HAS THIS UNUSUAL WEATHER, GOT YOU UNDER THE WEATHER?

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Even the Atmosphere Has Its Ups and Downs

Hey gang, I realized it’s been a few weeks and I haven’t updated you on the Weather Aviation class I’m taking this fall over there at SWIC in Belleville.

I really like the philosophy of my course instructor,  Richard Korich, who said,  “I’m not going to make meteorologists out of you.  I am however, going to keep you from flying into bad weather and KILLING YOURSELF.”   I’m pretty sure, my wife appreciates that.  Now I wonder, if that will  be worth a few dollars off my airplane rental insurance ?  

Last night Richard was “under the weather” so his backup, Larry McCoy from the 15^th Weather Squadron at Scott Air Force Base,  taught us about the stability of the air.   The concept It’s much simpler than I thought.  A good way to explain what we learned last night,   is to use something that will be in town Friday and Saturday, the hot air balloons in Forrest Park.  To inflate those big balloons and lift off the ground, the balloonist will apply heated air.  We all know hot air rises.  When heated air rises the air becomes unstable.   Now when the temperature of the outside air matches that of the air inside the balloon.  it becomes stable (in equilibrium).   When the balloonist wants to land, the heat source is taken away from the balloon, it will descend (hopefully at a gentle as a feather rate).  This is the whole foundation behind  turbulence.  Now it’s the location of those parcels of hot and cool air that can make the difference of a smooth or bumpy ride on your next flight into our out of Lambert.

Remember before you go on any flights, the pilots of your commercial airliner are doing everything they can to avoid having you kiss both the ceiling and floor on your way to your destination.  The weather folks and airlines spend lots of money and time to avoid turbulence and bad weather at all costs.   

Sidebar: Larry told us his expertise was in is forecasting severe weather and he teaches Doppler radar.  He did share something with us that will give you a little “know-it-all” attitude the next time you are with your buddies and see Doppler radar on the TV or on the internet.  “Red means Bad” and  “Purple means Hail”.  There, now that should be good for at least a free cold one from your friends.

Now buckle in, sit back and enjoy the ride…

-Rik