UAS Weather Flashcards
What is a METARS
Routine Surface Observation or Aviation Routine Weather Report
First set of Characters are
Airport
Second set of Characters are
Date and Time, 1st two #s are date
Third set of characters are
Wind (1st three #s are degrees for wind direction, next set of numbers are the wind in knots (KT)
Fourth set of characters are
visibility in statute miles
Fifth set of characters are
how many clouds (ovc, bkn, sct, few, clr) at how many feet (019=1900)
Sixth set of characters are
1st #-degrees in Celcius, 2nd #-dew point
Seventh set of characters are
altimeter
What is TAFS?
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
-
Light Moderate
+
Heavy
VC
In the Vicinity
MI
Shallow
PR
Partial
BC
Patches
DR
Low Drifting
BL
Blowing
SH
Showers
TS
Thunderstorms
FZ
Freezing
DZ
Drizzle
RA
Rain
SN
Snow
SG
Snow Grains
IC
Ice Crystals
PL
Ice Pellets
GR
Hail
GS
Small Hail and/or Snow Pellets
UP
Unknown Precipitation
BR
Mist
FG
Fog
FU
Smoke
VA
Volcanic Ash
DU
Widespread Dust
SA
Sand
HZ
Haze
PY
Spray
PO
Well-Developed Dust/Sand Whirls
SQ
Squalls
FC
Funnel Cloud Tornado Waterspout
SS
Sandstorm
DS
Duststorm
What is HEMS Tool?
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Tool
What is a TFR?
Temporary Flight Restriction
What is a NOTAM?
Notice to Airman
What are the 3 types of Briefs?
Standard, Abbreviated, Outlook
Which Brief is most complete?
Standard
Which Brief verifies information you already have?
Abbreviated
Which Brief shows you the forecast in the future?
Outlook
Stable Air Characteristics
Stratiform Clouds (thin, low lying clouds);Fair to Poor Visibility; Continuous Precipitation
Unstable Air Characteristics
Cumulus Clouds(puffy clouds); good visibility; showery precipitation (nothing consistent)
Stratiform Clouds are
thin, low lying clouds
Cumulus Clouds are
puffy clouds
Surface Friction
“Wind and currents can affect suas performance and maneuverability during all phases of flight. Be vigilant when operating suas at low altitudes, in confined areas, near buildings or other manmade structures, and near natural obstructions (such as mountains, bluffs or canyons).”
When do clouds form?
Temp and Dew Point get closer together in number resulting in visible moisture (Fog)
Radiation (fog type)
heat radiates from the surface at night; prefers no wind, if you get a breeze it will go away
Advection (fog type)
requires cooler surface and some moisture (body of water); a little wind is needed
Upslope Fog
Moist air flows toward the slope, as air rises with the terrain, it cools to condensation temp and fog forms on slope
Precipitation Induced Fog/Steam Fog
Rain that hits a hot parking lot and causes steam
Types of low clouds
Stratus, cumulus, nimbostratus, cumulonimbus
Height for Low Clouds
6,500 ft and below
Types of Mid Clouds
Altocumulus, altostratus
Height for Mid Clouds
Above 6,500 ft to 23,000 ft
Types of High Clouds
Cirrus, clouds with extensive vertical development, towering cumulonimbus
Height for High Clouds
Above 23,000 ft
Where do standing lenticulars form?
Over Mountains
What shape are standing lenticulars?
Almond Shape
What kind of weather is associated with standing lenticulars?
Very Bad
What is a ceiling (layer)?
lowest, broken or overcast layer
True vs Magnetic Winds
If you read it, its true. If you hear it, its magnetic.
When will clouds or fog form?
When water vapor condenses
What kind of air would you expect over a barren area on a hot day?
Thunderstorms
When are METARS issued?
+55 past the hour
How long are METARS valid for?
Hourly
