Checking IFR Weather Flashcards

1
Q

Why are visibility and ceiling important in aviation?

A

Visibility and ceiling are crucial at the destination and alternate airports, as well as en route, to know landing options if needed.

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2
Q

What is the most basic necessity for understanding weather in aviation?

A

A knowledge of the weather synopsis, including the locations of highs, lows, and fronts.

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3
Q

What are essential aviation-specific weather products to study?

A

Terminal aerodrome forecasts, winds aloft forecasts, METARs, PIREPs, radar, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and especially convective SIGMETs.

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4
Q

What additional tools can supplement aviation weather resources?

A

Graphical Forecast for Aviation, Forecast Icing map, forecast discussion, and convective forecast.

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5
Q

What should you be cautious about when interpreting forecasts?

A

Forecasts are based on computer models and may not always be accurate, so understanding anticipated conditions is important.

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6
Q

What does a TAF address?

A

A TAF addresses expected conditions only around the airport.

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7
Q

What is the difference between METAR and TAF?

A

METARs are observations of current conditions, while TAFs are forecasts of expected conditions.

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8
Q

Why is it important to check the age of pilot reports?

A

In rapidly changing weather, older reports may not reflect current flying conditions.

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9
Q

What information can radar provide in aviation weather?

A

Radar shows where rain is falling, thunderstorms, echo tops, movement, and lightning activity.

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10
Q

What are SIGMETs?

A

SIGMETs are statements about significant weather conditions and outlooks on their expected development.

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11
Q

What are the two uses of winds aloft forecasts before takeoff?

A

To estimate travel time to the destination and alternate, and to assess the possibility of structural icing.

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12
Q

What is the difference between probability and severity maps in icing products?

A

Probability maps show how likely icing will occur, while severity maps indicate how heavy the potential icing could be.

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13
Q

What do Convective SIGMETs indicate?

A

They indicate lines of thunderstorms and large areas of thunderstorms, valid for up to two hours.

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14
Q

What does the graphical turbulence forecast show?

A

It shows forecast turbulence at different altitudes and times, helping to find smoother flight paths.

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15
Q

What should be checked to ensure safe flying conditions before takeoff?

A

The synopsis and actual/forecast conditions to identify any undesirable weather.

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16
Q

What weather conditions should raise red flags?

A

A big moisture supply and unstable air can lead to ice or thunderstorms.

17
Q

What is a warning sign when fronts are occluding?

A

Occlusions can create nasty flying conditions, particularly with wind shear.

18
Q

Why should forecast surface winds be monitored?

A

Surface winds can exceed limits for some airplanes, affecting landing at the destination or alternate.

19
Q

What should be considered when flying over mountainous terrain?

A

Forecast winds at ridge level; velocities over 20 or 30 knots can indicate turbulence.

20
Q

How should weather checking continue once airborne?

A

By using radio broadcasts, datalink weather, and observing actual conditions.

21
Q

What is the significance of the actual conditions not matching expectations?

A

It should prompt further investigation and curiosity about the current weather.

22
Q

What does a substantial difference between actual and forecast winds aloft indicate?

A

It suggests that the computer model may be in error, making other forecasts suspect.

23
Q

What is the best weather sensor in aviation?

A

The airplane itself, as it experiences actual conditions.