Upslope fog forms as moist, stable air is adiabatically cooled as it moves up sloping

terrain. Winds speeds of 5 to 15 knots are most favorable since stronger winds tend to lift
the fog into a layer of low stratus clouds.

Frontal fog is associated with frontal zones and frontal passages. When warm, moist air,
is lifted over a front, clouds and precipitation may form. Frontal fog can become quite
dense and continue for an extended period of time. Frontal fog may extend over large
areas, completely suspending air operations. Frontal fog is most commonly associated
with warm fronts but can occur with other fronts as well.

Steam fog forms when cold, dry air moves over warm water. As the water evaporates, it
rises and resembles smoke. This type of fog is common over bodies of water during the
coldest times of the year. Low-level turbulence and icing are commonly associated with
steam fog.

Reference(s):

FAA AC 00-6B Aviation Weather pg. 16-1

Other Weather and Atmosphere Topics

Weather / Atmosphere, Weather Factors

What are the causes of turbulence?

August 16, 2018 by ETL

The primary causes of turbulence are convective currents, wind flow obstructions, and
wind shear.

Convective currents are strongest on warm summer days, as warm air raises. The area
right below cumulus clouds will often be very turbulent.

Obstructions to wind can cause mechanical turbulence, such as buildings, mountains,

etc. When flying near such obstructions, a helicopter pilot must be very vigilant.
As there is a significant change in winds speed and/or direction, there is often turbulence
at the boundary of wind shear.

Reference(s):

FAA AC 00-6B Aviation Weather pg. 17-1

Other Weather and Atmosphere Topics

Weather / Atmosphere, Weather Factors

What are types of ice that form on aircraft structure?

August 16, 2018 by ETL

The types of ice that form on aircraft structure are rime ice, clear ice, and mixed ice.

Rime ice is rough, milky, opaque ice formed by the instantaneous freezing of small super-
cooled water droplets.
Clear ice is glossy, clear, or translucent ice formed by the relatively slow freezing of large,
super-cooled water droplets.

Mixed ice is a combination of rime and clear ice.

Reference(s):

FAA AC 00-6B Aviation Weather pg. 18-1

Other Weather and Atmosphere Topics

Weather / Atmosphere, Weather Factors

What are the primary hazards with ice?

Risk Management (10)

Weather / Atmosphere (17)

Weather Factors (23)
Weather Services (8)

About the Author

Bradley J. Fenster loves aviation and has a passion for teaching. Brad is the owner and the
primary helicopter instructor for ETL Aviation. Prior to learning to fly, Brad spent several
years in the military. Brad was a Special Warfare Combat Craft Crewman in the U.S. Navy
and he was also a Ranger-qualified infantry officer in the Army. Brad is a father and lives in
Lexington, Kentucky with his beautiful wife and two cats.
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