CH. 10 - Sources of Flight Information

Question 1

What does “SPECI” indicate in a METAR report?

Answer 1

A special weather report issued when the weather changes significantly since the last METAR.

Question 2

How is wind direction and speed represented in a METAR report?

• • The first three digits represent the _____________ direction in degrees, and the last two digits indicate the _______________ speed in knots.

Answer 2

The first three digits represent the wind direction in degrees, and the last two digits indicate the wind speed in knots.

Question 3

In a METAR, what does the code “6 SM” signify?

Answer 3

Visibility of 6 statute miles.

Question 4

What do the codes “BKN 060” indicate in a METAR?

Answer 4

Broken clouds at 6000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Question 5

How is altimeter setting represented in a METAR report?

Answer 5

As “A” followed by four digits, indicating the setting in inches of mercury (e.g., A3010).

Question 6

What is the key difference between a METAR and a TAF?

Answer 6

A METAR is an hourly weather report, while a TAF is a forecast valid for a specific period.

Question 7

How is visibility over 6 miles indicated in a TAF?

Answer 7

With “P6SM”, meaning visibility is more than 6 statute miles.

Question 8

In a TAF, what does the format “1818/1924” represent?

Answer 8

The validity window of the forecast, from the 18th day at 18:00Z to the 19th day at 24:00Z.

Question 9

What does the “UA” in a PIREP indicate?

Answer 9

It is a routine Pilot Report.

Question 10

In a PIREP, what does “/FL040” denote?

Answer 10

The flight level or altitude at 4,000 feet.

Question 11

What is the meaning of “2212” in a Winds and Temperatures Aloft forecast?

Answer 11

Wind from 220 degrees at 12 knots.

Question 12

How is wind speed over 100 knots indicated in a Winds and Temperatures Aloft forecast?

Answer 12

By adding 50 to the wind direction; e.g., 7208 indicates wind from 220 degrees at 108 knots.

Question 13

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 13

* Light Rain
* Moderate Rain
* Heavy Rain

Question 14

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 14

* Light to moderate thunderstorm with rain
* Light to moderate thunderstorm with hail
* Thunderstorm with heavy rain

Question 15

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 15

* Vicinity fog
* Patchy Fog
* Fog, sky discernable

Question 16

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 16

* Fog, sky undiscernable
* Freezing Fog

Question 17

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 17

* Thunderstorms and cumulonimbus clouds
* Tropical cyclones
* Moderate or severe turbulence
* Tropopause heights

Question 18

What do these surface forecast symbols represent?

Answer 18

• Jetstreams
• Volcanic eruptions
• Jet Depth
• Hash Marks (Each pair indicates successive 20 KT wind speed changes)
• Release of Radioactive materials