Identification should include the families of clouds, cloud types, and the effects of each on flying:
- Family A—High > 20,000 feet
- Form above 20,000 feet in the troposphere
- Composed of ice crystals
- Wispy, often transparent
- Cloud types include the following:
- Cirrus
- Cirrostratus
- Cirrocumulus
- Pileus
- Family B—Middle, 6,000-20,000 feet
- Composed of water droplets, frequently supercooled
- Cumulus is the prevalent type; other types include the following:
- Family C—Low < 6,500 feet
- Flat
- Cover the entire sky
- Types include the following:
- Stratus
- Nimbostratus
- Stratocumulus
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the three levels of clouds?
- What are the differences between cumulus and stratus clouds, and how does the surrounding air affect flight?