PT4 CHP14 Weather Services Flashcards
Are weather forecasts 100% accurate? (Yes/No)
No
Why is it important to know the weather forecast?
It will decide whether if you “go” on your flight or “no-go” on your flight
What are the two forms weather information is available?
Reports and Forecasts
What is a weather report?
Current weather information
What type of document provides current weather information?
Reports
What is a weather forecast?
Prediction of future weather
What type of document provides future weather predictions?
Forecasts
What is VFR (Visual Flight Rules)?
Anytime the ceiling is greater than (>) 3,000 feet or visibility is greater than (>) 5 SM
Anytime the ceiling is greater than (>) 3,000 feet or visibility is greater than (>) 5 SM are under which flight rules?
VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
What is MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules)?
Anytime the ceiling is between 1,000 to 3,000 feet or visibility is between 3 to 5 SM
Anytime the ceiling is between 1,000 to 3,000 feet or visibility is between 3 to 5 SM are under which flight rules?
MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules)
What is IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)?
Anytime the ceiling is less than (<) 1,000 feet or visibility is less than (<) 3 SM
Anytime the ceiling is less than (<) 1,000 feet or visibility is less than (<) 3 SM are under which flight rules?
IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
Where can weather information be found?
Flight Service Station (FSS)
- Provides preflight weather briefings by calling a phone number provide in the Chart Supplement
- Provides in-flight briefing and weather advisory on 122.2 MHz
To receive a preflight briefing weather information, who can you call and where can you find that information?
Flight Service Station, find the phone number in the Chart Supplement
To receive an in-flight briefing weather information, who can you call and where can you find that information?
Flight Service Station, find the phone number in the Chart Supplement
What station (in MHz) can you tune into to receive an in-flight weather briefing?
122.2 MHz
What are the type of Flight Service Station (FSS) weather briefings?
Standard, Abbreviated, Outlook
What is included in a standard [weather] briefing?
- Complete weather picture at the origin/destination airports and en-route (make sure to write down info)
- Requested if no previous briefing was received
Once you call the Flight Service Station (FSS) for the first time (did not receive a [weather] briefing prior), what briefing will include a complete weather picture at the origin/destination airports and en-route?
Standard briefing
If you called on the way to the airport to receive a standard [weather] briefing, do you need to call again after you have arrived? If not, what type of [weather] briefing may you request?
No, you do not. You may request an abbreviated [weather] briefing.
Can you call the Flight Service Station to receive another weather briefing? If so, which briefing would you request?
Yes, you may call again and request an abbreviated [weather] briefing.
What is included in an abbreviated [weather] briefing?
Shortened version of a standard [weather] briefing
What is an Outlook briefing?
Given for flights 6 or more hours in the future
What is the benefit of calling the Flight Service Station for an outlook [weather] briefing?
Will help the pilot determine whether he does or does not need to plan the flight for that day.
What are the points to mention when calling the Flight Service Station (FSS) for a weather briefing?
- Identify yourself as a pilot
- State the intended route of flight and destination
- State whether the flight will be conducted under VFR or IFR
- Provide the aircraft identification and pilot’s name
What is the purpose for the Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) and the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS)
- To help gather surface information
- Provide local weather conditions and other relevant information for a specific airport
What is an Aviation Routine Weather Report?
METAR
What information doe METARs provide?
- Accurate depiction of the current weather conditions
How often are METARs issued?
Hour (50 minutes past the hour)
What circumstances would a SPECI METAR be issued?
Significant changes occur
Decode the METAR
KPRC 161853Z 20016G22KT 10SM CLR
19/M15 A3003 RMK A02 SLP103
T01891150
KPRC = Prescott (Airport)
(16)1853Z = 16th day of the month (day of month)
16(1853Z) = Report was generated at 1853 Zulu (convert to local time zone)
20016G22KT = Winds are at 200° at 16 knots, but there are pockets of air gusting at 22 knots (Wind conditions)
10SM = visibility is 10 statute miles (visibility)
CLR = clouds are clear (ceiling)
19/M15 = outside temperature is 19°C and dew point is minus (M) 15°C (outside temperature/dew point)
A3003 = altimeter setting 30.03” Hg (pressure to set altimeter)
RMK = remarks (additional information)
A02 = Precipitation Discriminatory Station [will tell different types of precipitation from the sky] (type of station that reported weather,)
SLP103 = Sea Level Pressure in millibars/hectopascals (add the number that is the first few digit(s))
T01891150 = outside temperature is positive (0) 18.9°C and the dew point is negative (1) 15.0°C (more precise temperature)
Decode the METAR
KABE 161815Z 25010KT 10SM -RA BKN009 BKN017 OVC035 12/11 A2940 RMK A02 WSHFT 1813 RAB18 SLP957 P0018 T01220106
Airport: KABE
Day/Time of METAR: 16th day at 1851Z
Winds: at 250° at 10 knots
Visibility: 10 statute miles
Precipitation: light (-) rain (RA)
Ceiling 1: broken at 900 feet AGL
Ceiling 2: broken at 1,700 feet AGL
Ceiling 3: Overcast at 3,500 feet AGL
Temperature: +12°C outside, dew point +11°C
Altimeter setting: 29.40” Hg
RMK: remarks
A02: Precipitation Discriminatory Station
WSHFT: Winds were shifting from 180° to 130° (front)
RAB18: rain (RA) began (B) 18 minutes past the hour (18)
SLP957: sea level pressure 995.7
P0018: hourly precipitation level 00.18 inches
T01220106 = Temp +12.2°C and dew point 10.6°C
Decode the METAR
KGEV 161840Z AUTO 27015G22KT 1 3/4 SM -SN SCT007 BKN015 OVC023 02/00 A2972 RMK AO2 T0019004$
Airport:
-
Light
+
heavy
VC
(in the) Vicinity
MI
Shallow
PR
Partial
BC
Patches
DR
Low drifting
BL
Blowing
SH
Shower(s)
TS
Thunderstorm
FZ
Freezing
DZ
Drizzle
RA
Rain
SN
Snow
SG
Snow Grains
IC
Ice Crystals
PL
Ice Pellets
GR
Hail
GS
Snow Pellets
UP
Unknown Precipitation
BR
Mist (brume)
FG
Fog
FU
Smoke (fume)
VA
Volcanic Ash
DU
(Widespread) Dust
SA
Sand
HZ
Haze
PY
Spray
CB
Cumulonimbus
TCU
Towering Cumulus
OVC032CB
Overcast 3,200 feet AGL cumulonimbus clous
OVC
overcast
SCT
scattered
SCT023TCU
Scattered at 2,300 feet AGL towering cumulus clouds
OCNL
occasional
LT
lightning
OCNL LTGICCG NW
Occasional lightning in cloud, cloud to ground to the northwest within 5 mi
LTG
Occasional lightning
IC
In-cloud
CG
Cloud to ground
FRQ
frequent
VC
Vicinity
FRQ LTG VC
frequent lightning in the vicinity (5-10 miles)
LTG DSNT W
distant lightning to the west (more than 10 miles)
What is a Pilot Weather Report (PIREPs)?
Information regarding the actual conditions in the air as reported by pilots
Information regarding the actual conditions in the air as reported by pilots is know as what type of weather report?
Pilot Weather Report (PIREPs)
What type of information can a pilot report?
- height, bases, and tops of clouds
- location of wind shear and turbulence
- location of inflight icing
Decode the PIREP
UA/OV GGG 090025/TM 1450/FL 060/TP C182/SK080 OVC/WX FV04SM RA/TA 05/WV 270030KT/TB LGT/RM HVY RAIN
UA = type of PIREP
OV GGG 090025
- OV: location (Over)
- GGG: NavAid Identifier
- 090025: 25 NM on the 090 radial (east from the station)
TM 1450 = time the PIREP was recorded
FL 060 = flight/altitude observation was made
TP C182 = type of aircraft recording the PIREP
SK080 OVC = sky cover at 8,000 feet overcast
WX FV04SM RA = weather forward visibility of 4 SM Rain
TA 05 = air temperature 5°C
WV 270030 KTS = wind velocity at 270° at 30 knots
TB LGT = Turbulence light
RM HVY RAIN = remarks heavy rain
What types of PIREPS are there?
UA (routine) and UUA (urgent)
PIREP: UA
Routine PIREP
PIREP: UUA
Urgent PIREP
PIREP: OV
Over
PIREP: TM
Time (UTC/Zulu)
PIREP: FL
Flight level (altitude)
PIREP: TP
Type of aircraft
PIREP: SK
sky cover
PIREP: WX
weather
PIREP: FV
forward visibility
PIREP: WV
wind velocity
PIREPP: TB
turbulence
PIREP: LGT
light
PIREP: HVY
heavy
What is a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)?
Will provide a forecast to use for preflight planning valid for 24 or 30-hour time period
How many hours is a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)?
24 or 30-hour time period
How many times a day is the TAF update?
4 (four)
What times are TAFs updated?
0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, 1800Z
Decode the portion of the TAF
- KBOS
- 162107Z
- 1621/1724
-11025G32KT
-4SM
- -RA
-BR
- OVC004
- WS020/13055KT
- KBOS: Airport
- 162107Z: Recorded on day at time
- 1621/1724: Time period TAF is valid (day start/time start)/(day end/time end)
- 11025G32KT: Wind from 110° at 25 knots at some points gusting up to 32 knots
- 4SM: 4 statute miles visibility
- -RA: light rain
- BR: mist
- OVC004: overcast at 400 feet AGL
- WAS020/13055KT:
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM162140 12025G38KT 1SM +SHRA BR VCTS OVC003CB
- From the 16th at 2140Z;
- Wind is from 120° at 25 knots gusting at 38 knots;
- Visibility is 1 statute mile
- Heavy rain showers
- Mist
- Thunderstorms in vicinity
- Cloud overcast at 300 feet AGL with cumulus nimbus
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM162230 13021G29KT 1SM -RA BR OVC003
- From the 16th at 2230Z;
- Wind is from 130° at 21 knots gusting at 29 knots;
- Visibility is 1 statute miles;
- Light rain;
- Mist;
- Clouds overcast at 300 feet AGL
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM170000 14015KT 2SM BR OVC010
- From the 17th at 0000Z;
- Wind is from 140° at 15 knots;
- Visibility is 2 statute miles; - Mist;
- Clouds overcast at 1,000 feet AGL
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM170200 16010KT 3SM BR BKN015
- From the 17th at 0200Z;
- Wind is from 160° at 10 knots;
- Visibility is 3 statute miles;
- Mist;
- Clouds broken at 1,500 feet AGL
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM170600 22009KT P6SM BKN015
- From the 17th at 0600Z;
- Wind is from 220° at 9 knots;
- Visibility is plus (greater) than 6 statute miles;
- Clouds broken at 1,500 feet AGL
Decode the portion of the TAF: FM171100 24010G20KT P6SM BKN040
- From the 17th at 1100Z;
- Wind is from 240° at 10 knots gusting 20 knots;
- Visibility is plus (greater) than 6 statute miles;
- Clouds broken at 4,000 feet AGL
-RA
light rain
+RA
heavy rain
+SN
heavy snow
-SN
light snow
+SHRA
heavy rain shower
AMD
amended
TEMPO
temporarily between start day/start time to end day/end time
Decode the portion of the TAF: PROB40 1704/1706 1/2SM FG OVC002 RMK NXT FCST BY 170000Z
- 40% probability that
- Between the 17th at 0400Z and the 17th at 0600Z
- Visibility will be 1/2 statute mile
- With fog
- Overcast at 200 feet AGL
- Remarks next forecast expected on the 17th at 0000Z
PROB##
The probability that
What is the period of time the TAF is valid?
1623/1706
On the 16th starting at 2300Z until the 17th at 0600Z (7 hours)
NXT
next
FCST
forecast
What are the weather advisories available in-flight?
AIRMET, SIGMET, Convective SIGMET
When are Inflight Weather Advisories available?
Either inflight or prior to departure
What do Inflight Weather Advisories detail?
Forecasts that may be potentially hazardous
What type of aircraft is AIRMET Inflight Weather Advisory intended for?
Small aircraft with limited capability
What categories is AIRMET divided into?
Sierra, Tango, Zulu
Sierra, Tango, Zulu are the categories for which Inflight Weather Advisory?
AIRMET
What is the Sierra AIRMET category?
IFR conditions and mountain obstructions (S for ceiling)
What is the Tango AIRMET category?
Moderate turbulence and sustained winds of 30 knots or more at the surface (T for turbulence)
What is the Zulu AIRMET category?
Moderate icing and freezing levels (Z for freeZing)
IFR conditions and mountain obstructions is which AIRMET category?
Sierra AIRMET (S for ceiling)
Moderate turbulence and sustained winds of 30 knots or more at the surface is which AIRMET category?
Tango AIRMET (T for turbulence)
Moderate icing and freezing levels is which AIRMET category?
Zulu AIRMET (Z for freeZing)
How often are AIRMETs issued?
Every 6 hours - 4 times daily
How many hours is the AIRMET valid?
6 hours
When are SIGMET Inflight Weather Advisories issued?
Issued for significant weather concerning the safety of all aircraft
In what conditions are SIGMETs issued?
- Extreme turbulence
- Severe icing
- Widespread dust storms
- Sandstorms
- Volcanic Ash
- Reducing the visibility to less than (<) 3 SM
How many hours are SIGMETs valid?
4 hours (6 hours for hurricanes)
When are Convective SIGMET Inflight Weather Advisories issued?
Issued for hazardous, convective weather that affects the safety of every flight
How often are Convective SIGMETs issued?
55 minutes
How many hours are Convective SIGMETs valid?
2 hours
How often are Convective SIGMETS issued and how long are they valid?
every 55 minutes and valid for a total of 2 hours
What are the conditions that are included in a Convective SIGMET?
- Winds in excess of 50 kts
- Hail greater than 3/4 in diameter
- Tornadoes
- Lines of or embedded thunderstorms
- Thunderstorms covering 40% or more of a 3,000 sq. mi. with heavy or greater precipitation
The wind and temperatures aloft forecast provides what?
- A forecast of the wind and temperature at different altitudes
- Uses symbols to indicate the wind direction and speed
When you a see a wind symbol, what is the breakdown to read it?
- The line to the circle is the direction of the wind (imagine an invisible arrow)
- The number on the line is the temperature in C
- The tail is the windspeed
What does each tick mark signify in terms of wind speed?
1/2 tick mark: 5 knots
1/2 red tick mark: GXX Knots (gusting)
1 tick mark: 10 knots
2 tick marks: 20 knots
3 tick marks: 30 knots
1thick triangle: 50 knots
2 thick triangles: 100 knots
What does 9900 on a wind/temperature chart mean?
Wind is light and variable
