Sources Of Weather

Question 1

FSS

Answer 1

• primary source for preflight weather information
• 1800-wax-brief
• outlook= forecast weather, 6 hours or more away
• standard= provides the most information and more complete weather picture
• abbreviated= shortened version of the standard, updates previous briefing
• www.aviationweather.org
• www.1800wxbrief.com
• TAF= terminal aero dome forecast, established for the 5 mile radius around large airports, valid 24-30 hour period, updated 4 times a day every 6 hours.

Question 2

Airmet

Answer 2

• hazardous weather, light-moderate intensity that effects all aircraft
• valid 6 hours
• Tango- turbulence, surface winds greater than 30 knots, low level wind shear
• Sierra- IFR conditions, Mountain obscuration
• Zulu- icing, freezing levels

Question 3

Sigmets

Answer 3

• hazardous weather, severe-extreme intensity that affects all aircraft
• valid 4 hours unless it relates to a hurricane then valid 6 hours
• November- Yankee (excludes Tango, Sierra, and Zulu)

Question 4

Convective sigmets

Answer 4

• severe thunderstorms with surface winds greater than 50 knots
• Hail at the surface greater or equal to 3/4 inch in diameter
• tornadoes
• squall lines
• thunderstorms with heavy or greater precipitation that effects 40% or more of a 3,000 square mile or greater region
• issued 55 min past the hour, but special convective sigmets can be issued

Question 5

Metar

Answer 5

An observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format. Issued on a regular scheduled basis unless significant weather changes. Then a SPECI metar can be issued.

Question 6

PIREPs

Answer 6

Pilot weather reports that provide valuable information regarding conditions as they actually exist. Can confirm or update weather.

Question 7

MFD

Answer 7

Can be 15-20 min old than what is actually shown

Question 8

FSS

Answer 8

Flight service station can be contacted by radio (look at your nearest VOR)