Observations, Service outlets, Briefings & METAR Flashcards

Question 1

Q

What is an abbreviated briefing?

Answer

A

A shortened version of the standard briefing. It should be requested when a departure has been delayed or when specific weather information is needed to update the previous briefing.

Question 2

Q

What is the (EFAS)

Answer

A

The ENROUTE FLIGHT ADVISORY SERVICE is designed to provide enroute weather information upon pilot request

Question 3

Q

What is the (EFAS) otherwise known as?

Answer

A

Flight watch

Question 4

Q

What information does the (EFAS) provide

Answer

A

Weather advisories tailored to the type if flight, route and cruising altitude.

Question 5

Q

What information does the (TWEB) provide

Answer

A

Route orientated data, route forecast, forecast outlook, winds aloft and other selected weather reports for 50 nautical miles of the FSS or for a 50 mile wide corridor along a specific route.

Question 6

Q

How long is a (TWEB) forecast valid for.

Question 7

Q

How often is a (TWEB) forecast updated

Answer

A

Four times a day

Question 8

Q

What is (TWEB)

NOTE: Not “what info does it provide?”. “What is it; in simple terms?”

Answer

A

The transcribed weather broadcast is a weather report transmitted continuously over selected nav-aids

Question 9

Q

On a sectional chart, how can you tell if a Nav-Aid has (TWEB) capability

Answer

A

There would be a ‘T’ in the upper right-hand corner of the Nav-Aid box

Question 10

Q

Upon receiving a (HIWAS) briefing who should you contact for more detailed information

Answer

A

FSS’s or an (EFAS)

Question 11

Q

On sectional charts, how can you tell if a Nav-Aid has (HIWAS) capability

Answer

A

There would be an ‘H’ in the upper right corner of the identification box

Question 12

Q

What is the (HIWAS)?

Answer

A

The Hazardous In-Flight Weather Advisory is a national program for broadcasting hazardous weather continuously over selected Nav-Aids

Question 13

Q

What does a (HIWAS) broadcast include

Answer

A

Advisories such as: AIRMET’s, SIGMET’s, Convective SIGMET’s and Urgent PIREP’s

Question 14

Q

When can a pilot contact an (EFAS)

Answer

A

Between 6:00am to 10:00pm anywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Question 15

Q

What is the common (EFAS) frequency

Answer

A

122.0 MHZ

Question 16

Q

The (EFAS) common frequency is for what flight altitude range From/To?

Answer

A

5000 feet AGL to 17500 feet MSL

Question 17

Q

What does WSR-88D NEXRAD (DOPLER) Cover/Do?

Answer

A

Provides in-depth observations to inform surrounding communities of impending weather

Question 18

Q

Where is (TDWR) installed

Answer

A

Some major airports around the USA

Question 19

Q

Who gets the info from (TDWR)

Answer

A

Airport traffic controllers & Pilots

Question 20

Q

What info does (TDWR) provide to airport traffic control

Answer

A

Severe weather alerts and warnings

Question 21

Q

What info does (TDWR) provide to pilots

Answer

A

Wind shear, gust front’s and heavy precipitation for arriving and departing aircraft

Question 22

Q

Name the 6 service outlets

Answer

A

(FAA) Flight Service Stations, (TIBS) Transcribed information briefing service, (DUATS) Direct User Access Terminal Service, (EFAS) Enroute Flight Advisory Service, (HIWAS) Hazardous In-flight weather advisory, (TWEB) Transcribed Weather Broadcast.

Question 23

Q

What are the 3 types of aviation weather observations

Answer

A

Surface Aviation Weather Observations, Upper-Air Observations, Radar Observations.

Question 24

Q

What are Surface Aviation Weather observations otherwise known as?

Question 25

Q

What are the names of the 2 main ground stations for surface observations

Answer

A

(AWOS) Automated Weather Observing Systems, (ASOS) Automated Surface Observing Systems.

Question 26

Q

What does (FAA) Airport Surveillance Radar detect?

Answer

A

Aircraft and the Location and Intensity of Precipitation to Divert Aircraft if necessary

Question 27

Q

With Radiosonde observations; what data is collected?

Answer

A

Temperature, Humidity, Pressure & Wind Data.

Question 28

Q

How High do Radiosonde observations go to?

Answer

A

Up to and above 100,000 feet

Question 29

Q

What atmospheric conditions do PIREP’s report?

Answer

A

Turbulence, Icing & Cloud Heights

Question 30

Q

What are the 3 types of Radar observations

Answer

A

WSR-88D NEXRAD (AKA DOPLAR), (TDWR) - (FAA) Terminal Dopler Weather Radar, (FAA) Airport Surveillance Radar

Question 31

Q

If using a modem and a communications program to contact (DUATS) how do you make contact and where would you find contact details?

Answer

A

A toll free number which would be in chapter 7 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Question 32

Q

What are the 2 methods of access to contact with (DUATS)

Answer

A

Internet website’s, Modem & communications program supplied by a (DUATS) provider.

Question 33

Q

What are the 2 web sites used to access (DUATS)

Answer

A

DynCorp - (http://www.duats.com) and Data Transformation Corporation (http://www.duat.com)

Question 34

Q

What is the Direct User Access Terminal Service

Answer

A

(DUATS) allows any pilot with a current medical certificate to access weather information and file a flight plan VIA Computer.

Question 35

Q

Who funds the (DUATS)

Answer

A

Funded by the (FAA)

Question 36

Q

Where does (TIBS) data come from

Answer

A

It is prepared and disseminated by selected (AFSS’)

Question 37

Q

When is the (TIBS) service available

Answer

A

24 hours a day

Question 38

Q

How do you contact a (TIBS) service

Answer

A

(TIBS) can only be contacted by Touch-Tone phone.

Question 39

Q

Where can you find contact details for (TIBS)

Answer

A

Phone numbers for (TIBS) are listed in the A/FD

Question 40

Q

What other services do (FSS’s) provide

Answer

A

In-Flight weather briefing services, scheduled & Un-Scheduled weather broadcasts and advisories.

Question 41

Q

What is the (TIBS)

Answer

A

The Transcribed Information Briefing Service provides continuous telephone recordings of meteorological and aeronautical information. Provides area and route briefings, airspace procedures & special announcements.

Question 42

Q

If you can’t contact an (AFSS) because you are in an area of the USA not serviced by one, who else might provide pilot weather briefings?

Answer

A

The National Weather Service.

Question 43

Q

Where might you find telephone numbers for NWS facilities and FSS’s/AFSS’s

Answer

A

Airport/facilities directory (A/FD) or the U.S. Government section of the telephone book.

Question 44

Q

What is the FAA Flight Service Station

Answer

A

The primary source for Pre-Flight weather information

Question 45

Q

What is an (AFSS)

Answer

A

Automated Flight Service Station

Question 46

Q

How do you contact an (AFSS)

Answer

A

1-800-WX-BRIEF

Question 47

Q

When can you contact an (AFSS)

Answer

A

24 hours a day

Question 48

Q

Define Service Outlet’s

Answer

A

Government or Private Facilities that provide aviation weather services.

Question 49

Q

Name who it is that provides access to weather information

Answer

A

FAA - Federal Aviation Administration. NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NWS - National Weather Service. All work with private aviation companies

Question 50

Q

What information comes from surface observations?

Answer

A

Type of report, station identifier, date & time, modifier (as required), wind, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), weather phenomena, sky condition, temperature/dew-point, altimeter reading and Applicable remarks.

Question 51

Q

What are the 2 methods of observing upper air weather phenomena?

Answer

A

Radiosonde observations. Pilot weather reports.

Question 52

Q

Where do observers get radiosonde observations data from?

Answer

A

Radio telemetry from sounding balloons

Question 53

Q

How often do observers collect radio observations data?

Answer

A

Twice daily.

Question 54

Q

Relating to weather what should a pilot do prior to every flight?

Answer

A

Gather all information vital to the nature of the flight.

Question 55

Q

Prior to any flight, who do you have to choose from for an appropriate weather briefing?

Answer

A

FSS’s/AFSS’s or the NWS

Question 56

Q

What are the 3 types of weather briefings you can ask a weather specialist for?

Answer

A

A Standard Briefing, an Abbreviated Briefing or an Outlook Briefing.

Question 57

Q

Other than the type of briefing, what else might be helpful for you to provide when asking for a weather briefing?

Answer

A

Whether the flight is (VFR) or (IFR), aircraft Identification and Type, Departure Point, Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), flight altitude, Route of flight, Destination and Estimated Time En Route (ETE).

Question 58

Q

Where does the weather specialist who briefed you record your Briefing information?

Answer

A

In the Flight Plan System.

Question 59

Q

In the Flight Plan System once your flight briefing is recorded a note is made of what?

Answer

A

The type of weather briefing provided.

Question 60

Q

Weather information requests filed on the flight plan system can be used later for what & why?

Answer

A

To file or amend a flight plan or it can be useful if an aircraft is overdue or reported missing.

Question 61

Q

Which type of weather briefing should be obtained prior to the departure of any flight?

Answer

A

A Standard Briefing

Question 62

Q

What is included in a Standard Briefing?

Answer

A

Adverse Conditions, VFR Flight NOT RECOMMENDED, Synopsis, Current Conditions, En Route Forecast, Destination Forecast, Winds and Temperatures Aloft, Notices to Airmen, ATC Delays and Other Information.

Question 63

Q

What does the Adverse Conditions section of a Standard Briefing include?

Answer

A

Any information that may influence your decision to cancel or alter the route of flight.

Question 64

Q

In the Adverse Conditions section of a Standard Briefing, what do ADVERSE CONDITIONS include?

Answer

A

Significant weather, thunderstorms, Aircraft Icing or airport closing’s.

Answer 63

A

Weather below VFR Minimum’s or simply doubtful the flight could be made under VFR conditions.

Answer 64

A

The Pilot’s

Answer 65

A

An overview of the larger weather picture, fronts and major weather systems.

Answer 66

A

Current ceilings, visibility, winds and temperatures.

Answer 67

A

More than 2 hours away.

Answer 68

A

A summary of the weather forecast for the proposed route.

Answer 69

A

Summary of expected weather at the destination airport at your (ETA)

Answer 70

A

Winds at specific altitudes. Temperature info only provided on request.

Answer 71

A

Supplies NOTAM information pertinent to the route of flight which has not been published in the Notices to Airmen Publication.

Answer 72

A

No! Only on request.

Answer 73

A

Any known ATC delays that may affect the flight.

Answer 74

A

Radio Frequencies needed to open a flight plan and contact an (EFAS) plus any other information requested.

Answer 75

A

The time and source of the previous briefing.

Answer 76

A

When a planned departure is more than 6 hours away?

Answer 77

A

Aviation routine weather reports (METAR).Pilot weather reports (PIREP’s) and radar weather reports (SD’s).

Answer 78

A

An observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format.

Answer 79

A

Routine METAR report.

2. Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI).

Answer 80

A

Every hour.

Answer 81

A

A special report that can be given at any time to update the METAR for rapidly changing weather conditions , aircraft mishaps or other critical information.

Answer 82

A

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Answer 83

A

The region, country, or state.

Answer 84

A

At an FSS or NWS office.

Answer 85

A

Six digits followed by ‘Z’ so seven figures all together.

Answer 86

A

The date of the METAR.

Answer 87

A

The time of the METAR.

Answer 88

A

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

Answer 89

A

Zulu time.

Answer 90

A

The letter “Z” which means that the time is always given in ‘Zulu’ or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Answer 91

A

Modifiers denote that the METAR came from an automated source or that the report was corrected.

Answer 92

A

AUTO or COR

Answer 93

A

It means that the report came from an automated source.

Answer 94

A

“AO1” or “AO2” would indicate the type of precipitation sensors employed at the automated station.

Answer 95

A

A corrected report sent out to replace an earlier report that contained an error.

Answer 96

A

Winds are reported with five digits, unless the speed is greater than 99 knots, in which case the wind is reported with six digits.

Answer 97

A

The first three digits indicate the direction the wind is blowing, in tens of degrees. If the wind is variable, it is reported as “VRB.”

Answer 98

A

The last two digits indicate the speed of the wind in knots (KT) unless the wind is greater than 99 knots, in which case it is indicated by three digits.

Answer 99

A

After the wind speed there would be a letter “G” followed by the peak gust speed recorded.

Answer 100

A

If wind varies more than 60° and windspeed is more than 6 knots, a separate group of numbers, separated by a “V,” will indicate the extremes of the wind directions.

Answer 101

A

Statute miles as denoted by the letters “SM.”

Answer 102

A

Miles and fractions of miles.

Answer 103

A

(RVR) or Runway Visual Range.

Answer 104

A

RVR is the distance a pilot can see down the runway in a moving aircraft.

Answer 105

A

It is shown with an R, then the runway number, a forward slash, then the visual range in feet.

Answer 106

A

Qualifiers and Weather Phenomenon.

Answer 107

A

Intensity, Proximity, and the Descriptor of the weather.

Answer 108

A

(-) Light( ) ModerateOr(+) Heavy.

Answer 109

A

Weather phenomena in the airport vicinity “VC”, between 5 to 10 miles from the airport.

Answer 110

A

Precipitation, Obscurations, and Other phenomena such as squalls or funnel clouds.

Answer 111

A

MI - Shallow
BC - Patches
DR - Low Drifting
BL - Blowing
SH - Showers
TS - Thunderstorms
FZ - Freezing
PR - Partial

Answer 112

A

DZ - Drizzle
RA - Rain
SN - Snow
SG - Snow Grains
IC - Ice Crystals (diamond dust)
PL - Ice Pellets
GR - Hail
GS - Small Hail or Snow Pellets
UP - *Unknown Precipitation (*Automated Stations only)

Answer 113

A

BR - Mist
FG - Fog
FU - Smoke
DU - Dust
SA - Sand
HA - Haze
PY - Spray
VA - Volcanic Ash

Answer 114

A

PO - Dust/Sand Whirls
SQ - Squalls
FC - Funnel Cloud
\+FC - Tornado or Waterspout
SS - Sandstorm
DS - Dust Storm.

Answer 115

A

Base/Coverage indicator(s)/Top

/ to show separate layers
- to show range

** /SK 022 BKN-OVC 029/050 SCT 055

Answer 116

A

Cloud based are reported with a three-digit number in hundreds of feet above the ground.

Answer 117

A

12,000 feet.

Answer 118

A

Towering CUmulus (TCU)
or
CumulonimBus (CB) clouds.

Answer 119

A

Broken down into Eighths of the sky from horizon to horizon.

Answer 120

A

Less than 1/8 (Clear)
1/8 to 2/8 (Few)
3/8 to 4/8 (Scattered)
5/8 to 7/8 (Broken)
8/8 or Overcast (Overcast)

Answer 121

A

SKC,CLR or FEW

Answer 122

A

Given in Degrees Celsius and separated by a forward slash. E.G. 18/17 means 18 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 17 degrees.

Answer 123

A

“M” for Minus.

Answer 124

A

As inches of mercury in a four-digit number group preceded by the letter “A”.

Answer 125

A

Rising air pressure “PRESRR”orFalling air pressure “PRESFR”

Answer 126

A

Descriptions of weather phenomena as they begin or end, hailstone sizes, wind data, variable visibility, pressure information, and anything else deemed necessary.

Answer 127

A

OCcasioNaL LighTninG In the Clouds, and from Cloud to Ground

Answer 128

A

That the Station needs Maintenance.

Answer 129

A

“RMK”