Weather Interpretation & Meteorology for Controllers Flashcards
6 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Weather Interpretation & Meteorology for Controllers flashcards as text
What is a SIGMET and when is it issued?
Answer: A non-convective weather advisory for severe or extreme conditions affecting all aircraft
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is issued for non-convective phenomena such as severe turbulence, severe icing, or volcanic ash that may affect all aircraft.
A Convective SIGMET is automatically issued when a thunderstorm cell contains hail at the surface of at least:
Answer: 3/4 inch diameter
Convective SIGMETs are issued for surface hail of 3/4 inch or greater diameter, among other convective criteria.
What weather phenomenon is most commonly associated with clear-air turbulence (CAT)?
Answer: Jet stream boundaries and wind shear
Clear-air turbulence most frequently occurs near jet stream boundaries where strong horizontal and vertical wind shear exists.
When a pilot reports a ceiling of 800 feet and visibility of 1.5 miles, the conditions are classified as:
Answer: IFR
IFR conditions are defined as a ceiling below 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles; this report meets both IFR thresholds.
Which weather product provides a 24–48 hour forecast of enroute conditions including turbulence, icing, and freezing levels?
Answer: FA (Area Forecast)
The Area Forecast (FA) provides an 18-hour forecast plus a 12-hour outlook for clouds, weather, and conditions over a large region.
What does the AIRMET SIERRA advisory specifically warn pilots about?
Answer: Instrument flight rule conditions and mountain obscuration
AIRMET Sierra addresses IFR conditions and mountain obscuration, warning of widespread areas of ceilings below 1,000 ft and/or visibility below 3 miles.