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PPL Course - (2) RPL > Chapter 7.2 - An Introduction to Meteorology > Flashcards

Chapter 7.2 - An Introduction to Meteorology Flashcards

1
Q

Name three weather phenomena that have more detrimental effect on an Aircraft at relatively low level?

A
  • Poor Visibility/ Low Cloud Ceilings.
  • Thunderstorms.
  • Turbulence.
  • Windshear.
  • Thermals and Dust Devils.
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2
Q

Poor Visibility is associated with what (3)?

A
  • Low Cloud Ceilings.
  • Fog/Duststorms/Haze.
  • Precipitation.
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3
Q

Name four examples of Precipitation?

A
  • Heavy Rain.
  • Drizzle.
  • Snow.
  • Sleet.
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4
Q

True or False. Clouds are formed when the moist air is cooled to below a temperature where it cannot hold any more water vapour?

A

True.

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5
Q

When the air is unstable, what type of clouds are formed?

A

Cumuliform Clouds.

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6
Q

When the air is stable, what type of clouds are formed?

A

Stratiform Clouds.

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7
Q

Clouds which are bunched or heaped together, have a significant vertical development and are generally separated from each other are called what?

A

Cumuliform.

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8
Q

Clouds which are formed into sheets or layer, which may cover large areas of the sky are called what?

A

Stratiform.

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9
Q

Low Cloud is classified as cloud with a base from the earth’s surface up to about ‘x’ feet. What is ‘x’?

A

8500ft.

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10
Q

A stable atmosphere is normally associated with what kind of pressure area?

A

High.

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11
Q

High Pressure Area is also known as?

A

Anticyclone.

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12
Q

Stratus usually has a very low base. What two factors can reduce the visibility in VFR flight?

A
  • Low Ceiling.

- Drizzle.

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13
Q

Fog can reduce horizontal visibility to ‘x’ metres or less. What is ‘x’?

A

1000m.

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14
Q

In Mist, the horizontal visibility generally remains (above/equal/below) 1000 metres?

A

Above.

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15
Q

True or False. Stratocumulus can also have a low base, or obscure high terrain?

A

True.

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16
Q

Name two types of Low Cumuliform Clouds and their abbreviations as used in weather forecasts?

A
  • Cumulonimbus (CB).

- Cumulus (CU).

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17
Q

An unstable atmosphere is normally associated with what kind of pressure area?

A

Low.

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18
Q

Low Pressure Area is also known as?

A

Depression.

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19
Q

What is the name given to lines joining places of equal pressure on a weather map called?

A

Isobars.

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20
Q

True or False. The closer together the Isobars, the lighter the wind?

A

False. The stronger the wind.

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21
Q

In the Southern Hemisphere, the wind blows anticlockwise around what kind of pressure area?

A

High Pressure Area (anticyclone).

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22
Q

In the Southern Hemisphere, the wind blows clockwise around what kind of pressure area?

A

Low Pressure Area (depression).

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23
Q

What does NS stand for?

A

Nimbostratus.

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24
Q

Temperature Inversion is a condition in the atmosphere where the temperature (increases/decreases) with height?

A

Increases.

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25
Q

Severe dust storms may reduce visibility to below ‘x’ metres?

A

200m.

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26
Q

Name seven meteorological hazards that Thunderstorms produce?

A
  • Turbulence.
  • Hail.
  • Icing.
  • Lightening.
  • Gusts.
  • Low Ceiling.
  • Poor Visibility.
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27
Q

What should Pilot if they see a Thunderstorm ahead?

A

Avoid at all costs.

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28
Q

What is the worst hazard of a Thunderstorm?

A

Turbulence.

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29
Q

True or False. Turbulence from a Thunderstorm is not enough to cause severe structural damage?

A

False. Turbulence from a Thunderstorm has the potential to cause structural damage.

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30
Q

True or False. Hailstones from a Thunderstorm can be extremely large and damage an Aircraft?

A

True.

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31
Q

What can ice deposits on an airframe lead to what degrading performances on an Aircraft (3)?

A
  • Reduction in Lift.
  • Increase in Drag.
  • Can cause the Aircraft to stall at higher speeds.
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32
Q

Name five possible signs indicating Turbulence in the Air?

A
  • Thunderstorms.
  • Towering Cumulus Clouds.
  • Strong Winds (in the excess of 25kts).
  • Virga.
  • Cold Fronts.
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33
Q

Define Virga?

A

Precipitation which evaporates before reaching the ground.

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34
Q

What does Virga suggest?

A

Strong downdrafts.

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35
Q

What should Pilots do if they detected presences of Virga?

A

Avoid flying underneath these clouds.

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36
Q

What is a ‘front’ in weather terms?

A

Two air masses of differing temperatures (warm and cool).

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37
Q

Define Cold Front?

A

Cooler air displaces warm air.

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38
Q

How is a Cold Front displayed on a weather map?

A

A line marked with barbs in the direction of movement.

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39
Q

What does FBL stand for in relation with Turbulence?

A

Feeble/light.

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40
Q

What does MOD stand for in relation with Turbulence?

A

Moderate.

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41
Q

What does SEV stand for in relation with Turbulence?

A

Severe.

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42
Q

Apart from Thunderstorms, can Turbulence itself cause Structural Damage?

A

Rarely.

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43
Q

The critical factor with Turbulence is the Aircraft’s speed. What can happen at high and low Airspeeds (2)?

A
  • High = Overstress the structure.

- Low = Gust-induced roll.

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44
Q

True or False. A compromise speed must be used to penetrate turbulence if flight through turbulence cannot be avoid?

A

True.

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45
Q

For Light Training Aircraft, the turbulence penetration speed is between which percentages above the clean stall speed?

A

40% to 60%.

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46
Q

Where can the turbulence penetration speed be found in?

A

Pilot’s Operating Handbook.

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47
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: How should the speed be changed?

A

Slowed down to its turbulence penetration speed.

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48
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: What should be checked in the cockpit?

A

Any loose articles.

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49
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: What position should the flaps be at?

A

Up position.

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50
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: What changes should be made with the Attitude?

A

Small changes.

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51
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: Should a Pilot re-trim the Aircraft?

A

No.

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52
Q

Unexpected Turbulence: What should be avoided if turning the Aircraft?

A

Large bank angles.

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53
Q

Low level Windshear is the term used to describe what? From the surface to about ‘x’ feet AGL (2)?

A
  • Sudden change in wind speed and/or direction.

- 2000ft AGL.

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54
Q

When Windshear involves only a change in speed with changing height, this is called what?

A

Wind Gradient.

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55
Q

Name two signs of that may indicate the presence of Windshear?

A
  • Strong Winds.

- Forecast Gusts.

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56
Q

What are Thermals?

A

A column of hot rising air.

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57
Q

Which type of flight will Pilots use Thermals?

A

Gliders as it allows the glider to gain height.

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58
Q

True or False. Dust Devils are smaller and less violent form of Thermals?

A

False. More violent form of Thermals.

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59
Q

Dust Devils move at speeds varying between how many knots? They normally only rise to height of less than ‘x’ feet (2)?

A
  • 5 to 25 knots.

- 100 feet.

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60
Q

The forecast signs of Thermals and Dust Devils are in which conditions?

A

Hot and Dry.

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61
Q

What are Weather Forecasts?

A

Estimates of what meteorological conditions are likely to be at some future time.

62
Q

What does ARFOR stand for?

A

Area Forecasts.

63
Q

What does TAF stand for?

A

Aerodrome Forecasts.

64
Q

In TAF, which level is used to describe clouds (AMSL/AAL)?

65
Q

In ARFOR, which level is used to describe clouds (AMSL/AAL)?

66
Q

When describing the amount of cloud, what does SKC mean and how many OKTAs (2)?

A
  • SKC = Clear Sky.

- 0 OKTA.

67
Q

When describing the amount of cloud, what does FEW mean and how many OKTAs (2)?

A
  • FEW = Few Clouds.

- 1-2 OKTA.

68
Q

When describing the amount of cloud, what does SCT mean and how many OKTAs (2)?

A
  • SCT = Scattered Clouds.

- 3-4 OKTA.

69
Q

When describing the amount of cloud, what does BKN mean and how many OKTAs (2)?

A
  • BKN = Broken Clouds.

- 5-7 OKTA.

70
Q

When describing the amount of cloud, what does OVC mean and how many OKTAs (2)?

A
  • OVC = Overcast.

- 8 OKTA.

71
Q

When describing the amount of Cumulonimbus cloud, what does ISOL mean?

72
Q

When describing the amount of Cumulonimbus cloud, what does OCNL mean?

A

Occasional.

73
Q

When describing the amount of Cumulonimbus cloud, what does FREQ mean?

74
Q

A TAF report will use TEMPO to indicate changes in prevailing conditions. What does TEMPO mean and how long is it expected to last for (2)?

A
  • Temporary.

- 30 to 60 minutes.

75
Q

A TAF report will use INTER to indicate changes in prevailing conditions. What does INTER mean and how long is it expected to last for (2)?

A
  • Intermittent.

- Last for less than 30 minutes.

76
Q

What abbreviations are used in conditions expected to be of a more lasting nature than TEMPO and INTER (2)?

A
  • FM (from).

- BECMG (becoming).

77
Q

What format is used to describe FM in a weather report?

A

FM DDHHMM.

78
Q

What format is used to describe BECMG in a weather report?

A

BECMG DDHH/DDHH.

79
Q

How would ‘From 1715 on 24th’ be seen on a weather report?

A

FM 241715.

80
Q

How would ‘Becoming 2325 on 17th and 0345 18th’ be seen on a weather report?

A

BECMG 1723/1803.

81
Q

In TAF, what is shown when visibility is above 10km?

82
Q

What does the first three digits represent when describing Wind Velocity?

A

Wind direction relative to True North.

83
Q

What does the next two digits represent when describing Wind Velocity?

A

Windspeed in knots.

84
Q

What does 18010G25KT mean?

A

Wind Velocity is forecasted at 180°T at 10 knots with Gusts to 25 knots.

85
Q

In TAF, when the wind is of variable direction and has a speed of less than 5 knots, what is the abbreviation shown as?

86
Q

If wind is calm, it is encoded as what?

87
Q

What does SH mean in MET terms?

88
Q

What does TS mean in MET terms?

A

Thunderstorms.

89
Q

What does DZ mean in MET terms?

90
Q

What does RA mean in MET terms?

91
Q

What does SN mean in MET terms?

92
Q

What does PL mean in MET terms?

A

Ice Pellets.

93
Q

What does GR mean in MET terms?

94
Q

What does BR mean in MET terms?

95
Q

What does FG mean in MET terms?

96
Q

What does FU mean in MET terms?

97
Q

What does HZ mean in MET terms?

98
Q

What does PO mean in MET terms?

A

Dust Devils.

99
Q

What does DS mean in MET terms?

A

Duststorms.

100
Q

What does UP mean in MET terms?

A

Unknown Precipitation.

101
Q

In TAF, what does the term WX NIL mean?

A

No weather.

102
Q

In TAF, what does the term NOSIG WX mean?

A

No significant weather.

103
Q

In TAF, what does the term SKC mean?

104
Q

In ARFORs, what does FBL mean?

A

Light Turbulence.

105
Q

What does CAVOK mean?

A

Ceiling and Visibility are OK.

106
Q

In ARFORs, what information is given under Overview?

A

Brief description of MET.

107
Q

In ARFORs, what information is given under Winds (4)?

A
  • Wind Direction in relation to True North.
  • Wind Speed in Knots.
  • Altitude of Wind in AMSL.
  • Temperature.
108
Q

In ARFORs, what does PS and MS stand for when describing temperature?

A
  • PS = Plus Celsius.

- MS = Minus Celsius.

109
Q

In ARFORs, what information is given under Weather?

A

MET abbreviation of the current weather.

110
Q

True or False. In ARFORs, FG assumes a visibility of 1000m or less?

111
Q

In ARFORs, what is the measurement under Visibility (2)?

A
  • Metres for less than 5000m.

- Kilometres for more than 5000m.

112
Q

In ARFORs, what is the measurement under Freezing Level?

A

In feet AMSL.

113
Q

In ARFORs, what are the three abbreviations given under Icing and Turbulence?

A
  • FBL (light).
  • MOD (moderate).
  • SEV (severe).
114
Q

How many times are ARFORs issued daily?

A

Three times a day.

115
Q

How long are ARFORs valid for?

116
Q

What would AREA FORECAST 202300 TO 211100 indicate?

A

Period of validity is from 2300h on 20th to 1100h on 21st.

117
Q

What would WIND 2000 050/20 and 14000 040/25 MS07 indicate?

A
  • At 2000ft, Wind is blowing from 050°T at 20kts.

- At 14000ft, Wind is blowing from 040°T at 25kts with minus 7°C.

118
Q

What would the below indicate under CLOUD?

ISOL EMBD CB 3000/40000
BKN ST 1000/4000 in RA/TS
OVC NS 2000/280000 LYR

A
  • Isolated embedded Cumulonimbus, base 3000ft AMSL to tops at 40000ft.
  • Broken Stratus, base 1000ft AMSL to tops 4000ft in Rain and Thunderstorms.
  • Overcast Nimbostratus, base 2000ft in layers to 28000ft.
119
Q

What would WEATHER TS RA indicate?

A

Weather is Thunderstorms and Rain.

120
Q

What would VISIBILITY 20KM DTRT 5000M RA 2000M TS indicate?

A

Visibility of 20km deteriorating to 5000m in rain and 2000m in Thunderstorms.

121
Q

What would TURBULENCE SEV IN/NEAR CB indicate?

A

Turbulence is severe in or near Cumulonimbus.

122
Q

A TAF is a statement of expected meteorological conditions for a specified period in the Airspace within the radius of how many NM from the centre of the aerodrome?

123
Q

What does TAF AMD mean?

A

Original TAF has been amended.

124
Q

What does TAF COR mean?

A

Correction in previous TAF.

125
Q

What does TAF PROV mean?

A

A TAF likely to be deficient in accuracy.

126
Q

What does NIL mean?

A

No current TAF for this location.

127
Q

What does CNL mean?

A

Cancels a current TAG at this location.

128
Q

What is the period of validity format in a TAF?

129
Q

What does ‘0100/0206’ indicate?

A

TAF report is valid from 0000 on 1st to 0600 on 2nd (30 hours).

130
Q

How is Visibility formatted in a TAF and what’s the measurement used (2)?

A
  • Four-figure group.

- Metres.

131
Q

What does RMK stand for in TAF reports?

132
Q

Name three codes used in TAF reports to illustrate the level of Turbulence?

A
  • MOD TURB.
  • MOD/SEVE TURB.
  • SEV TURB.
133
Q

When significant low-level Turbulence is present in a TAF report, how is the height below which the Turbulence is forecast written as?

A

BLW ….. FT.

134
Q

What letters are used to describe temperatures and QNH in a TAF report (2)?

135
Q

True or False. Aerodrome weather reports are observations of actual meteorological conditions existing at a particular time at an aerodrome?

136
Q

What does AWS stand for?

A

Automatic Weather Station.

137
Q

What is the abbreviation used for routine aerodrome weather reports?

138
Q

What is the abbreviation used for special aerodrome weather reports?

139
Q

What are the two factors VFR Pilots should look at for in Forecasts and Reports?

A
  • Cloud Base.

- Cloud Cover.

140
Q

The higher the cloud base, the less or more important the cloud cover?

141
Q

The lower the cloud base, the less or more important the cloud cover?

142
Q

Is the following examples safe for VFR flight? The cloud base 1500ft AGL or less and cloud is cover is greater than SCT/4 OCKTAs?

A

VFR is not safely possible.

143
Q

Is the following examples safe for VFR flight? The cloud base 1500ft to 2500ft AGL and cloud is cover is greater than SCT/4 OCKTAs?

A

VFR only marginally possible.

144
Q

Is the following examples safe for VFR flight? The cloud base 1500ft to 2500ft AGL and cloud is cover is less than BKN/5 OCKTAs?

A

VFR possible with care.

145
Q

Is the following examples safe for VFR flight? The cloud base 2500ft AGL or higher and cloud is cover is less than BKN/4 OCKTAs?

A

VFR is possible.

146
Q

As well as clouds, name four other factors VFR Pilots should look out for?

A
  • Visibility.
  • Wind.
  • Weather.
  • Turbulence.
147
Q

At what speed of wind should VFR not be possible for?

148
Q

What kind of weather should VFR Pilots look out for in Forecasts and Reports?

A

Anything which may reduce visibility.

149
Q

What does ATIS stand for?

A

Automatic Terminal Information Service.

150
Q

What is the main purpose of ATIS?

A

To provide Pilots with actual operational and weather information relating to Takeoff and Landing.

151
Q

What does an ATIS broadcast start with (2)?

A
  • Aerodrome name.

- Sequential code letter for the conditions at that particular time.

152
Q

Runway and Wind directions in an ATIS broadcast are given in which type of degrees?

PPL Course - (2) RPL (18 decks)

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