Scott Dennstaedt

Meteorologists use them instead of constant altitude charts for several reasons.

A good estimation of the cloud tops is like the finest gold, especially for pilots flying under IFR during the winter months.

The term ‘margin of error’ isn’t used in the aviation industry, especially as it relates to weather.

Ask the average person to explain the distinction between a watch and a warning, and you’ll find that a majority don’t know how.

Pilots should never allow themselves to be fooled by the snow.

Whether or not you should depends on the situation.

It’s available anytime, anywhere for pilots, so don’t waste the opportunity.

A pilot must have an aircraft certified for flight in icing conditions and be adequately trained on its ice protection systems.

Pilots of twin-turboprop aircraft continue to find themselves victims of a stall when icy conditions are a factor.

Here’s how often TAFs are typically issued and when you can expect to see them altered.