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Contents
Printable Version
REQUIREMENTS
A Certificate
B Certificate C Certificate
"A"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
Basic Theory
Flight Rules and Procedures
ANSWERS
Basic
Theory Flight Rules and Procedures
"B"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
Basic Theory
Flight Rules and Procedures Airworthiness
ANSWERS
Basic
Theory Flight Rules and Procedures Airworthiness
"C"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
Basic Theory
Flight Rules and Procedures Basic Soaring Meteorology
ANSWERS
Basic
Theory Flight Rules and Procedures Basic Soaring Meteorology
"A"
CERTIFICATE
Requirements
1.
Minimum age 15 years.
2.
GFA medical declaration signed.
3.
Minimum of 5 solo flights with normal landings.
4.
Satisfactory check flight, which must include the following as a minimum:-
· An
awareness of pre-spin symptoms and a demonstration of the correct action
to prevent a spin developing,
· An
accurate circuit without reference to the altimeter,
· Correct
handling of selected emergencies at the discretion of the checking instructor.
5.
Oral examination on basic theory and flight rules and procedures.
Privileges
and limitations
1.
May only fly solo under the direct supervision of an instructor.
2.
May carry out local soaring only.
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"B"
CERTIFICATE
Requirements
1.
A total of 15 solo flights with normal landings, including at least
one soaring flight of not less than 30 minutes duration. (Note: This
means an overall total of 15 solo flights, not 15 solo flights since
qualifying for the "A" Certificate).
2.
Completion of post-solo training syllabus in accordance with the Instructor
Handbook.
3.
Oral examination on basic theory, flight rules and procedures (including
GFA Ops Regs and MOSP) and basic airworthiness.
Privileges
and limitations
1.
May carry out local soaring only.
2.
May carry out mutual flying, subject to the following conditions:-
· The
other occupant of the glider also holds a minimum of a "B" Certificate.
· Each
mutual flight is authorized by and carried out under the direct supervision
of the Duty Instructor, who shall nominate the command pilot for the
flight.
· The
command pilot shall carry out the take off and landing
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"C"
CERTIFICATE
Requirements
1.
A total of 20 solo or mutual flights, including two solo soaring flights
of at least one hour's duration each. (Notes: (i) This means an overall
total of 20 solos/mutual's, (ii) Only time in command of mutual flights
can be counted towards this total).
2.
Trained and checked in ability to carry out a safe out landing.
3.
Received a "passenger awareness" briefing, using the appropriate chapter
in Part 2 of the Instructor's Handbook as a reference. (Note: The document
"The Air Experience Instructor Rating" is being incorporated into the
new Instructor Handbook).
4.
Oral test on basic theory, basic navigation, basic meteorology, airways
procedures, out landing hazards, post-out landing actions and SAR requirements.
5.
Demonstrate satisfactory spin entry and recovery. This may be carried
out dual or solo (observed from the ground) at the discretion of the
supervising instructor.
Privileges
and limitations
1.
May fly cross-country at the discretion of the CFI or Instructor Panel.
2.
May carry "family/friend" passengers (not for hire or reward and not
Air Experience Flights) at the discretion of the CFI/Instructor Panel
and under the direct supervision of the Duty Instructor.
Important
note
The
"C" Certificate provides the training and basic qualification for cross-country
flying and the carriage of "family/friend" passenger. However, these
privileges may only be exercised on any given day at the discretion
of the Duty Instructor.
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"A"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
BASIC
THEORY
1.
How is "safe speed near the ground" calculated? Nominate that speed
for the glider you fly.
2.
What is the secondary effect of rudder?
3.
What happens to the stalling speed in a turn? Why does it happen?
4.
Define aileron drag and explain (a) how the designer compensates for
it and (b) how the pilot copes with it.
5.
Of the forces acting on a glider in flight, which one is used to turn
the glider?
6.
On a glider fitted with an elevator trim tab, which way will the tab
move if the trim lever is moved forward?
7.
Airbrake's are used on final approach to control ....what?
8.
If a wing drops at the stall, what is the correct action on the part
of the pilot?
9.
What is the correct recovery action from a fully-developed spin?
10.
Define wind-gradient and explain (a) what is its effect on a glider
and (b) what action does the pilot take to compensate for it.
11.
What usually happens to a glider's airspeed when it flies into a thermal?
12.
Which is the higher figure, the speed for minimum sink or the speed
for least glide angle? Nominate both figures for the glider you fly.
13.
On a glider fitted with flaps, will downward deflection of the flaps
improve the glide angle or make it worse?
14.
What happens to the stalling speed when the airbrake's are opened?
15.
What kind of stability does the glider have in the rolling plane?
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
What are the requirements for Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
- (a) Below 10,000ft and (b) Above 10,000ft?
2.
If the speed falls to just above 1.3Vs on a winch-launch and is still
falling, what action is the pilot required to take?
3.
Who gives way when two gliders are approaching each other (a) head-on
(b) on converging headings?
4.
Assuming that the glider is not taking off or landing, what is the minimum
height to fly over a built-up area?
5.
What actions would a pilot take in the event of glider release failure
on aero tow?
6.
What is the minimum vertical and horizontal separation between gliders
in a thermal?
7.
Who establishes the direction of circling in a thermal?
8.
What action would the pilot take on running out of height in the circuit?
9.
What is the "gliding in progress" signal, to be located near the windsock
at an airfield?
10.
On which side does a glider overtake another glider (a) when hill-soaring,
(b)at all other times?
11.
Who is entitled to give a "Stop" signal at a launch-point?
12.
What action is required of a pilot before flying in controlled airspace?
13.
At what stage is the airbrake or spoiler control used on final approach?
14.
What is the pilot's first priority immediately following a launch failure?
15.
What action does a pilot take before carrying out intentional stalling
or spinning, or before aerobatics?
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"A"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINION - ANSWERS
BASIC
THEORY
1.
1.5 times the stalling speed (1.5Vs).
2.
Roll, caused by the increased speed of the outer wing.
3.
It increases, because of the increase in effective weight due to an
increase in "G". This effectively increases wing-loading.
4.
The down going aileron causes an increase in induced drag, resulting
in a yaw away from the direction of intended turn (adverse yaw). The
designer usually uses differential ailerons, with more upward travel
than downward, to help fix the problem. The pilot ensures that enough
rudder is used in co-ordination with the ailerons to eliminate adverse
yaw.
5.
Lift - tilted in the direction of turn when the glider is banked.
6.
Up.
7.
Rate of descent.
8.
Stick forward. Use only enough rudder to prevent yaw.
9.
Full opposite rudder, stick forward until glider stops spinning. Centralize
rudder and recover from dive.
10.
(a) Wind-gradient is the reduction in wind speed near the ground, caused
by ground friction. Near the ground, the glider experiences a loss of
airspeed as it enters the area of wind gradient. (b) The only cure is
to carry extra speed during the whole approach in anticipation of the
loss.
11.
It increases momentarily.
12.
Speed for best glide angle is higher than speed for minimum rate of
sink.
13.
Make it worse.
14.
It increases by 2 to 5 knots.
15.
Neutral.
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
(a) 5km, (b) 5km, (c) 8km.
2.
Release immediately and obtain 1.5Vs in preparation for landing.
3.
(a) Both turn right (b) the one which has the other on its right gives
way.
4.
1500feet
5.
Try again. If no success, move out to the left and await acknowledgement
from tug pilot. Try again. If still no success, move back behind tug,
then up into high tow. Try again. Tug pilot will release glider when
it is established in high tow.
6.
200 feet
7.
The first glider in the thermal, unless local rules specify a particular
direction near the airfield (e.g. comps).
8.
Modify the circuit and select the best available landing area.
9.
A double white cross.
10.
When hill soaring, overtake on the downwind side, i.e. between the overtaken
glider and the hill. At all other times, overtake on the right.
11.
Anyone who sees a hazardous situation developing.
12.
The pilot requires a clearance from Air Traffic Control and must comply
with the terms of that clearance.
13.
When a definite overshoot situation is seen to exist.
14.
Ensure speed is set at 1.5Vs.
15.
Complete the pre-aerobatic check.
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"B"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
BASIC
THEORY
1.
A glider wing always stalls at the same ……. what?
2.
What is lateral damping?
3.
What kind of stability does a glider have in the yawing plane?
4.
Define wing-loading.
5.
What is meant by "laminar flow"?
6.
What happens to the rate of descent in a turn?
7.
What is meant by a "speed-limiting" airbrake?
8.
Define aspect ratio.
9.
What is the purpose of the short length of wool or string sometimes
seen attached to glider canopies?
10.
What effect do raindrops have on the wings of a high-performance glider?
What action does the pilot take to compensate?
11.
How does profile drag vary?
12.
What causes pre-stall buffet?
13.
What is the danger in banking too steeply near the ground in a strong
wind?
14.
What is a "stabilized approach"?
15.
The longer a glider has been spinning, the longer it might take for
recovery action to be effective. True or false?
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
What is the "break-off point"?
2.
What is the recommended minimum height to clear an obstacle on final
approach?
3.
Who is entitled to give a "take up slack" signal?
4.
Who has priority, a glider taking off or a powered aircraft landing?
5.
To whom must a gliding club report an accident?
6.
Should you fly a glider if you donated blood the day before?
7.
By what height above the ground must all stalling, spinning and aerobatics
be completed?
8.
What action do you take if you abandon a take-off, pull the release
twice but know or suspect that the cable/towrope has become entangled
in the wheel or skid?
9.
What does a rudder-waggle on aero tow mean?
10.
Above what altitude must oxygen be carried and used?
11.
What action do you take if you have mishandled the landing flare and
the glider is starting to gain height?
12.
Assuming you had a choice (i.e. airfield procedures do not take precedence),
on which side of the strip would you do a circuit in a strong crosswind?
13.
Where should the pilot's left hand be during every takeoff?
14.
Prior to every takeoff, what clearance must be obtained by the pilot?
15.
When you join the circuit, you realize that you are too high and the
angle to the strip is too steep. What action do you take?
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BASIC
AIRWORTHINESS
1.
What aircraft document should be checked before flight and what information
should be sought from it?
2.
Where should the pilot look to find the gliders minimum and maximum
weak-link strengths?
3.
What action should the pilot take in the event of overstressing or over
speeding a glider in flight?
4.
What is meant by "maneuver speed (Va)"?
5.
If flutter is encountered in moderate to high speed flight, (a) what
immediate action should the pilot take, (b) what subsequent action after
landing?
6.
When checking a back-release, at approximately what downward angle should
the cable automatically back-release?
7.
What is "Vne"? Is it the same at all altitudes?
8.
A glider must never be pulled forward or backward by its wingtips. Why
not?
9.
Every glider has a maximum and minimum pilot weight. Where can this
information be found?
10.
Under what circumstances can a pilot lighter than the permissible minimum
pilot weight fly the glider?
11.
Why is a weak-link fitted to a cable or towrope?
12.
What is meant by the "maneuver envelope"?
13.
What kind of inspection must be carried out on a glider after it has
been rigged?
14.
What is a Form 2 Inspection?
15.
From an airworthiness point of view when must aerobatics not be performed?
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"B"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION - ANSWERS
BASIC
THEORY
1.
Angle of attack.
2.
The tendency of a wing to resist movement in roll, caused by the increased
angle of attack (and thus increased lift) on the down going wing.
3.
Positive stability. The glider tends to return to its original heading
when the rudder pedals are deflected then released.
4.
Glider weight divided by wing area.
5.
A smooth, streamlined flow of air, resulting in low drag around a glider
wing, as distinct from a turbulent, high-drag flow.
6.
It increases, because the lift is divided into two components, one acting
upwards to balance out the weight, the other acting "inwards" to provide
the turning (centripetal) force.
7.
An airbrake which will not allow the glider to exceed its maximum permitted
speed (Vne). Most modern airbrake systems will limit the speed to Vne
in a 30 degree dive, but no steeper.
8.
Wingspan divided by chord.
9.
Usually known as a "yaw-string", it is more accurately described as
an airflow direction indicator. Generally used to detect slip or skid
in a turn.
10.
They partly destroy the laminar flow of air past the wing, resulting
in an increase in stalling speed and an increase in the rate of sink.
The pilot should increase speed by 5 to 10 knots to compensate and should
plan on a much higher sink rate than normal.
11.
As the square of the airspeed. Twice the airspeed, four times the profile
drag, three times the airspeed, nine times the drag, etc.
12.
The turbulent airflow from the breakdown in flow over the top of the
wing striking the tail.
13.
The top wing is in an air mass of different speed to the bottom wing
(wind gradient). At low level, turning into a strong wind causes the
glider to over bank, vice-versa if turning downwind. The effect may
be beyond the pilot's ability to prevent it occurring.
14.
A glider going in the required direction at a constant airspeed and
a constant rate of descent is said to be on a stabilized approach. The
best landings result from such, approaches.
15.
True but it will only recover if the CORRECT recovery action has been
taken and the glider is within its CG limits.
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
The point at which upper-air exercises are terminated and full commitment
made to the circuit approach and landing.
2.
50 feet or about one wingspan.
3.
Only the pilot, or someone definitely known to have been delegated this
responsibility by the pilot.
4.
ANY aircraft landing has priority over ANY aircraft taking off.
5.
The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (BASI) on the Australia-wide
number 008 011034 and the RTO/Ops. The accident must be reported immediately.
6.
No. The recommended recovery period is 24 hours.
7.
1000 feet.
8.
Shout "Stop" (very loudly), open airbrake's fully and hold stick fully
forward If possible, apply wheel-brake.
9.
Airbrake's/spoilers or tail chute extended. Check as appropriate.
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BASIC
AIRWORTHINESS
1.
Maintenance Release/ GFA Form 1. Check expiry date or MR, check minor
and major defect pages and check that the Daily Inspection has been
signed for.
2.
On a placard in the cockpit.
3.
Do not allow it to fly until inspected by a qualified person. Seek advice
of an authorized inspector. If none available, leave matters in the
hands of the Duty Inspector. DO NOT NEGLECT TO REPORT IT TO SOMEONE.
4.
Maneuver speed (Va) is the speed above which full control deflection
is not permitted. It is imposed to protect the structure. Over Va, only
one third deflection is permitted on ailerons and rudder and use of
the elevator is limited to the extent necessary to keep the glider within
its permitted "G" loadings.
5.
(a) Slow down, (b) Ground the glider and report the incident and (c)
change underpants.
6.
At about right angles to the fuselage. The important thing is that the
cable does NOT have to be pulled backwards to actuate the back release.
If it needs such extreme angle to make it work, there may be something
wrong with it.
7.
"Velocity Never Exceed", the maximum permitted speed of the glider in
smooth air. It reduces with height because of the reducing air density
with height. Consult Glider manual for details.
8.
It puts too much strain on the wing root fittings because of the long
leverage.
9.
On the cockpit placard.
10.
Only when the required ballast is carried in accordance with the placard
and then only if the ballast is capable of being properly secured.
11.
To protect the glider structure in the event of launch overstress.
12.
The "envelope" of speeds and "G" loadings within which it is safe to
fly the glider and outside of which damage or failure of the structure
may occur.
13.
A daily inspection.
14.
The annual inspection for the revalidation of the glider's Certificate
of Airworthiness.
15.
In rough air.
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"C"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION
BASIC
THEORY
1.
Assuming adequate entry speed, how much G is capable of being produced
in a 60 degree banked turn?
2.
If a glider is not fitted with an elevator trim tab, how is trimming
carried out?
3.
What is "ground effect"?
4.
What is autorotation and what causes it?
5.
If you blow lightly into the total-energy venture of a variometer system,
which way would you expect the vario needle to move?
6.
You are in a gentle turn with the bank slowly increasing and the stick
coming steadily back at a constant nose attitude. What is likely to
happen if the stick continues to come back?
7.
What is meant by a "balanced" turn?
8.
What effect does aspect ratio have on induced drag?
9.
A glider is flying at 60kts IAS into a 20kt headwind with a reading
of 2kts down on the variometer. The airfield is 10NM away. What height
will you have on arrival at the field if you set off home at 4,000ft?
10.
What is the optimum angle of bank for minimum height loss in a turn
at 1.5Vs.
11.
Which is the best wing for the ground crew to hold on a crosswind aero
tow takeoff?
12.
What is the effect of water-ballast on (a) stalling speed, (b) climb
performance and (c) glide angle?
13.
Why are TWO rings fitted to the end of a launching rope or cable?
14.
What is the dominant control in incipient spin recovery?
15.
In a crosswind landing using the crab method of approach, are the controls
crossed when the glider touches down?
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
What is meant by the "non-manoeuvring area"?
2.
Which way does the aiming-point move if the glider is overshooting?
3.
When is a glider permitted to fly in the following areas: (a) Danger
Area, (b) Restricted Area (c) Prohibited Area? On which chart will these
areas be found?
4.
What action must the glider pilot take if he loses sight of the tug
during an aero tow?
5.
At what height above ground must selection of an out landing area be
made on a cross-country flight?
6.
What wind-indicators are available to assist a pilot on an out landing?
7.
What is the most common circuit-planning fault in early attempts at
out landing?
8.
What are the five "S's" for choosing out landing paddocks?
9.
What are the minimum paddock standards for an aero tow retrieve from
an out landing?
10.
What precautions are necessary when flying cross country on days of
total fire-ban?
11.
What are the implications of landing out and failing to contact crew
by radio or telephone by last light?
12.
Name three basic precautions to take when giving an introductory flight
to a relative or friend.
13.
What extra equipment must a glider carry for operations in a Designated
Remote Area?
14.
What qualifications does a glider pilot need to communicate with Air
Traffic Services?
15.
What are the horizontal and vertical extents of an MTAF? What do the
initials stand for?
16.
Is it mandatory for a glider to carry and use radio in a CTAF? What
do the initials stand for?
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BASIC
SOARING METEOROLOGY
1.
At what rate (in degrees Celsius per 1,000ft) does a thermal cool as
it rises in clear air? What is the name given to this rate?
2.
What is meant by "atmospheric stability"?
3.
What is "water vapor"?
4.
What is "dew point"?
5.
If a thermal is capped by a cloud, what does the cloud consist of?
6.
What happens to a thermal inside a convection cloud?
7.
What is "Coriolis force" and what is its effect on a wind blowing from
high pressure to low pressure?
8.
In which direction does the wind blow around an anticyclone?
9.
A cyclone is an extreme form of....what?
10.
What is the effect of an increase in height on (a) air temperature,
(b)air pressure, (c) air density.
11.
Which is likely to generate the most hazardous weather for gliding,
a warm front or a cold front?
12.
In what kind of pressure pattern is subsidence likely?
13.
What is the effect of subsidence on thermal development?
14.
What is a "down burst" or "micro burst"? Where are they likely to be
found and what does a glider pilot do about them?
15.
Are the conditions following the passage of a cold front likely to be
good or bad for soaring?
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"C"
CERTIFICATE ORAL EXAMINATION - ANSWERS
BASIC
THEORY
1.
2G.
2.
By an internal spring bias in the nose-up or nose-down sense.
3.
The partial cancellation of wing down wash caused by proximity to the
ground. This results in a reduction in induced drag and an effectively
flatter glide-angle.
4.
Autorotation is the tendency of an asymmetrically stalled glider to
rotate continuously in the rolling plane. Spinning is an authoritative
maneuver with the nose pointing steeply down. It is caused in the first
instance by the loss of lateral damping on a stalled wing.
5.
Up.
6.
The glider will probably spin.
7.
A properly coordinated turn without slip or skid.
8.
The higher the aspect ratio (i.e. the "skinnier" the wing), the lower
the induced drag, because the wingtip vortices are less intense on a
high aspect ratio wing.
9.
1,000 feet (Effective glide angle over the ground is 1 in 20; 10 nautical
miles would take 0.5 of a mile of height, which is 3,000 feet
10.
Theoretically 50 degrees, but for practical purposes 40 t6 45 degrees.
11.
The downwind wing, because it is easier to help a pilot out of a ground
loop situation.
12.
(a) It is increased, (b) It is degraded, (c) It remains the same but
occurs at a higher airspeed.
13.
To ensure that the pull exerted by the small ring on the hook is always
straight and not at an angle.
14.
The elevator.
15.
Yes, to counter secondary effect of rudder when drift is kicked off.
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FLIGHT
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1.
The area of sky within which, if a launch failure occurred, the glider
would be too high to land ahead within the remaining strip length and
too low to maneuver to join a circuit
2.
Downwards in the canopy.
3.
(a) Anytime with care (b) Only in compliance with specified conditions
(c) Never. These areas will be found on Visual En route Charts (VECs)
and Visual Terminal Charts (VTCs). There are also a few WAC Charts available
with these areas marked on them.
4.
Release immediately.
5.
2,000 feet AGL
6.
Cloud shadows on ground, drift in circuit (Note: these two will give
wind at height, which will be a useful guide but not quite the same
as the surface wind). Wind-shadows on dams, dust behind cars on dirt
roads, etc.
7.
Too steep an angle, cramping the circuit.
8.
Size, slope, surface, stock and surroundings. The latter check should
pay particular attention to Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) lines.
9.
Authorized Landing Area (ALA) standard, but in any case a minimum length
of 600 meters.
10.
Non-sparking skids must be fitted to gliders. No aero tow retrieves
because of fire danger from tug exhausts. Retrieve cars confined to
roads and not permitted in paddock, unless it is ploughed and then only
with farmer's clearance.
11.
The crew will be compelled to initiate SAR action.
12.
No aerobatics or steep turns. Gentle thermal turns. Keep flights short
on rough or very hot days.
13.
An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Equipment for a water-still.
14.
Logbook endorsement as GFA radio operator.
15.
15NM radius, up to 5,000 ft. MTAF stands for Mandatory Traffic Advisory
Frequency.
16.
No, but if it is carried in the glider, it is advisable to monitor the
CTAF frequency and broadcast if necessary. The initials stand for Common
Traffic Advisory Frequency.
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BASIC
SOARING METEOROLOGY - ANSWERS
1.
3 degrees per 1,000ft. The Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate.
2.
A temperature structure in the atmosphere whereby a rising thermal will
tend to reach temperature equilibrium with its surrounds and therefore
stop rising.
3.
The invisible moisture present in the atmosphere to some extent at all
times.
4.
The temperature at which water vapor condenses into visible water droplets
in the atmosphere.
5.
Visible water droplets (NOT water vapor).
6.
It increase its rate of ascent due to the release of latent heat when
water vapor changes its state to visible water droplets at the dew point.
7.
The effect of the earth's rotation the wind, causing an otherwise straight
flow of wind to turn into spiral patterns around areas of high and low
pressure.
8.
Anti-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
9.
Depression.
10.
They all decrease with height.
11.
A cold front (blustery winds, rain, possible thunderstorms).
12.
An anticyclone.
13.
It tends to inhibit thermal development.
14.
An extremely strong downdraft, causing locally strong surface winds
which are often hazardous. They are found on the edges of thunderstorms,
often at a considerable distance from the storm itself. Glider pilots
must avoid them at all costs; although the down burst itself may be
invisible, they are sometimes marked by areas of rising dust where they
reach the ground.
15.
Good (unstable air with enough moisture to form cumulus clouds).
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