Final answer:
Significant meteorological factors affecting aviation safety include various wind patterns and atmospheric conditions, which can alter a plane's velocity and require specific navigational adjustments for safe takeoff and landing, as well as for in-flight stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meteorological factors that can significantly impact aviation safety include wind patterns such as crosswind, tailwind, windshear, and mountain wave phenomena. These factors influence the plane's total velocity. For example, a plane experiencing a strong combination of crosswind and headwind will have a total velocity that is significantly less than its velocity relative to the air mass and may also be redirected from its initial course. Special calculations using vectors are necessary to determine the correct angle and flight path adjustments an airplane must make when approaching a runway in a crosswind scenario. Pilots must also be prepared for last-minute maneuvers to align the plane's wheels with the runway for a safe landing. Therefore, understanding how winds change over distance and the effects of atmospheric pressure differences is crucial for predicting weather patterns, such as tornado formation, which can pose essential risks to aviation.