Heavy Lift Challenge Lesson 5 - Atmospherics
The atmosphere, composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, is a protective layer of gases around Earth, divided into several layers with unique characteristics. The troposphere is the lowest layer where most weather occurs, while the stratosphere contains the ozone layer and is almost weather-free. Higher layers include the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Atmospheric pressure, which decreases with altitude, affects aircraft performance, requiring adjustments in takeoff, landing, and climb rates. The International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) provides a reference for temperature and pressure, crucial for aviation operations.