Basic Meteorology
for RPAS

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

• Explain what air pressure is, how it is measured, and how it changes with altitude
• Describe high and low pressure systems and how the Coriolis effect influences wind direction in the Southern Hemisphere
• Interpret synoptic charts, isobars, and pressure gradients to assess wind conditions
• Explain gradient flow, surface wind friction effects, and local wind patterns (sea and land breezes)
• Identify major cloud types by altitude and shape, and understand how clouds form
• Recognise the stages of thunderstorm development and the hazards they pose to RPAS operations
• Explain humidity, relative humidity, dew point temperature, and their effects on visibility
• Describe temperature inversions (radiation and frontal) and their impact on flight conditions
• Understand how wind and visibility are described in aviation weather reports
• Describe air masses, frontal systems, and key meteorological hazards including radiation fog and advection fog