A carburetor air temperature gauge measures degrees Celsius to determine if icing conditions are present. An outside air temperature gauge measures both Fahrenheit and Celsius, which helps identify icing condition potential but is primarily used for true air speed calculation.
This instrument works in conjunction with the air- and vertical-speed indicators, altimeter, and manifold pressure gauge to calculate aircraft lift and maximize performance. Its data is also important in determining flight levels for planes capable of flying at very high altitudes as they have specific air-pressure tolerance ranges that must be considered.
This weather-monitoring instrument is photoelectric---using light to measure distance---and triangulates to determine the distance between the ground and the cloud ceiling. Data retrieved determines flight plan at takeoff and landing.
Disdrometers measure the size of raindrops and hail particles. The former helps determine potential weather development. The latter indicates whether hail damage is going to become a problem for the aircraft.
The U.S. Lightning Detection Network is a NASA/Goddard Space Center system. It has over 100 stations in the country that monitor electromagnetic signals from lightning strikes. This data is transmitted to receivers on some planes to assist in preventing planes from encountering violent weather hazards.
Wind socks or tees on the ground indicate wind direction for into-the-wind takeoff and landings. Onboard gauges help pilots maximize speed and fuel efficiency by utilizing favorable winds whenever possible.
This device transmits data on current conditions in real time. This data impacts flight plan changes for safety as well as flight speed and efficiency.
This data comes from the pilot him- or herself. When a pilot looks out the window of the cockpit at takeoff, landing or in flight, what he or she sees is often as important to the decision-making process as data from mechanical instrumentation. If mechanical instrumentation fails, then visibility and visual range data is critical.
This instrument measures how well or poorly light passes through liquid. It determines visual range, which assists pilots in planning for instrument or visual flight referencing.
Weather radar is the mother of all flight safety devices. Doppler radar is used by ground control to identify hazardous weather conditions. Airborne radar locates weather anomalies and disturbances and helps the pilot gauge the risks and severity of storms.