PPL met and clouds

[humpty]

I'm studying for the PPL met exam (been putting this one off for ages as it looks even duller than air law!) and, given that the only met experience I have is listening to Michael Fish, am having a bit of trouble with the cloud types. Sure I can tell a cumulus from a stratus (I think!) but at what point does a cumulus become a TCU, and when does that become a CB? And what is a Nimbostraticcumulolenticcastellaniccirrowhatsit anyway??

Anyone know any websites with a pile of pics of the different cloud formations and (preferably) some sort of 'teach yourself clouds' quiz attached?

I've tried looking out the window, but I just can't seem to find the labels in the sky!

[pletharoe]

In reply to your questions, clouds are separated into three height bands, lower middle and upper. consequently each type of cloud is placed into one of these height bands. In order to attain different types of the same cloud - principly cumulous, towering cumulous and cumulo-nimbus, the Cu must cover a certain vertical depth, often being based in the lower height band and stretching well into the upper cloud levels, hense towering Cu. Cumulo-nimbus is the name given to a thundercell which is in the developing stage, ie is not yet defined as a thunderstorm, but demonstrates large upcurrents and vertical growth. it becomes a thunderstorm during the mature phase and thats when they get nasty. By far the best book i have seen for met. is "Meteorology for pilots" dont have the authors name at hand but is well worth the purchse. hope you fing this useful.

[AspiringAviator]

Try these sites, they might be of some use,
http://www.gov.sg/metsin/cloudtypes.html

try a search on cloud types or photos on the met office site on http://www.meto.govt.uk/weather/index.html

there's some good info here too. Good luck,
AA

[Fujitsu]

Humpty...it may seem dull to you now, but can I very humbly suggest that you take a keen interest in met as it'll play a big part in any flying you do at whatever level

[PPRuNe Dispatcher]

Met. boring? It's one of the most fascinating things in aviation! As a pilot you really must be able to look at the clouds ahead of you while flying and get a pretty good idea what the weather is going to be like and why. Doing that yesterday turned what could have been a dangerous flight for me into one that was a very valuable and safe experience.

"The Private Pilot's Licence Course book 3 Meteorology/Navigation" by Jeremy M Pratt is very good. I also like Brian Cosgrove's "Pilots Weather" which is worth getting just for the photographs of various types of clouds.

---Mik

[Yogi-Bear]

"Instant Weather Forecasting" by Alan Watts is perfect for starters. SBN: 229.297365.5 Mine cost 18 shillings and it's still in print! So that shows something Transair and other pilot shops still list it.

[humpty]

Thanks for all the info, and for the 'guidance' on the importance of met!

All understood and agreed with, doesn't make it any less dull, though....