This class is less about learning how to use the Skew-T log (p) diagram and more about learning the fundamental principles and building blocks of aviation meteorology. The tool makes for a great canvas or backdrop to teach you about what causes the formation of clouds, fog, airframe icing, turbulence, and thunderstorms, just to name a few. In other words, you need to understand these basic principles of weather first, before mastering how to interpret the Skew-T log (p) diagram for your preflight weather planning and analysis.
In a nutshell, this 12-week course is specifically directed at certificated private/commercial pilots, flight instructors and designated pilot examiners that want to really learn the science and application of the Skew-T log (p) diagram. It is open to pilots with and without an instrument rating. Putting it succinctly, this is meant to be a slight notch above the intermediate level. For most students attending this 12-week course, 20% of the material will be a review of basic aviation weather concept and the other 80% will be new or untaught material to focus on those gaps in knowledge that most certificated pilots possess.
Please note since this class was held, the instance of the Skew-T diagram primarily used throughout this program was a site hosted by NOAA (rucsoundings.noaa.gov). Due to the dismantling of NOAA, this site has been permanently shut down. However, there are other sources of the Skew-T diagram to include Tropical Tidbits, Pivotal Weather and TwisterData just to name a few.
