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PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Our Weather And VFR
VATSIM VFR Pilot – P3
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Introduction
Weather is a fundamental factor to consider for any pilot
undertaking any flight. Pilots should be aware of the types of
weather that may affect their flight and hinder the ability to
remain VFR as well as hazards that can comprimise the safety
of the flight such as thunderstorms, icing or weather fronts
and other phenomena that can affect visibility.
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Cloud
Cloud is the most obvious and biggest role that can affect a
pilots ability to remain VFR. Pilots should be aware of the
VMC minima conditions in the different airspaces which are
outlined in the 'Introduction to VFR' document, Pilots should
be aware of cloud conditions both at the arrival, departure
alternative and enroute airports to be proactive in analysing
whether clouds may affect in-flight visibility and thus make a
mitigating decision. Even during the flight pilots should be
aware of sometimes rapidly changing sky conditions to ensure
the safety of the flight.
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Cloud – Within Controlled Airspace
The following minimum cloud ceiling requirements must be followed at all
times when flying within controlled airspace.
At or Below 3000ft
• 5 km visibility
• Clear of cloud and in sight of the surface
Below FL100
• 5km visibility
• 1500m horizontally from cloud
• 1000ft vertically from cloud
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Cloud – Within Uncontrolled Airspace
The following minimum cloud ceiling requirements must be followed at all
times when flying within uncontrolled airspace.
At or Below 3000ft
• 5km visibility
• Clear of cloud and in sight of the surface
Below FL100
• 5km visibility
• 1500m horizontally from cloud
• 1000ft vertically from cloud
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Wind
During the P3 course pilots will be operating a light general aviation aircraft, meaning
wind has a considerable affect on all areas of the flight.
The pilot should always have a good idea on surface winds at departing, arriving and
alternative aerodromes and should be monitoring winds aloft (I.e. winds above
ground level).
Surface wind will affect the aircrafts take off/landing performance which can be
significant at smaller airfields. Pilots also need to be aware if there is a crosswind on
take off/landing and adopt the appropriate technique to assure safety.
Wind shear is an important factor which can take pilots by surprise on final approach
especially, and wind shear alerts may be reported by other pilots or broadcasted by
ATC. Nonetheless pilots should be aware of possible wind shear conditions in
formulating weather conditions.
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Icing
Icing is a huge issue that affects all aircraft, and its important to be aware of potential
icing issues en-route.
This means you should be looking at weather not only at the arrival and departure
airport, but also of airports you will be over flying to get a good view of the
weather systems moving through. Be aware of cumulonimbus and freezing conditions,
even when the temperature is not low. Try to avoid clouds in general as you can
pick up a lot of rim ice.
Throughout your flight you should be actively searching and
identifying possible icing conditions.
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Retrieving Weather Information
Pilots should be aware of how to retrieve weather information
such as METAR's and TAF's from other local sources such as
websites. Weather outlook charts may also be helpful in forward
planning.
It is important that you know how to get VATSIM weather on
your pilot client.
PILOT TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Important Notice
• All information provided in this documentation has been
drawn from CAA official documentation, and all credit for the
information in this documentation goes to the CAA. The full
link of the CAA document is available here.
• The VATSIM UK Pilot Training Department have condensed the
information in the linked document into this PowerPoint for
your benefit.
Kind Regards,
Pilot Training Department