Weather Reports Flashcards
Aviation Routine Weather Reports is also know as?
METAR
What is the definition of Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METAR)?
Observation code used to report metrological data. A schedules observation taken between 55 -59 past the hour (Hourly Observation)
What are the elements of METAR Report?
- Wind
- Visibility
- Runway visual range Present weather
- Sky Condition
- Temperature
- Dew point
- Altimeter setting
What are the two types of aviation weather reports?
METAR & SPECI
An unscheduled observation taken when a predefined condition criteria change occurs.
SEPCI (Special Report)
A location character identifier KBLV is defined as what?
Is the location/Station
- First letter identifies the area/country
- last three letters identify the station
What location identifier is K?
CONUS (Continental United States)
Aviation Weather Report Sections - Location -
4 letter code. Location/Station
Second part of the the METAR/SPECI Report -
Date/Time
The Date/Time is a _____ digit code.
7
In the Date/Time the first two digits are ______ the last four are _______ and the last digit is Z.
Two digit date 01
Four digit time 1730
Example 011730Z
The third section of the METAR/SPECI is the what?
ASOS Designators and Correction Modifiers
ASOS Designators and Correction Modifiers AUTO refers to what?
A reading from an unattended Automated Surface Observation System
What does ASOS stand for?
Automated Surface Observation System
What is an AO1 ASOS?
It is an ASOS without a rain and snow discriminator
What is an COR ASOS?
It is an ASOS observation corrected for an error. (Disregard the previous transmission)
What is the METAR/SPECI Section that comes after the ASOS?
Wind Speed and Direction
How is Wind Direction reported in the METAR/SPECI?
Reported wind direction in magnetic north because runways and aircraft instruments are oriented towards magnetic north.
Wind speed is reported as three types. what are these types?
- Prevailing
- Gust
- Squall
What is prevailing wind?
Sustained winds. Average direction/speed over 2 minutes
What is the definition of a gust?
A sudden, brief increase in wind speed. (variation of 10 knots or more between peaks and lulls during the ten minutes immediately proceeding the observation
What is a squall?
A large variation in wind speed (often accompanied by a shower or thunderstorm)
What is a term used when the speed increases by at least 16 knots and is sustained at 22 knots or more for at least one minute?
Squall
Break down the following Wind Direction report in the METAR/SPECI? 25015G30KT
Direction 250
Speed 15 Gust to 30 knots
How is Wind Direction Variability reported in the METAR/SPECI? 210V290
Wind Variability is reported if the direction varies by 60 degrees and speeds greater that 6 knots. Separated by V (Variable)
How is Visibility reported in the METAR/SPECI?
Sector visibility is reported in the remarks section if it differs from the prevailing and is less than 3sm.
Define METAR/SPECI Visibility -
Prevailing is the greatest horizontal visibility observed throughout at least half the horizon circle and is not necessarily continuous.
What is reported when the prevailing visibility is one statute mile or less and the runway is 6000 ft / 1830 or less.
Runway Visual Range (RVR)
How is Runway Visual Range (RVR) is reported the METAR/SPECI?
R
What follows the R in the METAR/SPECI?
Runway Heading
In a METAR/SPECI report RVR is what is reported digits following the runway?
Visibility in feet. (Meters used overseas.)
Explain the following RVR report. R32L/1000ft
Runway visual range for 32 Left is 1000 ft
Explain the following RVR report. R18R/M0600ft
Runway visual range for 18 right is less that 600 ft
Explain the following RVR report. R32L/P6000ft
Runway visual range for 32 Left is greater than 6000 ft
Explain the following RVR report. R35R/0700V1000ft
Runway visual range for 35 Right runway is varying between 700 feet and 1000 feet.
What are Weather Obstruction Codes for the METAR/SPECI?
Any precipitation or obstruction to visibility, reported in the a group of data following the visibility report.
The absence of of weather or an obstruction group indicates what?
No weather phenomenon has occurred at the time of the observation
The METAR/SPECI example of Weather Obstructions: R2R/1000Ft FG?
FG = Fog Visibility < 5/8 mile.
Clouds are reported in the METAR/SPECI in _____ for coverage an ______ in AGL (Above Ground Level)
- Eighths
2. Hundreds
In a METAR/SPECI Cloud report automated systems do not report cloud bases above ______?
12000 FT
The following example BKN005 reads?
Cloud base Broken at 500ft
What follows the METAR/SPECI Cloud report?
Temperature and Dew point
Why is temperature and dew point important important?
These affect runway length and helicopter power settings
What follows the Temperature and Dew Point as a five character group starting with A in the METAR/SPECI Report?
Altimeter Setting
Altimeter setting is reported as A and in _________.
Hundredths of inches of mercury.
Define A2984 in the altimeter setting?
A = Altitude, 29.84 inches of Mercury
The last part of the METAR/SPECI is the ______ section?
Remarks (RMK)
What is encoded in plain language and will contain supplementary data
Remarks (RMK) Section
Weather briefings include the ________ and _______ briefings.
- Planning
2. Preflight
Who is the primary point of contact for weather briefings and all operational weather support?
Weather Team
When requesting a weather briefing be prepared to provide as much information as possible. At a minimum include the following….
- Your name (always identify yourself as a crewmember)
- Aircraft identification/type
- En route plan (stops, low levels, landing zones, targets, ranges, etc.)
- Proposed Altitude
- Estimated time of departure/return
- Time en route to destination
- Alternates required
