Tool 1 – Experiential Question – Mountain Wave Turbulence

Satisfies competency criterion

2.1i forecasting turbulence

3.1b warning for severe turbulence

Similar question could also be sufficient¹ to demonstrate competence for criteria²

2.1d forecasting cloud especially infrequent low cloud

2.1e forecasting precipitation

2.1f reduced visibility

2.1g obstructions to visibility

2.1h forecasting thunderstorms

2.1j forecasting icing

2.1k forecasting wake vortices

3.1a forecasting severe thunderstorms

3.1c forecasting severe winds or wind shear

3.1d forecasting severe icing

3.1e forecasting hazardous phenomena

3.1f forecasting sand or dust storms

3.1g forecasting volcanic ash

3.1h forecasting tropical cyclones

1. If possible, it would be preferred to directly observe competence for some of these criteria. However, this may not be possible or practical if the phenomenon is rare or if is it seasonal. For example, it may be necessary to assess competence for forecasting precipitation or thunderstorms in the tropical dry season. For cases where experiential questions are used for seasonal phenomena, validation during the appropriate season is recommended.

2. In order to use Tool 1 for multiple phenomena, a separate assessment guide would have to be developed for each specific criterion. The exception might be where multiple criteria always exist together. For example, for a certain region,

Describe the steps that you would follow in forecasting mountain wave turbulence

OR

Describe a time when you effectively forecast mountain wave turbulence.

• examine large scale flow pattern particularly near ridge top level

• look for flow perpendicular to barrier

• determine representative sounding (real or prog) and determine stability, shear, wind reversal, etc.

• use satellite imagery or other tools for typical signatures

• examine aircraft reports if conditions current or imminent

• consider need for warning or sigmet

• attempt to make prediction as precise as possible (smallest 3-D extent)

• consider impacted clients and contact directly if part of local procedures

Assessor comments:

if AMF meets criteria for severe mountain wave turbulence, performance criterion 2.1i and 3.1b may be satisfied. It may be assumed that other types of severe turbulence, mechanical, shear, etc, will also be effectively forecast.