ERAU WW: Aeronautics

  Microbursts      Microbursts are a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm and are divided into different types. Dry microbursts contain no moisture, while wet microbursts contain moisture (US Department of Commerce, 2016). The formation of microbursts are due to the weakening updrafts within a thunderstorm and increased strength of sinking air. There are many factors that contribute to the sinking column of air gaining strength; the result is the core of the column plummets to the ground, dispersing its force in all directions on the surface (US Department of Commerce, 2016). A common misconception is that a microburst is not as strong as a tornado, when in fact, the winds from a microburst can exceed 100 mph and cause significant damage to structures (US Department of Commerce, 2016).       Microbursts have a significant effect on aviation due to their dangerous nature and relative unpredictability (US Department of Commerce, 201...

  Ground and Departure      Although it may not seem like it, Ground and Departure controllers have some similar workloads while having different purposes. Ground controllers are   responsible for managing traffic on taxiways, as well as giving pilots instructions to their departure runway. At some smaller airports, where the ground traffic is not as demanding, the ground controller will assume clearance delivery responsibilities; those responsibilities include filing a flight plan and assigning the pilot their route and altitude. This also means that the ground controller could have to manage two frequencies at once. A departure controller assigns pilots headings and altitudes when they are departing an airport. In areas of low traffic congestion, the tower controller can assume some of the departure controller's responsibilities.          This controller is part of the TRACON network of controllers, which uses radar services to pr...