Practice Test Geeks(ADX) Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Test
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Weather and Environmental Factors Flashcards

7 cards from real ADX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Weather and Environmental Factors flashcards as text

  1. What is the standard definition of a 'severe thunderstorm' as used in aviation weather products?

    Answer: A thunderstorm with surface winds of 50 knots or greater and/or hail 3/4 inch diameter or larger

    A severe thunderstorm is officially defined as one producing surface winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater and/or hail with a diameter of 3/4 inch or larger at the surface.

  2. Which area of a thunderstorm cell is associated with the greatest turbulence hazard at cruise altitude?

    Answer: The overhang area just outside the storm's visible cloud boundary

    The overhang region just outside the visible cloud boundary of a mature thunderstorm cell can contain severe turbulence in clear air, caused by strong updrafts and wind shear near the storm's top.

  3. A dispatcher is reviewing a Winds and Temperatures Aloft forecast (FB). The entry '7306+04' at FL390 means:

    Answer: Wind from 230° at 106 knots, temperature +04°C

    When the wind direction digits exceed 36 (e.g., 73), subtract 50 from the direction and add 100 knots to the speed: 73-50=230°, 06+100=106 knots, temperature +04°C.

  4. What meteorological condition is described by the acronym LLWS, and why does it concern dispatchers during approach?

    Answer: Low Level Wind Shear — a sudden change in wind speed or direction below 2,000 ft AGL that can cause loss of airspeed and control on approach

    Low Level Wind Shear (LLWS) is a rapid change in wind velocity or direction below 2,000 ft AGL that can cause sudden airspeed fluctuations, making it a critical hazard during approach and landing.

  5. Which cloud type is most directly associated with clear air turbulence (CAT) near the jet stream?

    Answer: Cirrus in bands perpendicular to the jet stream

    Banded cirrus clouds oriented perpendicular (transverse) to the jet stream axis are a visual indicator of strong wind shear and the likelihood of clear air turbulence in that area.

  6. An aircraft dispatcher is coordinating a flight into a mountainous area with forecast winds at FL180 of 270° at 65 knots. What hazard should be briefed regarding terrain interaction?

    Answer: Mountain wave turbulence and possible rotor zones below mountain crests

    Strong winds crossing mountain ridges can generate mountain wave turbulence, including severe rotor zones on the lee side below ridge level, hazardous to aircraft at all altitudes near the terrain.

  7. What does a METAR sky condition entry of 'VV010' indicate?

    Answer: Vertical visibility of 1,000 feet into an obscuration (such as fog or smoke)

    VV (Vertical Visibility) followed by a number indicates the vertical visibility in hundreds of feet into an obscuration; VV010 means vertical visibility of 1,000 feet into a surface-based obscuration.