Aviation Weather & Meteorology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a METAR, the remark 'TS' indicates which condition?
- Tailwind shear
- Thunderstorm (Correct answer)
- Towering cumulus
- Thin stratus
Correct answer: Thunderstorm
In a METAR or TAF, 'TS' is the abbreviation for thunderstorm.
Question 2: What is a microburst?
- A sudden gust of wind exceeding 50 knots at altitude
- An intense, localized downdraft that spreads out at the surface causing dangerous wind shear (Correct answer)
- A type of mountain wave turbulence
- A vertical updraft inside a cumulonimbus cloud
Correct answer: An intense, localized downdraft that spreads out at the surface causing dangerous wind shear
A microburst is a small-scale, intense downdraft that impacts the ground and spreads outward, creating severe wind shear that can cause rapid airspeed changes.
Question 3: What cloud type is most associated with severe turbulence and icing?
- Stratus
- Cirrus
- Cumulonimbus (Correct answer)
- Altocumulus
Correct answer: Cumulonimbus
Cumulonimbus (CB) clouds are associated with thunderstorms, severe turbulence, heavy icing, and other extreme weather hazards.
Question 4: A Wind Shear PIREP containing 'MDT LLWS' indicates which condition?
- Moderate low-level wind shear (Correct answer)
- Mild downward turbulence with low winds
- Moderate layered wind speed
- Mild lateral wind shear
Correct answer: Moderate low-level wind shear
MDT LLWS in a PIREP stands for moderate low-level wind shear, reported by a pilot during flight.
Question 5: At what relative humidity does structural icing typically begin to form on an aircraft?
- 100% relative humidity with temperatures between 0°C and -20°C (Correct answer)
- Any humidity at temperatures below -40°C
- 50% relative humidity with any subfreezing temperature
- Only inside cumulonimbus clouds
Correct answer: 100% relative humidity with temperatures between 0°C and -20°C
Structural icing forms when an aircraft flies through visible moisture (near 100% humidity) at temperatures between 0°C and approximately -20°C.
Question 6: What is the meaning of the METAR sky condition 'BKN025'?
- Broken clouds at 2,500 ft AGL (Correct answer)
- Blue-sky ceiling at 25,000 ft MSL
- Broken overcast at 250 ft MSL
- Below-normal skies at 2,500 ft MSL
Correct answer: Broken clouds at 2,500 ft AGL
BKN025 means a broken cloud layer (5/8 to 7/8 sky coverage) at 2,500 ft above ground level.
Aviation Weather & Meteorology 2
In a METAR, the remark 'TS' indicates which condition?