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pointsixtyfive.com Basics Study Guide supplemental questions > Weather Observations > Flashcards

Weather Observations Flashcards

1
Q

METAR? (Not an acronym)

A

Aviation Routine Weather Report

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2
Q

Aviation Routine Weather Report? (METAR)

A
  1. Primary Observation Code

2. for reporting surface meteorological data.

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3
Q

How often are METARs transmitted?

A

At least once per hour.

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4
Q

Automated Observation?

A

Weather observation report from an automated system without a certified weather observer.

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5
Q

Manual Observation?

A

Weather observation report from a certified weather observer.

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6
Q

Wind?

A
  1. Horizontal motion of air

2. Past a given point.

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7
Q

Prevailing visibility?

A
  1. Representative visibility at the station.
  2. Greatest distance that can be seen throughout at least half of the horizon circle
  3. 180 non-contiguous degrees.
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8
Q

Obscuration?

A
  1. Any atmospheric phenomenon
  2. Not precipitation
  3. reduces horizontal visibility.
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9
Q

Sky Condition?

A
  1. State of the sky in terms of:
  2. Sky cover
  3. Layers
  4. and (Layers) associated heights, ceiling, and cloud type.
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10
Q

Layer

A
  1. Array of clouds/obstructions

2. whose bases are at about the same level

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11
Q

Dew Point

A
  1. required air temp at
  2. constant pressure and
  3. constant water-vapor content
  4. for saturation to occur
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12
Q

Altimeter setting

A
  1. The altitude above mean sea level

2. of an aircraft on the ground.

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13
Q

Virga

A
  1. Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the surface.
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14
Q

What 2 things can Virga indicate?

A
  1. Icing hazard

2. Microburst

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15
Q

How are METARs organized?

A
  1. Standardized format in

2. groups of information.

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16
Q

When a piece of information isn’t available for a METAR, how is that unavailable information reported?

A

“Missing”

EX- Wind Missing

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17
Q

What 3 pieces of information are always contained in a METAR?

A

RVR
Present weather
Remarks

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18
Q

RVR?

A

Runway visual range

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19
Q

What are 3 automated weather observation systems?

A
  1. AWOS
  2. ASOS
  3. AWSS
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20
Q

AWOS

A

Automated Weather Observing System

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21
Q

ASOS

A

Automated Surface Observing Systems

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22
Q

AWSS

A

Automated Weather Sensor System

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23
Q

What is the phraseology for a SPECI report?

A

Special Report

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24
Q

Are SPECI reports scheduled?

A

No

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25
Q

What is the specific criteria for a SPECI report?

A

Important Changes have been observed.

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26
Q

Can all automated equipment evaluate SPECI criteria?

A

No

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27
Q

When is an aircraft mishap reported under SPECI Criteria, and what can stop that report?

A
  1. Upon notification of the aircraft mishap

2. Unless there’s been an intervening observation.

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28
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed regarding ceiling?

A
  1. If the ceiling forms or dissipates below,
  2. decreases to less than,
  3. or increases to equal or
  4. exceed specific altitudes.
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29
Q

A SPECI report should be filed if the ceiling forms or dissipates below, decreases to less than, or increases to equal or exceed what 5 possible altitudes?

A
  1. 3,000’
  2. 1,500’
  3. 1,000’
  4. 500’
  5. Lowest standard approach minimum published in NOS US Instrument Procedures
    OR
  6. 200’
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30
Q

In what 3 circumstances should a SPECI report be filed concerning precipitation?

A

Hail, Freezing precipitation, and/or ice pellets

  1. begin
  2. end
  3. change intensity.
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31
Q

NOS?

A

National Ocean Service

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32
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to runway RVR?

A
  1. decreases to less than
  2. or increases to greater to
  3. 2400’
  4. in the last 10 mins
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33
Q

Can the Military generate SPECI reports due to RVR?

A

No

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34
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Sky Condition?

A
  1. layer of clouds or obscurations appears

2. below 1,000’

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35
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Squalls?

A

Whenever they occur.

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36
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Thunderstorms?

A
  1. When they begin

2. When they end

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37
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Tornado, Funnel Cloud, or Waterspout?

A
  1. When observed

2. When it ends/stops being observed.

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38
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to visibility?

A 
Surface visibility decreases below, or increases above:
1. 3 SM
2. 2 SM
3. 1 SM
4. Lowest NOS minimum 
OR
5. If none, 1/2 SM
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39
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Volcanic Eruption?

A

When observed

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40
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to Wind Shift?

A
  1. Wind direction changes 45 degrees or more
  2. in less than 15 mins
  3. wind speed is 10 knots or more during the shift.
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41
Q

When should a SPECI report be filed due to misc factors?

A
  1. Any other critical meteorological situation

2. Based on observer’s opinion.

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42
Q

What station ID will be used in a SPECI/METAR report?

A

4-letter ICAO airport ID

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43
Q

What does the first letter of an ICAO airport ID designate?

A

Large country code

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44
Q

What letter is used as the country code for the Continental US in the ICAO code?

A

“K”

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45
Q

What date and time is recorded for a SPECI report?

A

When SPECI criteria was met

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46
Q

In what time is a METAR/SPECI report set?

A

UTC

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47
Q

In what format is the time of a METAR/SPECI report indicated?

A

(DAY)(HOUR)(MINUTE)

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48
Q

What 3 report modifiers are used in a SPECI/METAR report and what do they mean?

A

AUTO: Automated
COR: Corrected
No modifier: Manual/Augmented observation

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49
Q

What do the first 3 digits in a Wind section of a SPECI/METAR report indicate?

A
  1. Wind direction relative to true north

2. VRB: variable direction less than 6kts

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50
Q

What do the 4th and 5th digit in the wind section of a SPECI/METAR report indicate?

A

Wind speed

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51
Q

If the 6th digit in the wind section of a SPECI/METAR report is a “G” what does it mean?

A

Gusts

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52
Q

How would “wind calm” be sown in a METAR/SPECI report?

A

00000KT

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53
Q

How would gusts of 15 knots be shown on the METAR/SPECI report?

A

xxxxxG15KT

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54
Q

What does the “visibility section of a SPECI/METAR report indicate?

A

Surface visibility in SM

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55
Q

When is RVR reported on a METAR/SPECI?

A

When visibility is:

  1. 1SM or less and or
  2. RVR is 6,000’ or less
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56
Q

What 3 characters may the Runway Visual range on a METAR/SPECI be prefaced by and what do they mean?

A

P: “Greater than”
M: “Less than”
V: “variable between two values”

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57
Q

What are the 3 Qualifiers of the Present Weather listed on a SPECI/METAR report?

A
  1. Intensity
  2. proximity
  3. Descriptor
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58
Q

What are the 3 types of Weather Phenomena of the Present Weather listed on a SPECI/METAR report?

A
  1. Precipitation
  2. Obscuration
  3. Other
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59
Q

What are the 4 Intensity or proximity qualifiers that can be on the Present Weather section of a METAR/SPECI report?

A
    • Light
  2. Moderate
    • Heavy
  4. VC (in the vicinity)
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60
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> MI meaning?

A

MI = Shallow

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61
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> PR meaning?

A

PR = Partial

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62
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> BC meaning?

A

BC = Patches

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63
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> DR meaning?

A

DR = Low drifting

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64
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> BL meaning?

A

BL = Blowing

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65
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> SH meaning?

A

SH = Shower(s)

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66
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> TS meaning?

A

TS = Thunderstorm

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67
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Qualifier ==> Descriptor ==> FZ meaning?

A

FZ = Freezing

68
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> DZ meaning?

A

DZ = Drizzle

69
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> RA meaning?

A

RA = Rain

70
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> SN meaning?

A

SN = Snow

71
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> SG meaning?

A

SG = Snow grains

72
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> IC meaning?

A

IC = Ice crystals

73
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> PL meaning?

A

PL = Ice pellets

74
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> GR meaning?

A

GR = Hail

75
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> GS meaning?

A

GS = Small hail/snow pellets

76
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Precipitation ==> UP meaning?

A

UP = Unknown precipitation

77
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> BR meaning?

A

BR = Mist

78
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> FG meaning?

A

FG = Fog

79
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> FU meaning?

A

FU = Smoke

80
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> VA meaning?

A

VA = Volcanic Ash

81
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> DU meaning?

A

DU = Widespread dust

82
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> SA meaning?

A

SA = Sand

83
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> HZ meaning?

A

HZ = Haze

84
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Obscuration ==> PY meaning?

A

PY = Spray

85
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Other ==> PO meaning?

A

PO = Well developed dust/sand whirls

86
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Other ==> SQ meaning?

A

SQ = Squalls

87
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Other ==> FC meaning?

A

FC = Funnel cloud, tornado, waterspout

88
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Other ==> SS meaning?

A

SS = Sand storm

89
Q

METAR/SPECI report ==> Present Weather ==> Weather Phenomena ==> Other ==> DS meaning?

A

DS = Dust storm

90
Q

Present weather on a METAR/SPECI report, what does +FZRA mean?

A

Heavy Freezing Rain

91
Q

Present weather on a METAR/SPECI report, what does -TSGR mean?

A

Light Thunderstorm Hail

92
Q

Present weather on a METAR/SPECI report, what does MISN mean?

A

Shallow Snow

93
Q

Present weather on a METAR/SPECI report, what does SHDZ mean?

A

Showers Drizzle

94
Q

What are the 4 factors measured when reporting Sky Condition?

A
  1. Sky Cover
  2. Cloud Type
  3. 3-digit altitude
  4. Multiple layers in ascending order
95
Q

What is Sky Cover?

A

Amount of sky hidden by clouds/obstructions.

96
Q

In what fraction is Sky Cover measured?

A

Eighths

97
Q

What are the 4 measurements of Sky Condition?

A

FEW - Few clouds
SCT - Scattered
BKN - Broken (ceiling)
OVC - Overcast (ceiling)

98
Q

With what 3 digit number is altitude below 50’ AGL reported on a METAL/SPECI?

A

000

99
Q

What type of reporting stations report on Cloud Type?

A

Manual reporting stations

100
Q

What is Cloud Type TCU?

A

Towering Cumulus

101
Q

What is Cloud Type CB?

A

Cumulonimbus

102
Q

What code is used for Clear Skys in Automated reports?

A

CLR

103
Q

What does a CLR report indicate?

A

No layers at or below 12,000’ MSL

104
Q

What code is used for Clear Skys in Manual reports?

A

SKC

105
Q

What does an SKC report indicate?

A

No layers

106
Q

What is the code for Vertical Visibility?

A

VV(3 digits indicating ceiling)

EX VV002 - Indefinite Ceiling, two hundred

107
Q

What is the phraseology for SKC or CLR?

A
  1. Clear, or,

2. Clear below one two thousand

108
Q

What is the phraseology for FEW?

A

Few clouds at (altitude)

109
Q

What is the phraseology for SCT?

A

(Altitude) scattered

110
Q

What is the phraseology for BKN?

A

(Altitude) overcast

111
Q

What is the phraseology for VV?

A

Indefinite ceiling (Altitude)

112
Q

When broadcasting a METAR/SPECI report, what needs to be stated before lowest BKN or OVC layer?

A

“Ceiling” then BKN or OVC layer

113
Q

What Phraseology is used if the layer is 000 and an obscuration is present?

A

SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED

114
Q

What Phraseology is used if the layer is 000 and there is no obstruction?

A

LESS THAN FIVE ZERO

115
Q

What what measurement of degrees is the temperature/dew point given?

A

Celsius

116
Q

How many digits is the Temperature/Dew Point given in and how are they separated?

A
  1. 4 digits

2. 2 pair separated by a “/”

117
Q

What are the first two digits in the Temperature/Dew Point?

A

temperature

118
Q

What are the second two digits in the Temperature/Dew Point?

A

dew point

119
Q

What phraseology would be used if the Temperature/Dew Point

is 10/08

A

TEMPERATURE ONE ZERO, DEW POINT EIGHT

120
Q

How are negative numbers in a measure of the Temperature/Dew Point indicated?

A

prefixed by an “M” for minus

121
Q

How is altimeter indicated on a METAR/SPECI report?

A

A and 4-digits

122
Q

What is the phraseology used if the altimeter indicated is A2998?

A

ALTIMETER TWO NINER NINER EIGHT

123
Q

What remarks added to a METAR/SPECI report?

A
  1. Automated, Manual, plain language

2. Additional and maintenance data

124
Q

In the remarks section of a METAR/SPECI, what do the letters B and E indicate?

A

B - Beginning

E - End

125
Q

In the remarks section of a METAR/SPECI, what is the additional and maintenance data shown?

A

Sensor status indicators

126
Q

Encode Shallow

A

MI

127
Q

Encode Partial

A

PR

128
Q

Encode Patches

A

BC

129
Q

Encode Low Drifting

A

DR

130
Q

Encode Blowing

A

BL

131
Q

Encode Shower

A

SH

132
Q

Encode Thunderstorm

A

TS

133
Q

Encode Freezing

A

FZ

134
Q

Encode Drizzle

A

DZ

135
Q

Encode Rain

A

RA

136
Q

Encode Snow

A

SN

137
Q

Encode Snow Grains

A

SG

138
Q

Encode Ice Crystals

A

IC

139
Q

Encode Ice Pellets

A

PL

140
Q

Encode Hail

A

GR

141
Q

Encode Small hail/snow pellets

A

GS

142
Q

Encode Unknown precipitation

A

UP

143
Q

Encode Mist

A

BR

144
Q

Encode Fog

A

FG

145
Q

Encode Smoke

A

FU

146
Q

Encode Volcanic Ash

A

VA

147
Q

Encode Widespread dust

A

DU

148
Q

Encode Sand

A

SA

149
Q

Encode Haze

A

HZ

150
Q

Encode Spray

A

PY

151
Q

Encode Well developed dust/sand whirls

A

PO

152
Q

Encode Squalls

A

SQ

153
Q

Encode Funnel cloud, tornado, waterspout

A

FC

154
Q

Encode Sand storm

A

SS

155
Q

Encode Dust storm

A

DS

156
Q

Decode VV002

A

Indefinite Ceiling two hundred

157
Q

Decode VV020

A

Indefinite ceiling two thousand

158
Q

Encode Indefinite Ceiling two hundred

A

VV002

159
Q

Encode Indefinite ceiling two thousand

A

VV020

160
Q

What cloud layer would describe 1/8th sky coverage?

A

FEW

161
Q

What cloud layer would describe 3/8th sky coverage?

A

Scattered

162
Q

What cloud layer would describe 5/8th sky coverage?

A

Broken

163
Q

Decode SCT070 OVC080

A

Seven thousand scattered, ceiling eight thousand overcast

164
Q

Encode six hundred overcast, ceiling eight thousand broken

A

OVC006 BKN080

165
Q

Decode FEW003 SCT030

A

Three hundred few, ceiling three thousand scattered.

166
Q

Encode two hundred broken, ceiling five thousand overcast.

A

BKN002 OVC050

pointsixtyfive.com Basics Study Guide supplemental questions (30 decks)

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