Aviation Meteorology Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aviation Meteorology flashcards as text
Which METAR sky condition code indicates a ceiling that makes VFR flight illegal under FAA regulations in controlled airspace?
Answer: BKN025
BKN025 (broken ceiling at 2,500 feet) creates a ceiling below the 3,000-foot AGL threshold, making VFR flight illegal in Class B, C, D, and E controlled airspace without a clearance.
Mountain wave turbulence is MOST severe at which location relative to the mountain ridge?
Answer: Immediately on the leeward side at ridge altitude
The most severe turbulence in mountain waves typically occurs just downwind of the ridge at or slightly below ridge altitude, where rotor and wave action are most intense.
What does the term 'LLWS' represent in aviation weather, and what is the standard threshold altitude for this phenomenon?
Answer: Low-Level Wind Shear below 2,000 feet AGL
Low-Level Wind Shear (LLWS) refers to sudden changes in wind speed or direction at or below 2,000 feet AGL, posing significant hazards during approach and departure.
A pilot notices that the altimeter setting has changed from 29.92 to 30.12 inches Hg during cruise flight at constant altitude. If the altimeter is not reset, the aircraft is actually flying at what altitude relative to indicated?
Answer: 200 feet lower than indicated
Each 0.01-inch change in altimeter setting equals approximately 10 feet; an increase of 0.20 inches means actual altitude is 200 feet lower than indicated if not reset.
Which condition is associated with the formation of clear ice on an aircraft?
Answer: Flight through large supercooled water droplets at temperatures between 0°C and -10°C
Clear ice forms when large supercooled water droplets spread over a surface before freezing, typically in temperatures between 0°C and -10°C, creating a smooth, dense, and heavy ice accretion.
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is valid for what standard period, and how frequently is it updated at major airports?
Answer: 24 hours, updated every 6 hours
Standard TAFs are issued for a 24-hour valid period and are updated every 6 hours at major airports; some airports may issue 30-hour TAFs.
What is the primary hazard associated with 'Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate' being less than the 'Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate'?
Answer: A lifted saturated air parcel cools more slowly, remaining warmer than environment and promoting continued ascent and convective instability
Because the moist adiabatic lapse rate (roughly 3°C/1,000 ft) is less than the dry rate (roughly 3°C/1,000 ft is wrong — MALR ~1.5°C/1,000 ft vs DALR ~3°C/1,000 ft), saturated rising air stays warmer than its surroundings, sustaining lift and convective development.