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Aviation Weather & Meteorology Flashcards

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

Read the first 6 Aviation Weather & Meteorology flashcards as text

  1. What type of cloud formation indicates potential turbulence and thunderstorm activity?

    Answer: Cumulonimbus (CB)

    Cumulonimbus clouds are towering storm clouds that can extend from near the surface to the tropopause, producing severe turbulence, icing, lightning, hail, and microbursts that are extremely hazardous to aviation.

  2. What is a METAR?

    Answer: A routine aviation weather observation report providing current conditions at an airport

    METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) provides current weather conditions including wind, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dewpoint, and altimeter setting, updated hourly or when conditions change significantly.

  3. What causes wind shear and why is it dangerous to aircraft?

    Answer: Sudden changes in wind speed/direction over a short distance, which can cause rapid loss of airspeed and altitude during critical flight phases

    Wind shear, especially microbursts, can cause rapid airspeed changes during takeoff/landing. Aircraft at low altitude and low speed have minimal margin to recover from the sudden loss of lift.

  4. What information does a TAF provide?

    Answer: A forecast of expected weather conditions at an airport for a specific time period, typically 24-30 hours

    TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) predicts weather conditions including wind, visibility, clouds, and significant weather phenomena for a 24-30 hour period, used by pilots and dispatchers for flight planning.

  5. What is icing and how does it affect aircraft performance?

    Answer: Ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces that increases weight, reduces lift, increases drag, and can block control surfaces and instruments

    Structural icing forms when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with aircraft surfaces, disrupting airflow and increasing weight. Even small amounts can significantly degrade performance and controllability.

  6. What does a SIGMET warn about?

    Answer: Significant meteorological hazards affecting all aircraft, including severe turbulence, icing, volcanic ash, and thunderstorms

    SIGMETs (Significant Meteorological Information) warn of weather phenomena potentially hazardous to ALL aircraft types, including severe turbulence, severe icing, widespread dust storms, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones.