small, bite-sized segments.
After
learning Scott's strategy for cross-country flight
planning, you
can focus on workshops that address specific risk
factors. For example, if you are planning a
flight over high terrain or mountains, you can view
the workshops that focus on the specific weather
issues you might find in these areas.
This series provides a
valuable library of weather knowledge that you can
refer to as often as needed to maintain proficiency in
this critical area of aviation.
Multimedia Format: The multimedia workshops are
viewed on your computer
and feature
audio, graphics, illustrations, animation and
simple navigation. Runs on
Windows (XP, Vista,
7) and Mac computers. No installation
required…just pop the CD-ROM into your computer
and it
starts automatically.
Note: This program
requires Flash and does not currently run on iPad.
Training Course Overview
Over 11 hours of focused aviation weather training!
This program
is delivered in a series of modules that provide a
structured approach to improve your weather
knowledge. Most workshops are followed by a brief
quiz that will help you retain the information
you just learned. Scott also provides live links
to the online tools he explains so you can start
using them right away. Enjoy the journey as you
become proficient in this critical aspect of
aviation!
Module 1: Beyond
The Weather Brief
Most pilots obtain a weather briefing from a Flight
Service Station prior to a flight. This is an
important pre-flight activity, however it is just as
important to validate and augment this information
with the tremendous online weather tools available
to pilots. In this module, Scott walks you through
the tools he uses to get a clear and accurate
weather forecast prior to a cross-country flight. He explains how
each tool is used to identify specific weather
issues and how they come together to provide an
accurate depiction of the weather along an intended
route.
Workshop Title
Length
Description
Format
Surface
Analysis Chart
8:12
The surface
analysis gives a glimpse of recent
conditions and is a basis for a good weather
briefing. Learn how they are developed, how
to analyze pressure gradients, spot
potential dangerous icing conditions, gust
fronts and more.
Multimedia Computer
NWP and Model
Output
21:48
Numerical
Weather Prediction models are a basis for
most official forecasts. This module will
help you understand which models and tools
are most useful to pilots and provide
specific tips on understanding this complex
information.
Multimedia Computer
Constant
Pressure Charts
17:44
Learn about
upper air charts aka Constant Pressure
Charts and how they can help you plan
your flight. Scott uses simple examples and
sample charts to fully explain these
valuable pilot tools. You'll gain a better
understanding of dangerous negative-tilted
troughs, split flow, zonal flow, jet streaks
and more.
Multimedia Computer
Thunderstorm
Forecasts
12:19
This important
module delves into thunderstorm forecasts
and analyzes a variety of tools you can use
to get a better picture of storm potential.
You'll learn which products are most useful
for aviation and how best to interpret them.
Multimedia Computer
Precipitation
Forecasts
7:07
Areas of
precipitation are often a hotspot for
concern. Learn which weather tools are most
helpful in determining precipitation
potential along your flight route.
Multimedia Computer
Turbulence
Forecasts
12:00
Turbulence is
often very difficult for a pilot to
visualize by looking at weather charts. This
module covers mountain, thermal and clear
air turbulence. Scott provides an inside
look at different weather tools that help
forecast and report on turbulence and their
use to help you plan a safer and more
comfortable flight.
Multimedia Computer
Icing
Forecasts
10:26
Icing
forecasts have improved significantly in the
last few years. Scott examines some of the
older and newer icing forecast tools,
helping you understand how they can be used
to help you avoid dangerous icing
conditions.
Multimedia Computer
Terminal
Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs)
13:46
TAFS are one
of the most detailed forecasts available to
pilots, so its important to fully understand
them. Scott also covers the Forecast Icing
Product, Current Icing Product, and using
satellite imagery to enhance your picture of
the weather.
Multimedia Computer
Flying Into
Adverse Weather
23:28
Scott breaks
down an an accident scenario by using a wide
range of weather tools to help you analyze
where the pilot went wrong and how he could
have been better prepared. This powerful
module provides hands-on insight and
analysis with lessons you will use every
time you plan a flight.
Multimedia Computer
Detailed Case
Analysis
29:38
This 30-minute
case analysis provides a detailed, hands-on
example of how to utilize the training and
resources you learned in the workshops for
preflight planning.
Multimedia Computer
Module 2: Terminal Forecasts - Reading Between the Lines Terminal Aerodrome
Forecasts (TAFs) are one of the most common and important
weather planning tools used by pilots. However, they
are often misused and have inherent limitations
pilots must understand. Knowing how to properly
incorporate TAFs into your preflight planning
requires the pilot to learn how to read between
the lines. The nine workshops below give you a
solid understanding of how to properly
interpret TAFs and use them effectively in your
planning.
Workshop Title
Length
Description
Format
TAF
Definitions and Background
5:00
What is a TAF?
Quickly review the basics including timing,
areas covered, etc.
Multimedia Computer
Sky Cover,
Ceiling, Visibility and Flight Category
9:54
This module
defines and clarifies many of the
abbreviations found on TAFs that pilots
should know, using real-world photos and
explanations.
Multimedia Computer
Forecast
Change Groups
10:07
While TAFs are
made for 24 or 30 hour periods, forecast
change groups forecast "operationally
significant" changes made to a forecast as
time passes. Learn more about how
these are developed and how to interpret
them.
Multimedia Computer
Area Forecast
Discussion and TAF Amendments
12:27
Learn how to
gain insights into weather patterns and
conditions a TAF is defining through AFDs.
Understand how and why amendments are made
and how they may impact your flight,
especially as conditions worsen.
Multimedia Computer
Non-Convective
LLWS, Part 1
11:21
When is
Non-convective Low Level Wind Shear
indicative of turbulence? Learn the hows and
whys of this important condition. Scott also
shares some online tools he uses.
Multimedia Computer
Non-Convective
LLWS, Part 2
7:19
More detail on
reading the TAF and LLWS events including
icing potential and wind shear.
Multimedia Computer
TAF Displays
6:41
Scott shares
TAF display tools and provides hands-on tips
for using them for best results.
Multimedia Computer
Thunderstorm
Forecasts in the Terminal Area
5:57
Potential
thunderstorm forecasts in a TAF can be
confusing. Scott sorts it out for you,
giving you a better understanding of what
the forecaster is trying to tell you.
Multimedia Computer
Case Analysis:
Unforeseen Convection
9:22
Dig into this
case analysis of unforecast convection in
Charlotte NC. Scott gives you a
thorough look, using TAFs and other online
tools combined with his expert analysis.
Multimedia Computer
Module
3:
Weather Analysis and Online Tools The following workshops
are a collection of the "Best of AvWxWorkshops.com".
They are a great reference tool and can be viewed in
any order, when you need them. These workshops focus
on specific weather hazards and tools to identify
them. They are
intended to help you gain a deeper appreciation and
understanding of all aspects of weather. Scott
provides a wealth of detailed training that will
strengthen your weather knowledge and flying safety.
Weather Analysis and Online Tools - Disk
1
Workshop Title
Length
Description
Format
Air Masses
9:54
Air masses can
have a significant impact on your flight.
Understanding how air masses interact with
the environment and land masses helps you
predict conditions. This workshop gives you
solid background on this topic.
Multimedia Computer
Surface
Pressure Troughs
6:06
Many pilots
are unfamiliar with surface pressure troughs
found on the surface analysis chart. This
workshop provides clarity on this tool and
explains when these troughs can produce
adverse weather.
Multimedia Computer
Upslope
Stratus
10:02
Upslope
stratus is a weather event which can cause
stratus and fog. Learn what causes this
condition and how to analyze its impact on
your flight.
Multimedia Computer
Pilot Reports
17:05
Pilot reports
have a major influence on many people in the
aviation system. Learn how pireps are used
by weather forecasters and how and when to
properly file detailed pireps.
Multimedia Computer
The G-Airmet
12:30
What is
the importance of the relatively new
Graphical Airmet? Learn more about this
product and get specific tips on how to
interpret and use it.
Multimedia Computer
Model Output
Statistics
13:28
Learn how to
use this useful tool to get site-specific
forecasts for over 1,700 airports throughout
the United States
Multimedia Computer
New TAF Format
7:05
Watch this
workshop to get updates on recent changes in
TAFs
Multimedia Computer
Graphical TAFs
9:09
Scott provides
useful tips on using the TAFs from the ADDS.
If you thought you knew TAFs, you may be
surprised at what you will learn.
Multimedia Computer
Freezing Level
Forecasts
7:38
How can you
identify the likelihood of multiple freezing
levels aloft? Scott shares useful tools and
tips to analyze this potentially dangerous
condition.
Multimedia Computer
Convective
SIGMETs
5:53
Convective
SIGMETS are a useful tool, but sometimes the
criteria forecasters use can leave airspace
unprotected. Scott reveals when this can
happen.
Multimedia Computer
CCFP
11:53
Learn about
using the Collaborative Convective Forecast
Product - and why it is NOT a forecast for
thunderstorms. The CCFP can reveal dangerous
conditions you need to know about.
Multimedia Computer
Visible
Satellite Image
6:01
Scott explains
how to use this tool and others to
differentiate between clouds and snow on the
ground.
Multimedia Computer
Weather Analysis and Online Tools - Disk
2
Workshop Title
Length
Description
Format
Airports in the Vicinity of Higher
Terrain
8:16
In this tip Scott helps you
choose the best initial data source for an
airport in the vicinity of higher terrain.
This choice is crucial when trying to
determine the potential for fog or low
ceilings at an airport.
Multimedia Computer
RUC Soundings Java Tool
16:17
Learn how to get the most
from the RUC soundings Java tool and some
hidden features you can use to get a better
forecast.
Multimedia Computer
How Moisture Affects Surface-based
CAPE
7:25
Get a
refresher of CAPE and learn how to use
convective indices as a way to understand the
environment.
Multimedia Computer
How to Calculate the Relative
Humidity
6:30
Scott shares
tips on calculating the relative humidity
using the Skew-T Log (p) diagram so you can
diagnose possible reduced visibility or
structural icing.
Multimedia Computer
Identifying the Depth of a Freezing
Rain Event
8:44
How can you identify the
depth of a freezing rain event? Scott
shows you the proper way, while giving you
solid advice on freezing rain, its
properties and its dangers.
Multimedia Computer
The Environment Over a Body of Water
4:05
A body of
water can significantly change the
environment. Scott shares some tools and
insights that help you evaluate this
condition.
Multimedia Computer
Finding a Smooth Altitude With Gusty
Winds
8:30
Scott shares
valuable advice on how to find a smooth
altitude when winds are strong and gusty at
the surface. Learn about useful online
tools and how to interpret their data.
Multimedia Computer
How to Predict an Overcast to Build
Down
6:45
See how to
predict an overcast sky that is building
down using online tools. This important
information can help avoid the situation
where a VFR flight turns IFR.
Multimedia Computer
Satellite Wx
Gone Bad
9:50
Proper use of
satellite weather tools is vital to
situational awareness. This workshop shows a
common mistake that could turn very
serious.
Multimedia Computer
Echo Top
Heights
8:02
Learn
important limitations of the XM weather
system in regards to echo top heights.
Multimedia Computer
VAD Wind
Profiles
7:59
In this
workshop Scott discusses the benefits and challenges of
using VAD wind profiles to determine cloud
tops
Multimedia Computer
Satellite
Cloud Tops
11:44
Discover how
to use the enhanced infrared satellite
imagery to help determine the height of
cloud tops. This valuable information can
help you find the best altitude that will
keep you over the clouds.
Multimedia Computer
Satellite
Image on XM
7:00
XM weather is
a great tool, but it has some limitations.
Here Scott discusses some of the important
limitations you need to be aware of, as well
as techniques to help overcome those issues.
Multimedia Computer
Stratocumulus
13:05
Stratocumulus
clouds pose a serious icing threat that can
go unnoticed behind a strong cold front.
Scott shares tips to deal with this and
recognize when there is a threat.
Multimedia Computer
Shallow
Convective Icing
10:25
Learn how to
identify this potentially dangerous icing
event.
Multimedia Computer
Too Cold for
Icing
10:47
Sometimes the
conditions are too cold for structural
icing, and it is important to recognize them
so you can plan accordingly.
Multimedia Computer
A Case of Bad
CIP
11:22
Sometimes the
Current Icing Product is not on its best
behavior. Learn how to recognize these
conditions and manage around them.
Multimedia Computer
Freezing Rain
and Thunderstorms
10:06
Look in-depth
at how this dangerous combination of weather
can occur so you can understand how it
happens and how to recognize the potential
of an appearance during your flight.
Multimedia Computer
Weather Analysis and Online Tools
- Disk 3
Workshop Title
Length
Description
Format
Boundaries on
NEXRAD
7:21
Scott shares
tactics for using the NEXRAD image to
identify the location of a front. His
discussion provides in-depth analysis of
this condition that will improve your
awareness.
Multimedia Computer
Identifying
Convective Outflow Boundaries
7:51
In this
workshop Scott reveals tips for using
satellite and ground-based radar imagery to
identify convective outflow boundaries.
Since these are often a precursor for severe
turbulence or even low-level wind shear,
it's important to be able to recognize this
threat.
Multimedia Computer
Gust Fronts
8:02
Gust fronts
are a convective outflow boundary you WILL
want to avoid. Learn about tools and
techniques to detect and avoid this
condition.
Multimedia Computer
Convective
Outlooks: Products from the SPC & AWC
10:10
Thunderstorms
are very difficult to forecast.
Understanding the basics of how these
forecasts are developed helps you when
planning for your flight. Scott shares
information and online tools.
How is this
thunderstorm prediction product developed
and how can you best use it? Scott shares
his experience.
Multimedia Computer
Anomalous
Propagation: When NEXRAD Might be Fooling
You
6:47
What causes
AP, also known as ground clutter, and how
can you recognize it? Knowing this may help
you recognize conditions that can change
your flight plan for the better.
Multimedia Computer
Convective
Inhibition
11:38
In this
workshop, Scott gives you a brief look at
how this highly unstable atmosphere can be
capped. He shares some tools and provides
usage hints.
Multimedia Computer
Convective
Flight Planning
16:35
Learn tips
that help you maintain situational awareness
of the weather while en route, with a
particular focus on clouds and their impact.
Multimedia Computer
Lightning-Free
Convection
9:04
Learn how to
minimize your exposure to aircraft-induced
lightning strikes including common
temperatures and altitudes for this
condition.
Multimedia Computer
Clear Air
Turbulence
10:38
Clear air
turbulence can be a significant hazard.
Learn how to use a constant pressure chart
to recognize the potential before you
depart.
Multimedia Computer
Thermal
Turbulence Part 1: Properties of a Rising
Air Parcel
9:34
When and where
is thermal turbulence most likely to occur?
Standard briefings rarely cover it.
Gain some insights to help you identify and
avoid this situation.
Multimedia Computer
Thermal
Turbulence Part 2: Properties of the
Boundary Layer
9:00
What is the
boundary layer and how does it impact
thermal turbulence?
Multimedia Computer
Thermal
Turbulence Part 3: Using a Skew-T Log (p)
Diagram to Define Boundary Layer
7:18
Learn how to
use this online weather tool to help
identify conditions favorable to thermal
turbulence. Smoother flights await the pilot
who masters this.
Multimedia Computer
Mountain Waves
6:36
Mountain waves
can be potentially dangerous. Learn how to
use satellite imagery to detect the presence
of mountain wave activity.
Multimedia Computer
WINGS
Approved!
You can earn
WINGS
credit for completing the Aviation Weather Series.
Instructions for requesting credit are sent with your order
confirmation.
You
will have unlimited access to our private online directory containing
dozens of links to all the tools covered in these workshops.
This is a valuable resource that will let you
quickly access the online tools needed for your
preflight planning.
We
monitor this directory and update any links
that are moved, changed or de-activated on the
various weather websites that Scott references. This
ensures that you are always a click away from
the latest online weather information.
How To Order
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we'll give you a full refund. No questions asked!
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format and instructions
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download time - approx. 40 min.
Upon order completion you will be delivered to a
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Flight
training offers little focus on weather, so pilots are
typically left to figure it out for themselves. Most pilots learn
about weather through personal experience. Unfortunately, this can
lead them into conditions that are beyond their
abilities or even the structural limitations of the airplanes they
fly. There is no worse feeling than being in the air, wishing you
were on the ground because you are flying in conditions that exceed
your capabilities.
Scott Dennstaedt is a nationally known aviation weather expert, having the unique qualifications of being a meteorologist and a CFII. In addition to teaching aviation weather, Scott is a flight instructor in technically advanced aircraft including the Cessna 400/350 and Cirrus SR20 and SR22.
You will learn
how to use all the best tools to identify
convective activity, turbulence, thunderstorms, wind shear, icing,
freezing levels, gust fronts, surface pressure troughs and all kinds of other other bad stuff
you should avoid. This program provides the training you need to accurately forecast the conditions along
your route and plan safer cross-country flights with greater precision.
B
After
learning Scott's strategy for cross-country flight
planning, you
can focus on workshops that address specific risk
factors. For example, if you are planning a
flight over high terrain or mountains, you can view
the workshops that focus on the specific weather
issues you might find in these areas.
