CA.I.I.K1cFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
c. Surface wind
The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as: c. Surface wind
Bottom line
The interaction of wind and water determines the surface conditions of the water. Wind is the primary cause of most waves, though waves can also be caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or tidal movement. Under calm wind conditions, the smooth water surface looks like a mirror from above, which eliminates visual references for the pilot and can be extremely deceptive.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| about 2 knots | Ripples form |
| 4 knots | Small waves |
FAA references
- SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — FAA-H-8083-23
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
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