Identification should include the families of clouds, cloud types, and the effects of each on flying:

Family A—High > 20,000 feet
- Form above 20,000 feet in the troposphere
- Composed of ice crystals
- Wispy, often transparent
- Cloud types include the following:
  - Cirrus
  - Cirrostratus
  - Cirrocumulus
  - Pileus
Family B—Middle, 6,000-20,000 feet
- Composed of water droplets, frequently supercooled
- Cumulus is the prevalent type; other types include the following:
  - Altostratus
  - Altocumulus
Family C—Low < 6,500 feet
- Flat
- Cover the entire sky
- Types include the following:
  - Stratus
  - Nimbostratus
  - Stratocumulus

Process/Skill Questions:

What are the three levels of clouds?
What are the differences between cumulus and stratus clouds, and how does the surrounding air affect flight?
What types of clouds would indicate a potential hazard to aircraft?