AQT Aviation Weather & Meteorology

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Cumulonimbus (CB)

Answer

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.

Question 2

What is a METAR?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

What information does a TAF provide?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

What is icing and how does it affect aircraft performance?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

AQT - Aviation Qualification Test Practice Test

AQT - Aviation Qualification Test Practice Test

AQT Aviation Weather & Meteorology