Weather Wednesday

Question 1

What is an occluded front

Answer 1

The classical and usual view of an occluded front is that it initiates when a cold front overtakes a warm front near a cyclone, such that the warm air is separated from the cyclone center at the surface.

Question 2

What is expected around a trough

Answer 2

relatively low atmospheric pressure, colder temps, unstable air.

Question 3

What does PROB mean in a TAF?

Answer 3

Probability of something happening

Question 4

when will the calm wind runway be used?

Answer 4

winds less than 5 kts

Question 5

How far can winds from a microburst extend and at what altitude AGL should pilots be wary of microburst?

Answer 5

within 1,000 ft of the ground

Question 6

What does CHINO mean in a metar?

Answer 6

sky condition at secondary location not available.

Question 7

If you see 4/022 in a METAR, what does this define?

Answer 7

snow depth on the ground
In this case 22 in

Question 8

When will TEMPO be used in a taf

Answer 8

TEMPO is used for periods of 30 minutes or more but less than 60 minutes

Question 9

whats the difference between FM and BECMG

Answer 9

“From” is used when a rapid and significant change, usually within an hour, is expected. “Becoming” is used when a gradual change in the weather is expected over a period of no more than 2 hours

Question 10

How many times is the TAF reported a day and at what times is it reported?

Answer 10

4 times a day and 00z, 06z, 12z, 18z

Question 11

What does TAF stand for?

Answer 11

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

Question 12

How long are the following forecasts valid?
FM2000
BCMG1820

Answer 12

“From” is used when a rapid and significant change, usually within an hour, is expected. “Becoming” is used when a gradual change in the weather is expected over a period of no more than 2 hours

Question 13

When is wind reported calm in a TAF?

Answer 13

3 kts

Question 14

When is PROB30 used in a TAF?

Answer 14

probability of 30 percent

Question 15

How are the dimensions of a SIGMET depicted?

Answer 15

Based off of airports or navigational aids with miles

Question 16

What level of icing will trigger a SIGMET?

Answer 16

Severe ice

Question 17

How often are Sigmets issued, and how long are they valid for?

Answer 17

Issues when needed. 4 hours

Question 18

Who uses sigmets?

Answer 18

All pilots

Question 19

What is the wind criteria for an AIRMET Tango?

Answer 19

moderate turbulence, sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater, and/or non convective low−level wind shear

Question 20

How often are AIRMET’s issued?

Answer 20

6 hours

Question 21

How large of an area does and potential AIRMET need to cover to be considered an actual AIRMET?

Answer 21

3000 sq miles

Question 22

What type of Fog would go along with mountain wave turbulence?

Answer 22

Upslope

Question 23

What type of cloud would indicate mountain wave turbulence?

Answer 23

Lenticular

Question 24

What does PSIR mean?

Answer 24

Pulsating/steady burning visual approach slope indicator (PVASI) on the right side of the runway

Question 25

How often are winds aloft forecasts posted daily?

Answer 25

4 times daily
issued every 6 hours

Question 26

Routine TAFs are valid for 24 hours. At some selected larger terminals, such as Washington Dulles, Denver, San Francisco, and Honolulu, how long are TAFs often valid for?

Answer 26

30

Question 27

How Often are Graphical Area Forecasts issued and how long are they valid?

Answer 27

4 times daily.

Question 28

What is WSP and what does it detect and alert for?

Answer 28

Weather system processor

Question 29

When are calm winds reported in a TAF?

Answer 29

3 kt or less

Question 30

What is the actual probability of an event that is coded as PROB30 in a TAF?

Answer 30

30-39%