Pilot balloon

pilot balloon (pibal) A balloon that ascends through the atmosphere at a constant rate and is tracked by a theodolite in order to obtain timed data for the computation of the wind speed and wind direction at various levels in the upper air above the ...

PILOT BALLOON A small balloon whose ascent is used to determine the direction and speed of low level atmospheric winds. Also known as a pibal.

Pilot Balloon A small balloon whose ascent at a constant rate is followed by a theodolite in order to obtain data for the computation of the speed and direction of winds at various levels in the upper air above the station.

pilot balloon—A small free-lift balloon used to determine the speed and direction of winds in the upper air. pilot balloon observation (commonly called PIBAL)—A method of winds-aloft observation by visually tracking a pilot balloon.

P0630 Pilot balloon Free balloon whose path while moving upwards is visually observed in order to measure upper winds. P0640 Pilot-balloon observation Determination of upper winds by the optical tracking of a pilot balloon.

PIBAL: Pilot Balloon. PIREP: Pilot Report. PPI: Planned Position Indicator. Radar Scope. "R" ...

Rabal A method of winds aloft observation essentially the same as a pilot balloon observation except the height data is derived from the radiosonde observation rather than from assumed ascension rates. Radar Acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging.

THEODOLITE An optical instrument used to track the motion of a pilot balloon, or pibal, by measuring the elevation and azimuth angles.

PIBALPilot balloon. A small helium-filled meteorological balloon that is tracked as it rises through the atmosphere to determine how wind speed and direction change with altitude.

However, during twilight it may be impossible to use the ceiling projector and then a pibal (pilot balloon) light may be used. This is a simple flashlight bulb attached to a battery.

For example, in upper air measurements and observations "rabals" (radiosonde balloons), "pibals" (pilot balloons), and "pireps" (pilot reports) are used to determine the strength and direction of winds aloft.

Surface winds are measured by anemometer and wind vane; winds aloft by such systems as pilot balloon, radiosonde, or aircraft navigational techniques.

There are four areas of wind that are measured: direction, speed, character (gusts and squalls), and shifts. Surface winds are measured by wind vanes and anemometers, while upper level winds are detected through pilot balloons, rawin, ...

Surface winds are measured by wind vanes and anemometers, while upper level winds are detected through pilot balloons, or aircraft reports.

See also: Pressure, Temperature, Weather, Atmosphere, Observation