Title: Identify the characteristics of clouds and their effects on flight.
Course: Aerospace Technology I (21055-I) > Section: Exploring Flight Conditions

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:
    - Altostratus
    - Altocumulus
- 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?
- What types of clouds would indicate a potential hazard to aircraft?