PHAK · Chapter 12: Weather Theory
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesWEATHER & ATMOSPHERE
Atmospheric stability
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
The tendency of displaced air to return toward its original level or continue moving away.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
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01
Mechanism
Compare the temperature of a displaced parcel with its environment. A warmer, less dense parcel has upward buoyancy; a colder parcel tends to sink.
02
Aircraft response
Stable layers can favor smooth air and trapped haze, but also support waves. Unstable air favors mixing and convection.
03
Context & interpretation
Environmental lapse rate must be compared with the appropriate dry or saturated parcel process. Stability does not guarantee the absence of turbulence.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.