Category Archives: Aviation

Aviation

Weather Forecast

TAF | Aerodrome Forecast

The aerodrome forecast (TAF) is the forecaster’s best judgment of the most probable weather
conditions expected to occur at an aerodrome together with their most probable time of
occurrence. It is designed to meet the preflight and in-flight requirements of flight operations.
Aerodrome forecasts are intended to relate to weather conditions for flight operations within
six statute miles (roughly five nautical miles) of the centre of the runway complex depending
on local terrain. Certain specified weather phenomena, when expected within the vicinity of
the aerodrome, are also included in a TAF.


The issue time of an aerodrome forecast is the time that it is released to the
telecommunication system. To facilitate flight planning, aerodrome forecasts shall be
transmitted on the telecommunication system as close as possible to, but not later than 20
minutes prior to the beginning of their period of validity.

For those aerodromes which do not have a 24-hour observing program, two consecutive
hourly observations immediately prior to the issue time of the forecast are required before
issuing a forecast. Depending on the valid period of the forecast, the above situation can be
accomplished in one of two ways:


1) After receiving the second hourly observation, the TAF is issued as soon as possible, for
example, 15 minutes after the second observation is received. The period of validity of
such a TAF is backdated to begin on the whole hour prior to the issue time of the
forecast. The forecast, however, is valid from the time that it is received. For example,
after receiving the 13Z and 14Z observations for Fort Good Hope, the TAF is issued as:
TAF CYGH 201410Z 2014/2101
2) After receiving the second hourly observation, the TAF is issued approximately 40
minutes after the hour of the observation. In this case, the period of validity of such a
TAF is postdated to begin on the whole hour following the issue time of the forecast. For
example, after receiving the 10Z and 11Z observation for Muskoka, a TAF is issued as:
TAF CYQA 201140Z 2012/2100
If two consecutive hourly observations are not available immediately prior to the issue time of
a TAF, a nil TAF shall be issued, e.g. TAF CYTS 051640Z NIL followed by NO OBS
included in the remarks section. Alternatively, if only one observation is available, the nil
TAF would read TAF CYTS 051640Z NIL followed by INSUFFICIENT OBS included in
the remarks section.

In exceptional circumstances (e.g. where there is a nearby weather station providing routine
hourly and special weather reports) forecasts may be issued after receipt of the first hourly
report.
TAFs are normally scheduled to be updated six hours after the previous issue time. Under no
circumstance shall a TAF be scheduled more than seven hours after the previous issue time.

An aerodrome forecast shall be valid from the moment it is issued (e.g. a TAF with an
indicated period of validity from 11Z to 23Z issued at 1040Z is considered to be valid from
1040Z) until it is amended, or until the next scheduled TAF for the same aerodrome is issued,
or until the valid period is ended with no new TAFs issued, whichever comes first.

FD | Wind and Temperature Aloft

The symbolic form of the forecast is “ddfftt”, where dd is the wind direction in tens of degrees
with respect to true north, ff is the wind speed in knots, and tt is the temperature in degrees
Celsius.
Wind speeds from 100 KT to199 KT are indicated by subtracting 100 from the speed and
adding 50 to the direction (e.g. 240 degrees at 130 KT is coded 7430). Speeds in excess of
199 KT are coded as if they were 199 KT (e.g. winds from 90 degrees at 210 KT are coded
5999, as would winds of 199 KT). Finally, wind speeds less than five knots are indicated by
9900.
The sign of the temperature is indicated as plus “+” or minus “-”, for levels below 24,000 feet.
Above 24,000 feet, the sign of the temperature is not indicated.

GFA | Graphic Area Forecast

A graphic area forecast (GFA) consists of six charts:
 two valid at T+0 hr (the beginning of the forecast period);
 two valid at T+6 hr (six hours into the forecast period); and
 two valid at T+12 hr (the end of the forecast period).

Ascent and descent planning information for higher-performance aircraft is an important but
secondary function of the GFA. The GFA is designed primarily to meet general aviation and
regional air carrier requirements for pre-flight route planning in Canada. Each panel
graphically describes the most probable meteorological conditions expected to occur between
the surface and 24,000 feet over a given area at a specified time.

he forecast period).
Of the two charts valid at each time, one shows the clouds and weather portion; the other
shows the icing, turbulence and freezing levels for the same time and area.
In addition, the clouds and weather chart of the last set also contain a worded instrument
flight rules (IFR) outlook extending over the subsequent 12-hour period.

A GFA is issued to reach users approximately half an hour before the beginning of the
forecast period (that is, half an hour before T0).
A GFA is issued at 2330, 0530, 1130 and 1730 UTC, and issues are valid at 0000, 0600,
1200 and 1800 UTC respectively. Each GFA issue includes a 0, 6 and 12 hour forecast as
well as an IFR outlook for the subsequent 12 hours.

The units to be used in the GFA are the conventional ones used in North America as listed:
 horizontal distance: measured in nautical miles (NM)
 speed: measured in knots (KT)
 atmospheric pressure: measured in hectopascals (hPa)
 wind direction: measured in degrees true
 horizontal visibility: measured in statute miles and fractions of statute miles (SM)
 cloud height: measured in hundreds of feet above sea level (ASL), with the exception
of ceilings which are above ground level (AGL)
 base and top of areas of icing and turbulence: measured in hundreds of feet ASL
 freezing level: measured in hundreds of feet ASL
 time: measured in UTC (Z) with midnight indicated by the numerals zero and zero “00”

Surface Wind

The direction and speed of strong surface winds are indicated by using wind barbs for wind
speed and direction for all areas where winds are expected to have a mean sustained speed
of at least 20 KT. Wind gusts are indicated when speeds of at least 10 KT greater than the
mean sustained winds are forecast. The gusts are indicated by the letter “G”, followed by the
gust speed in knots, enclosed in a box, as indicated by the following symbol.

IFR Outlook

The outlook is included in the comments box as part of the T0+12 hr clouds and weather
chart. It should be fairly general and indicate the areas where organized IFR weather is
expected within the subsequent 12 hours. In addition, it should state the cause of the IFR
weather, along with weather hazards, if any. For example, if IFR ceilings were expected over
eastern New Brunswick, the IFR outlook would say CIGS/VIS RA/SN/BLSN/BR ERN NB.

Turbulence (TURB)

A low-level jet (L LVL JET), when reaching 50 KT or more is included in the GFA. It may be
included at speeds between 35 KT and 45 KT when, upon the forecaster’s judgment,
significant turbulence or shear is expected. L LVL JET is rounded to the nearest 5 KT

Freezing level (FZLVL)

Freezing level contours are indicated on a GFA by dashed lines. The height of the freezing
level is indicated using the standard heights in hundreds of feet above sea level (e.g. SFC,
25, 50, 75, 100, etc., meaning, surface, 2,500 feet, 5,000 feet, 7,500 feet, 10,000 feet, etc.).
When more than one freezing level is forecast in the vertical, only the lowest level needs to be
indicated, unless meteorological conditions are expected to be relevant to aviation safety (for
example: freezing precipitation aloft). An above freezing layer (AFL) is depicted in a defined
area.

Amended GFA

Once issued, a SIGMET or AIRMET message automatically amends the current and relevant
GFA. The remark (RMK) found in the National version of those messages indicates the GFA
region(s) the SIGMET or AIRMET applies to

Corrected GFA

A correction to a GFA is issued for the following events:
1) Any unforecast weather phenomena not requiring an AIRMET (i.e. below AIRMET
criteria threshold) or any other unforecast weather phenomena that, according to the
forecaster, should be depicted in the GFA.
2) Forecast weather phenomena (in the GFA) that fails to occur:
 removal of forecast weather phenomena in the GFA chart that are no longer
occurring or no longer expected to occur.
3) A significant error made in a GFA chart:
 a significant error is one which, if uncorrected, would result in an erroneous
interpretation of the GFA and create a potential hazard to aviation.

Significant weather prognostic charts

Forecasts in chart or pictorial form depict, with greater clarity than verbal, the most probable
forecast conditions over large areas. Forecasts of significant enroute weather phenomena
prepared as SIG WX charts are primarily designed to meet requirements for preflight
planning.

The chart is a depiction of forecast significant weather at mid-levels (700 hPa to 400 hPa or
FL100 to FL240).

The charts are issued four times a day at approximately 0210, 0815, 1425 and 1940 UTC,
and are valid at 12, 18, 00 and 06 UTC respectively. In other words, a chart is issued roughly
10 hours before its valid time.

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Aviation

Familiarity breeds discontent

This is my view everyday outside my humble abode for the foreseeable future. Way different than the view in the city where I grew up.

Is it beautiful or is it just different?

For people that never get the chance to see places like this in person before would be in awe, “Beautifuuuuul…”the uniqueness and how different this scene to a lot of people’s everyday environment gives this place instant prestige and appreciation. But for people who live and breathe with this scene everyday would be indifferent.

This is the same with most things in life. The comfort we enjoy on a regular basis loses its significance as time goes by. Some kind of law of depreciating return but to once you educate yourself to the predicament of other people then and only then you would see and appreciate the value of the comfort you’re taking for granted.

Your good health and mobility; a lot of handicapped people would trade places with you and if in case they’re wealthy, I would bet that they choose to part ways with that wealth just to regain their independence and mobility. So next time you’re feeling down, remember this.

There are people who are doing worse than you and all they want is to do the small things on their own (Walking, eating, bathing).

To feel discontent seems to be a part of our biological default setting, and it is the sign of an evolved civilized sapien to triumph over this default setting. To manufacture negative contrasts that will highlight the beauty and value of its current favorable state and environment.

“Premeditatio Malorum”

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Aviation

What makes an Alpha Male

I’ve been seeing a lot of descriptions about what makes a man an alpha male, some I agree with and some I find a little distorted and inconsistent.

To solve the problem of modern dating and raise the standard of society, women should not settle for anything less than an alpha male. However, women are known to be more emotional than rational creatures.

Here are the qualities women should be looking for a man and anything less would be settling.

  • Ability to support. If a man can’t even support himself and his needs, then how do you expect him to be able to support you? This involves emotionally and financially. A man who doesn’t have a good grasp of his emotions and impulses has the higher chance of inconsistency and untrustworthy.
  • Ability to provide. Broke and pre-rich are two different things. You may find a man in his pre-rich phase and you’ll be dumbfounded if you disregard him too quickly for appearing broke. However, If you have reasons to believe that he’s full of crap and all he can talk about are his plans but no action, that guy will never be rich and might as well buy lottery tickets everyday. He who settles for a low paying job with no prospects of improving his situation but would always talk about that high paying job that’s available but not doing anything to qualify for it or apply is a good sign.
  • Ability to protect. A good person without the capacity to inflict harm is a coward and he who can inflict harm and danger and was able to control it is the real good man. he who can’t protect himself will never be able to protect you. he’s either fat or skinny, he’s relying to the crowd and society for protection.
  • Zen master. An alpha does not need any approval of other people. While others are worried about eating by themselves because other people might pity them, alpha male enjoys the serenity of solitude. He dwells on petty dramas by choice for variety and to add flavor to his day but not negatively and lastingly affected by it. After thorough analysis of the situation an alpha male does what he believes is right even if it upsets other people in the process.
  • Don’t keep their words to people they don’t respect. Alpha Males will inevitably develop superiority complexes and because of this they may break their words on occasions if the situation calls for it and expect the other party to understand it.

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Aviation

Philippines to Canada Visa free🇵🇭

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective today, eligible travellers from these countries can benefit from the program:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Morocco
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Seychelles
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay

Source: IRCC

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Aviation

Old norms that are questionable in today’s world

Millennials are in a crisis.

I call this generation (which I belong to) the transition generation. These are the people that lived in the old world of cassette tapes, vcd and dvd and witnessed how the internet and social media took over the world by storm. The effect of the internet and social media is greatly underrated, from the way it altered the way we lived as a species, from how we meet people, how we communicate, how we make a living, and HOW WE LIVE!

This drastic change made a lot of old norms obsolete. They just don’t make sense anymore and here are some that I can think of:

  • DATING

    DISCLAIMER: I’m not saying that lasting relationships no longer exist or are impossible to achieve in today’s world, it’s still is but it’s just one standard deviation harder than it used to and here is why.

    Old generations are not more loyal than the people today, let’s just agree on this from the bat. We all belong to the same specie, hence, we all have the same proclivities and vulnerabilities. The reason why it seems as if lasting relationships are more prevalent in older generations:

    1. They’re old, they can’t change course now late in the game. The only people in their golden years that can still wing it are the sugar daddies and sugar mommies.

    2. It’s not that they’re more loyal, dating apps simply don’t exist back in their time. One of the reasons why people are finding it hard to commit to a relationship today is because of the phenomenon called the paradox of choice. if you’re on any dating app you’ll be exposed to millions of potential mates as you think, not because you swipe right on that hot chic means you’re in the driver’s seat. This swipe culture creates distortion to people’s reality, on what’s within their league and what’s not, making it hard for them to settle on “less”.

    3. the GRIND. The unprecedented and uninterrupted prosperity we are enjoying today made a lot of things possible for millennials that are not within reach of their predecessors mainly travel. The status symbol is now measured based on how many countries you’ve visited, how many music festivals you attended or how many adventures have you embarked on etc. These endeavours require resources and having a partner is optional. And if you’re living the life, you won’t settle for less, raising the bar a bit higher.
See What 10 Old Couples Looked Like When They Were Young
  • HAVING KIDS

    There are a lot of influential people that are saying that there is a population crisis. Yet there are a lot of homeless and underserved people in the developed countries and much more in the third world. They say that a lot of countries with aging populations and not enough young people like South Korea, Japan, France, Italy etc.


    I honestly think that this is not the problem. The problem is our insatiable desire for progress. If we would just stop innovating and be happy and content with the technology that we have now and the developed countries fix their domestic problems then help out the rest of the world after. This would be our path to the Utopian society they’re dreaming about.

    Now going back to us millennials, the reason why a lot are not as eager/pressured/desperate to be a parent is that they have better things to do than be domesticated and change diapers, not to mention the exorbitant cost of having a baby.

    Older generations would say, “have kids now in your 30s so when you’re 50 your kid would be 20. Para lang kayong magbarkada” or “have kids now so you can still play with them while you still have the vitality, if you do it late and when you’re 60 you’re frail and weak you wouldn’t be able to enjoy them.”

    People are living longer and better, 60 is the new 50. The 50-year-olds when I was young looked like a step away from their grave. But today it’s a completely different ball game, that makes the fear of being frail and unable to bond and do activities with your kids when you grow old PREPOSTEROUS.

    If you have people like this in your life, start avoiding them. they are dumb fucks!

    These flawed ideologies are the contributing factors to the mess that we millennials have to deal with. They’re just wrong and stupid. being a parent is the ultimate form of mentorship and not like getting a pet to play with and entertain you.

    Emotions aside, not all single and childless millennials want the situation that they’re in. Like I said, the modern world raised the bar and there are a lot of people who can’t make the bare minimum. The undesirable and broke members of the generations are doomed.
Program for Young Parents - Parenting Now
  • OLD AGE

    “It’s hard to grow old alone.” this is the last bullet in their chamber and it’s hitting no target. Maintaining relationships for older generations was next to impossible due to communication barriers that the modern world of social media easily obliterated. Now you can live halfway across the world and still be updated with what’s going on with your family’s, relatives and friends’ lives.

    Be rich and you’ll never be alone.

    If you would play your cards right, there’s no reason for you to fear being alone in your old age, it just won’t happen. If it does, it’ll be your choice.
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