This course discusses how to manage descents in jet aircraft, from determining the top of descent to calculating distance to run and deceleration allowance. In modern aircraft we rely on the flight management systems to calculate profiles but a good understanding of these calculations ensures that the pilot can monitor effectively. Most of the theory and practical application applies to all jet aircraft however we focus on the B737 NG flight management profiles. This course will suit experienced pilots.

This course will review Volcanic Ash clouds and how they affect the operation of aircraft. We discuss what causes ash clouds, how to recognise them, how ash affects aircraft systems, what information is available to aircrew and how to avoid the danger.

This course will review the theory and practical aspects of taking off and landing in low  visibility conditions. It is good preparation for simulator training for CAT III approaches and LVO departures in fog. Auckland airport is used as a case study.

Weather can be divided into two categories: that which can be safely flown through and that which cannot. In the former category are rain, snow, fog, chop, cold and heat. The latter category - "cannot" is limited to only a few, namely icing greater than certification limits and thunderstorms - all thunderstorms. This course will provide detailed theoretical and practical information for aircrew to assist with operating around thunderstorms.

Cold weather hazards are the primary meteorological cause of aviation incidents and accidents worldwide. Every year several accidents are attributed to the consequence of ice and contamination on aircraft performance. This course will provide you with useful knowledge that can be applied to secure safe operations both on the ground and in the air.

The objective of this course is to summarise and communicate key wind shear information relevant to pilots. Avoidance is emphasized as the best defence against the hazards of low altitude wind shear. Information to assist in recognizing and avoiding wind shear is provided. However, precautions and techniques for improving chances of surviving an inadvertent wind shear encounter are also discussed.

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This course is based on The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Manual on Low-Level Wind Shear and Turbulence, which in turn was based on an FAA/Boeing study on Wind Shear.