Originally Posted by
paco
The SALR can range from 4°C to as high as 9°C per 1000 m, but the average for JAA exam purposes (for lower levels anyway) is 6°C per 1000 m, or 1.8°C per 1000 feet (it's clearly written in the learning objectives).
And Gordy - if you want to make best use of your performance charts in mountains, lapse rates are very useful.
Phil
I knew I'd take a hit on that comment---like you say, those numbers can vary, therefore, based upon my experience and my kind of operations, learning those numbers have had no practical use for me.
I will admit that they may be useful to some out there, but I am one of those who does not like to learn numbers for the sake of it. I prefer to understand the practical applications of weather.
If for no other reason, than some may learn something, or find it interesting--in terms of mountain flying, especially for fire and other utility work, here is an example of the weather reports I use:
Fire Weather What is often not taught to students is that there are many other sources of weather that may be more pertinant to helicopter operations than aviation weather reports. Lets face face it---aviation weather reports are geared towards flying from A to B, rarely will you get a detailed "spot" forecast.