Aviation Weather Flashcards
For aviation purposes, ceiling is defined as the height above the Earth’s surface of the
lowest broken or overcast layer or vertical visibility into an obscuration.
Ceiling is defined as the height (AGL) of the lowest broken or overcast layer aloft or vertical visibility into an obscuration.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 3
(Refer to figure 15.) In the TAF from KOKC, the clear sky becomes
overcast at 2,000 feet during the forecast period between 2200Z and 2400Z.
SKC BECMG 0522/0524 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 means that the clear sky will be becoming between 2200Z and 2400Z, winds from 200° at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots, 4 statute miles visibility in rain showers with an overcast at 2000’.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
What are the standard temperature and pressure values for sea level?
15 °C and 29.92 inches Hg.
These are the standard temperature and pressure values. 59° F and 1013.2 millibars would also be correct.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 1
Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a
heat exchange.
The amount of solar energy received by any region of the Earth varies. These differences create temperature variations, which create forces that drive the atmosphere in its endless motions. Unequal heating of the Earth’s surface causes weather phenomena.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 2
What clouds have the greatest turbulence?
Cumulonimbus.
Cumulonimbus are the ultimate manifestation of instability. Nearly the entire spectrum of flying hazards are contained in these clouds including violent turbulence.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 13
(Refer to figure 15.) What is the valid period for the TAF for KMEM?
1800Z on the 12th to 2400Z on the 13th.
A TAF is generally valid for 24 or 30 hours. 1218/1324 indicates the forecast is for the 12th day of the month and is valid from 1800Z on the 12th until 2400Z on the 13th.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
Absence of the sky condition and visibility on an ATIS broadcast indicates that
the ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and visibility is 5 miles or more.
The ceiling/sky condition, visibility, and obstructions to vision may be omitted from the ATIS broadcast if the ceiling is above 5,000’ and the visibility is more than 5 miles.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 4-1
A pilot can expect a wind-shear zone in a temperature inversion whenever the windspeed at 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the surface is at least
25 knots.
A shear zone is likely above an inversion if the wind at 2,000 to 4,000’ is 25 knots or more.
Pilot Windshear Guide (AC 00-54)
During the life cycle of a thunderstorm, which stage is characterized predominately by downdrafts?
Dissipating.
Downdrafts characterize the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 19
The zone between contrasting air masses is called a:
Front.
The boundary between two different air masses is called a front.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
When the term ‘light and variable’ is used in reference to a Winds Aloft Forecast, the coded group and windspeed is
9900 and less than 5 knots.
When the forecast speed is less than 5 knots, the coded group is “9900” and read, “LIGHT AND VARIABLE”.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
SIGMETs are issued as a warning of weather conditions hazardous to which aircraft?
All aircraft.
A SIGMET advises of nonconvective weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft.
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
What is indicated when a current CONVECTIVE SIGMET forecasts thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms obscured by massive cloud layers.
A Convective SIGMET contains data regarding severe thunderstorms, lines of thunderstorms, thunderstorms with wide spread heavy precipitation, and embedded thunderstorms. Embedded thunderstorms are those obscured by massive cloud layers.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 °F and the dewpoint is 38 °F?
10,000 feet AGL.
As a rule of thumb, divide the difference between the temperature and dew point by 4.4 to determine the height of the cloud base. 82° F - 38° F = 44. 44 / 4.4 = 10 (in thousands of feet) or 10,000’.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 12
How will frost on the wings of an airplane affect takeoff performance?
Frost will disrupt the smooth flow of air over the wing, adversely affecting its lifting capability.
Frost disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing and destroys lift. This may prevent the aircraft from taking off or it may require a significantly longer takeoff run to become airborne.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
Upon encountering severe turbulence, which flight condition should the pilot attempt to maintain?
Level flight attitude.
Maintain a constant attitude, let the aircraft “ride the waves”.
Pilot Windshear Guide (AC 00-54)
How can you determine the stability of an air mass?
Observe the cloud formations and type of precipitation.
Atmospheric stability is the property of the ambient air that either enhances or suppresses vertical motion of air parcels and determines which type of clouds and precipitation a pilot will encounter. Cumulus clouds indicate areas of instability in the atmosphere, and the air around and inside them is turbulent. Stratus clouds tend to form in layers and are indicative of a stable air mass.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 12
The layers of the atmosphere, beginning at the earth’s surface, are:
Troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere.
The vertical structure of the atmosphere is divided into layers, troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere.
AVIATION_WEATHER_HREF
A stable air mass is most likely to have which characteristic?
Poor surface visibility.
In stable air, flying is usually smooth. It can contain low ceilings and poor visibilities.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 12
The presence of cumulus clouds indicate:
Unstable air with clearer visibilities.
Cumulus clouds indicate unstable air and good visibility.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 13
The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is:
Specific to an airport.
A TAF is a report established for the five statute mile radius around an airport.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
What information is contained in a CONVECTIVE SIGMET?
Tornadoes, embedded thunderstorms, and hail 3/4 inch or greater in diameter.
A Convective SIGMET contains data regarding severe thunderstorms including, tornadoes, and large hail, ¾” or more in diameter. Embedded thunderstorms are also forecast on Convective SIGMETs.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 5
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 13
What feature is normally associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?
Continuous updraft.
The key feature of the cumulus stage of a cumulonimbus is continuous updrafts.
Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) Ch. 19
What should pilots state initially when telephoning a weather briefing facility for preflight weather information?
The intended route of flight and destination.
The pilot should give clear and concise facts about his flight, which includes route of flight and destination.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) 7-1
Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) Ch. 1