Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

PPL Training > PHAK: 13. Aviation Weather Services > Flashcards

PHAK: 13. Aviation Weather Services Flashcards

1
Q

The four types of weather observations.

A
  • Surface
  • Upper air
  • Radar
  • Satellite
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What does AWOS stand for?

A

Automated Weather Observing System

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What does ASOS stand for?

A

Automated Surface Observing System

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are ASOS and AWOS?

A

Continuous broadcasts of weather conditions by a computer.
Reports include date, time, wind direction and speed, visibility, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does RVR stand for?.

A

Runway visual range

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Surface observations information includes…

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does ARTCC stand for?

A

Air Route Traffic Control Center

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does ARTCC do?

A

Maintains separation between flights conducted under IFR in the en route structure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does ARSR stand for?

A

Air Route Surveillance Radar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does ATC stand for?

A

Air Traffic Control

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Methods by which upper air weather phenomena can be observed.

A

Radiosonde observations, pilot weather reports (PIREPs), Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) and the Meteorological Data Collection and Reporting System (MDCRS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is a radiosonde?

A

Small cubic instrumentation package that is suspended below a six foot hydrogen- or helium-filled balloon. Once released, the balloon rises at a rate of approximately 1,000 feet per minute (fpm). As it ascends, the instrumentation gathers various pieces of data, such as air temperature, moisture, and pressure, as well as wind speed and direction. Once the information is gathered, it is relayed to ground stations via a 300 milliwatt radio transmitter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What does AMDAR stand for?

A

Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is AMDAR?

A

An international program utilizing commercial aircraft to provide automated weather observations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What does ACARS stand for?

A

Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What does ASDAR stand for?

A

Aircraft to Satellite Data Acquisition and Relay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What does MDCRS stand for?

A

Meteorological Data Collection and Reporting System

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is MCDRS?

A

This program collects and disseminates real-time upper-air weather observations from
participating airlines in the U.S.A.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What does ARINC stand for?

A

Aeronautical Radio, Inc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What does BUFR stand for?

A

Binary Universal Form

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What does ESRL stand for?

A

Earth Science Research Laboratory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What does FDAMS stand for?

A

Flight Data Acquisition and Monitoring System

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What does TWDR stand for?

A

Terminal Doppler Weather Radar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

The four types of radars which provide information about precipitation and wind.

A
  1. WSR-88D NEXRAD radar AKA Doppler radar.
  2. FAA terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR).
  3. FAA airport surveillance radar.
  4. Airborne radar.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What does NOAA stand for?

A

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What does FSS stand for?

A

Flight Service Station

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the primary source for preflight weather information?

A

The Flight Service Station (FSS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

A preflight weather briefing from an FSS can be obtained 24 hours a day by calling

A

1-800-WX BRIEF

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Telephone numbers for FSS can be found in

A
  • The Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)
  • In the United States Government section of the phone book.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What does TIBS stand for?

A

Telephone Information Briefing Service

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is TIBS?

A

Provided by FSS
Automated telephone recordings of meteorological and aeronautical information.
TIBS provides area and route briefings, airspace procedures, and special announcements.
It is designed to be a preliminary briefing tool and is not intended to replace a standard briefing from a FSS specialist.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What does HIWAS stand for?

A

Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is HIWAS?

A

Automated continuous broadcast of hazardous weather information over selected VOR navigational aids (NAVAIDs).
Includes advisories such as AIRMETS, SIGMETS, convective SIGMETS, and urgent PIREPs.

VORs that have HIWAS capability are depicted on aeronautical charts with an “H” in the upper right corner of the identification box.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What does TWEB stand for?
(Alaska only)

A

Transcribed Weather Broadcast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is TWEB?

A

Continuous automated broadcast of meteorological and aeronautical data over selected low or medium frequency (L/MF) and very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) NAVAID facilities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

FSS Weather Briefings

The three types of FSS weather briefings.

A
  • Standard
  • Abbreviated
  • Outlook
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

FSS Weather Briefings

Standard Briefing

A

Provides the most complete information and a more complete weather picture. This type of briefing should be obtained prior to the departure of any flight and should be used during flight planning.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

FSS Weather Briefings

A standard briefing provides the following information in sequential order if it is applicable to the route of flight.

A
  1. Adverse conditions
  2. VFR flight not recommended
  3. Synopsis
  4. Current conditions (If depature time less than 2 hours away)
  5. En route forecast
  6. Destination forecast
  7. Forecast winds and temperatures aloft (temperature upon request)
  8. NOTAMs (when requested)
  9. ATC delays
  10. Other information
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

FSS Weather Briefings

Abbreviated Briefing

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

FSS Weather Briefings

Outlook Briefing

A

An outlook briefing should be requested when a planned departure is 6 hours or more away. It provides initial forecast information that is limited in scope due to the time frame of the planned flight.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What does METAR stand for?

A

Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What is a METAR?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

When are METARs issued?

A

Issued hourly at 55 minutes past the hour or anytime special weather events occur.
A special METAR (SPECI) can be issued at any time between routine METAR reports.

44
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

A typical METAR report contains the following information in sequential order:

A
  1. Type of report
  2. Station identifier
  3. Date and time of report
  4. Modifier
  5. Wind
  6. Visibility
  7. Weather
  8. Sky condition
  9. Temperature and dew point
  10. Altimeter setting
  11. Zulu time
  12. Remarks
45
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What is a SPECI?

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.

46
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Station identifier

A

Four-letter code as established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

47
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Date and time of report

A
  • Six-digit group (161753Z).
  • The first two digits are the date.
  • The last four digits are the UTC of the METAR/SPECI. Zulu time.
48
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Modifier

A

Modifier—denotes that the METAR/SPECI came from an automated source or that the report was corrected. If the notation “AUTO” is listed in the METAR/SPECI, the report came from an automated source. It also lists “AO1” (for no precipitation discriminator) or “AO2” (with precipitation discriminator) in the “Remarks” section to indicate the type of precipitation sensors employed at the automated station.

When the modifier “COR” is used, it identifies a corrected report sent out to replace an earlier report that contained an error (for example: METAR KGGG 161753Z COR).

49
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Wind

A

Five digits (14021KT) if speed greater than 99 knots, wind is reported with six digits.
First three digits indicate the direction the true wind is blowing from in tens of degrees.
Variable, is reported as “VRB.”
The last two digits indicate the speed of the wind in knots, if wind is greater than 99 knots, indicated by three digits.
If gusting, “G” follows wind speed (G26KT).
After “G,” the peak gust is provided.
If the wind direction varies more than 60° and the wind speed is greater than six knots, a separate group of numbers, separated by a “V,” will indicate the extremes of the wind directions.

50
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Visibilty

A

Prevailing visibility (¾ SM) reported in statute miles as denoted by the letters “SM.”
It is reported in both miles and fractions of miles.
At times, runway visual range (RVR) is reported following the prevailing visibility.
RVR is the distance a pilot can see down the runway in a moving aircraft.
When RVR is reported, it is shown with an R, then the runway number followed by a slant, then the visual range in feet.
For example, when the RVR is reported as R17L/1400FT, it translates to a visual range of 1,400 feet on runway 17 left.

51
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Weather

A

Can be broken down into two different categories: qualifiers and weather phenomenon (+TSRA BR).
First, the qualifiers of intensity, proximity, and the descriptor of the weather are given.
The intensity may be light (–), moderate ( ), or heavy (+).
Proximity only depicts weather phenomena that are in the airport vicinity.
The notation “VC” indicates a specific weather phenomenon is in the vicinity of five to ten miles from the airport.
Descriptors are used to describe certain types of precipitation and obscurations.
Weather phenomena may be reported as being precipitation, obscurations, and other phenomena, such as squalls or funnel clouds.
Descriptions of weather phenomena as they begin or end and hailstone size are also listed in the “Remarks” sections of the report.

52
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Sky condition

A

Always reported in the sequence of amount, height, and type or indefinite ceiling/height (vertical visibility) (BKN008 OVC012CB, VV003).
The heights of the cloud bases are reported with a three-digit number in hundreds of feet AGL.
Clouds above 12,000 feet are not detected or reported by an automated station.
The types of clouds, specifically towering cumulus (TCU) or cumulonimbus (CB) clouds, are reported with their height.
Contractions are used to describe the amount of cloud coverage and obscuring phenomena.
The amount of sky coverage is reported in eighths of the sky from horizon to horizon.

53
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Temperature and dew point

A

The air temperature and dew point are always given in degrees Celsius (C) or (18/17). Temperatures below 0 °C are preceded by the letter “M” to indicate minus.

54
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Altimeter setting

A

Reported as inches of mercury (“Hg) in a four-digit number group (A2970).
It is always preceded by the letter “A.”
Rising or falling pressure may also be denoted in the “Remarks” sections as “PRESRR” or “PRESFR,” respectively.

55
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Zulu time

A

UTC

56
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

METAR - Remarks

A

The remarks section always begins with the letters “RMK.”
Comments may or may not appear in this section of the METAR.
The information contained in this section may include wind data, variable visibility, beginning and ending times of particular phenomenon, pressure information, and various other
information deemed necessary.
An example of a remark regarding weather phenomenon that does not fit in any other category would be: OCNL LTGICCG.
This translates as occasional lightning in the clouds and from cloud to ground.
Automated stations also use the remarks section to indicate the equipment needs
maintenance.

57
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What does PIREP stand for?

A

Pilot Weather Report

58
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What is a PIREP?

A

Reports of actual in-flight conditions issued by pilots. The best indication of actual flight conditions.

59
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What do PIREPs contain?

A

Reports include location, time, altitude, sky cover, visibility, observed weather, cloud layers, temperature, wind, possible turbulence and potential icing.

60
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

A PIREP is normally transmitted as an individual report but may be appended to
a…

A

Surface report.

61
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

Item numbers “blank” through “blank” are required information when making a report, as well as at least one…

A
  • 1
  • 5
  • weather phenomenon encountered
62
Q

Aviation Weather Reports

What are the two types of PIREPs?

A
  1. UA - Routine report.
  2. UUA - Urgent report.
63
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What does TAF stand for?

A

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

64
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What is a TAF?

A

Reports forecasted winds, visibility, weather, sky conditions, and temperature.

65
Q

Aviation Forecasts

When are TAF reports issued?

A

Scheduled 24 and 30 hour TAFs are issued four times per day, at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800Z

66
Q

Aviation Forecasts

How long is a TAF report valid?

A

Each TAF is valid for a 24 or 30-hour time period

67
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF reports are usually given for what kind of airports?

A

Larger airports.

68
Q

Aviation Forecasts

The TAF utilizes the same descriptors and abbreviations as used in the…

A

METAR report.

69
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What area is a TAF report for?

A

Five statute mile radius around an airport.

70
Q

Aviation Forecasts

The TAF includes the following information in sequential order:

A
  1. Type of report
  2. ICAO station identifier
  3. Date and time of origin
  4. Valid period dates and times
  5. Forecast wind
  6. Forecast visibility
  7. Forecast significant weather
  8. Forecast sky condition
  9. Forecast change group
  10. PROB30
71
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Type of report

A

A TAF can be either a routine forecast (TAF) or an amended forecast (TAF AMD).

72
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - ICAO station identifier

A

KPIR
The station identifier is the same as that used in a METAR.

73
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Date and time of origin

A

081125Z
Time and date of TAF origination is given in the six-number code
* First two being the date
* The last four being the Zulu time.

74
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Valid period dates and times

A

0812/0912
* Follows the date/time of forecast origin group.
* The first two digits (08) are the day of the month for the start of the TAF.
* The next two digits (12) are the starting hour (UTC).
* (09) is the day of the month for the end of the TAF
* The last two digits (12) are the ending hour (UTC) of the valid period.
* A forecast period that begins at midnight UTC is annotated as 00. If the end time of a valid period is at midnight UTC, it is annotated as 24.
* For example, a 00Z TAF issued on the 9th of the month and valid for 24 hours would have a valid period of 0900/0924.

75
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Forecast wind

A

15011KT
* Five-digit number group.
* First three digits indicate the direction of the wind in reference to true north.
* The last two digits state the windspeed in knots appended with “KT.”
* Like the METAR, winds greater than 99 knots are given in three digits.

76
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Forecast visibility

A

6SM
* Given in statute miles and may be in whole numbers or fractions.
* If the forecast is greater than six miles, it is coded as “P6SM.”

77
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Forecast significant weather

A

Weather phenomena are coded in the TAF reports in the same format as the METAR.

78
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Forecast sky condition

A
  • Given in the same format as the METAR.
  • Only cumulonimbus (CB) clouds are forecast in this portion of the TAF report as opposed to CBs and towering cumulus in the METAR.
79
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - Forecast change group

A
  • For any significant weather change forecast to occur during the TAF time period, the expected conditions and time period are included in this group.
  • This information may be shown as from (FM), and temporary (TEMPO).
  • “FM” is used when a rapid and significant change, usually within an hour, is expected.
  • “TEMPO” is used for temporary fluctuations of weather, expected to last less than 1 hour.
80
Q

Aviation Forecasts

TAF - PROB30

A
  • A given percentage that describes the probability of thunderstorms and precipitation occurring in the coming hours.
  • This forecast is not used for the first 6 hours of the 24-hour forecast.
81
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What does FA stand for?

A

Area Forecasts

82
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What is an FA?

A
  • Area Forecasts (FA) gives a picture of clouds, general weather conditions, and visual meteorological conditions (VMC) expected over a large area encompassing several states.
  • This type of forecast gives information vital to en route operations, as well as forecast information for smaller airports that do not have terminal forecasts.
83
Q

Aviation Forecasts

How many areas in the contiguous 48 states are FAs published?

A

6

84
Q

Aviation Forecasts

How many times per day are FA issued?

A

3

85
Q

Aviation Forecasts

How long are FAs valid for?

A

18 hours

86
Q

Aviation Forecasts

How many sections are FAs typically disseminated in?

A

4 sections

87
Q

Aviation Forecasts

FA - Header

A
  • Location identifier of the source of the FA
  • Date and time of issuance
  • Valid forecast time
  • Area of coverage

Example:
DFWC FA 120945
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLDS/WX
SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 130400
CLDS/WX VALID UNTIL 122200…OTLK VALID
122200-130400
OK TX AR LA MS AL AND CSTL WTRS

Explanation:
The area forecast shows information given by Dallas Fort Worth, for the region of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as a portion of the Gulf coastal waters. It was issued on the 12th day of the month at 0945. The synopsis is valid from the time of issuance until 0400 hours on the 13th. VFR clouds and weather information on this area forecast are valid until 2200 hours on the 12th and the outlook is valid from 2200Z on the 12th to 0400Z on the 13th.

88
Q

Aviation Forecasts

FA - Precautionary statements

A
  • IFR conditions, mountain obscurations, and thunderstorm hazards are described in this section.
  • Statements made here regarding height are given in MSL, and if given otherwise, AGL or ceiling (CIG) is noted.

Example:
SEE AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR CONDS AND MTN OBSCN.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS.
NON MSL HGTS DENOTED BYAGL OR CIG.

Explanation:
The area forecast covers VFR clouds and weather, so the precautionary statement warns that AIRMET Sierra should be referenced for IFR conditions and mountain obscuration. The code TS indicates the possibility of thunderstorms and implies there may be occurrences of severe or greater turbulence, severe icing, low-level wind shear, and IFR conditions. The final line of the precautionary statement alerts the user that heights, for the most part, are MSL. Those that are not MSL will state AGL or CIG.

89
Q

Aviation Forecasts

FA - Synopsis

A

Brief summary identifying the location and movement of pressure systems, fronts, and circulation patterns.

Example:
SYNOPSIS…LOW PRES TROF 10Z OK/TX PNHDL AREA FCST MOV EWD INTO CNTRL-SWRN OK BY 04Z. WRMFNT 10Z CNTRL OK-SRN AR-NRN MS FCST LIFT NWD INTO NERN OK-NRN AR EXTRM NRN MS BY 04Z.

Explanation:
As of 1000Z, there is a low pressure trough over the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle area, which is forecast to move eastward into central to southwestern Oklahoma by 0400Z. A warm front located over central Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi at 1000Z is forecast to lift northwestward into northeastern Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, and extreme northern Mississippi by 0400Z.

90
Q

Aviation Forecasts

FA - VFR Clouds and Weather

A

This section lists expected sky conditions, visibility, and weather for the next 12 hours and an outlook for the following 6 hours.

Example:
S CNTRL AND SERN TX
AGL SCT-BKN010. TOPS 030. VIS 3-5SM BR. 14-16Z BECMG AGL SCT030. 19Z AGL SCT050.
OTLK…VFR
OK
PNDLAND NW…AGL SCT030 SCT-BKN100.
TOPS FL200.
15Z AGL SCT040 SCT100. AFT 20Z SCT TSRA DVLPG..FEW POSS SEV. CB TOPS FL450.
OTLK…VFR

Explanation:
In south central and southeastern Texas, there is a scattered to broken layer of clouds from 1,000 feet AGL with tops at 3,000 feet, visibility is 3 to 5 SM in mist. Between 1400Z and 1600Z, the cloud bases are expected to increase to 3,000 feet AGL. After 1900Z, the cloud bases are expected to continue to increase to 5,000 feet AGL and the outlook is VFR.

In northwestern Oklahoma and panhandle, the clouds are scattered at 3,000 feet with another scattered to broken layer at 10,000 feet AGL, with the tops at 20,000 feet. At 1500 Z, the lowest cloud base is expected to increase to 4,000 feet AGL with a scattered layer at 10,000 feet AGL. After 2000Z, the forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms with rain developing and a few becoming severe; the CB clouds have tops at flight level (FL) 450 or 45,000 feet MSL.

It should be noted that when information is given in the area forecast, locations may be given by states, regions, or specific geological features such as mountain ranges.

91
Q

Aviation Forecasts

What are Inflight Weather Advisories?

A
  • Provided to en route aircraft, forecasts that detail potentially hazardous weather.
  • Also available to pilots prior to departure for flight planning purposes.
  • Issued in the form of either an AIRMET, SIGMET, or convective SIGMET.
92
Q

What does AIRMET stand for?

A

Airmen’s Meteorological Information

93
Q

What is an AIRMET?

A

Advisory of significant weather phenomena hazardous to light aircraft.
* Moderate icing
* Moderate turbulance
* Surface winds of 30+ knots
* Widespread areas of ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visibilities less than 3 SM
* Extensive mountain obscurement.

The information contained in an AIRMET is of operational interest to all aircraft, but the weather section concerns phenomena considered potentially hazardous to light aircraft and aircraft with limited operational capabilities.

94
Q

How long is an AIRMET issued for?

A

Issued for every 6-hour period with updates as needed.

95
Q

How are AIRMETs designated?

A

Each AIRMET bulletin has a fixed alphanumeric designator, numbered sequentially for easy identification, beginning with the first issuance of the day.

Example:
BOSS WA 211945
AIRMET SIERRA UPDT 3 FOR IFR AND MTN OBSCN
VALID UNTIL 220200
AIRMET IFT…ME NH VT MA CT RI NY NJ AND CSTL
WTRS FROM CAR TO YSJ TO 150E ACK TO EWR TO
YOW TO CAR OCNL CIG BLW 010/VIS BLW 3SM
PCPN/BR. CONDS CONT BYD 02Z THRU 08Z
AIRMET MTN OBSCN…ME NH VT MA NY PA
FROM CAR TO MLT TO CON TO SLT TO SYR TO CAR
MTNS OCNLY OBSCD BY CLDS/PCPN/BR. CONDS CONT BYD 02Z THRU 08Z

Explanation:
AIRMET SIERRA was issued for the Boston area at 1945Z on the 21st day of the month. SIERRA contains information on IFR and/or mountain obscurations. This is the third updated issuance of this Boston AIRMET series as indicated by “SIERRA UPDT 3” and is valid until 0200Z on the 22nd. The affected states within the BOS area are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. Within an area bounded by: Caribou, ME; to Saint Johns, New Brunswick; to 150 nautical miles east of Nantucket, MA; to Newark, NJ; to Ottawa, Ontario; to Caribou, ME. The effected states within Caribou, ME to Millinocket, ME to Concord, NH to Slate Run, PA to Syracuse, NY to Caribou, ME will experience ceilings below 1,000 feet/visibility below 3 SM, precipitation/mist. Conditions will continue beyond 0200Z through 0800Z.

96
Q

What is an AIRMET Sierra?

A

IFR Conditions and mountain obscuration.

97
Q

What is an AIRMET Tango?

A

Moderate turbulance, strong surface winds 30+ knots, and/or low-level wind shear.

98
Q

What is an AIRMET Zulu?

A

Moderate icing and freezing levels.

99
Q

What does SIGMET stand for?

A

Significant Meteorological Information

100
Q

What is a SIGMET?

A

Inflight advisory of non-convective weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft.
Reports weather forecasts not associated with thunderstorms including severe icing, extreme turbulance, dust storms, and sandstorms.

101
Q

How long is a SIGMET valid for?

A

Valid for 4-hours

102
Q

What is a CONVECTIVE SIGMET?

A

Inflight weather advisory issued for hazardous convective weather that affects the safety of all aircraft.

103
Q

What is a CONVECTIVE SIGMET issued for?

A

Issued for severe thunderstorms with surface winds greater than 50 knots, hail greater than 3/4 inch in diameter, tornadoes, and embedded thunderstorms.

104
Q

When is a CONVECTIVE SIGMET issued?

A

Issued at 55 minutes past the hours and valid for 2 hours.

105
Q

What does ATIS stand for?

A

Automated Terminal Information Service

106
Q

What is ATIS?

A

Recording of local weather conditions and other pertinent information broadcast on a local frequency in a looped format.

107
Q

How often is ATIS updated?

A

Updated every hour by a human and given a unique identifier code.

PPL Training (19 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions