Meteorology and Weather Interpretation 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 Meteorology and Weather Interpretation flashcards as text
What is the standard lapse rate used in the ISA (International Standard Atmosphere)?
Answer: 1.98°C (approximately 2°C) per 1,000 feet
The ISA standard lapse rate is 1.98°C per 1,000 feet (approximately 2°C/1,000 ft or 6.5°C/1,000 m).
Which icing SIGMET condition requires a pilot to avoid the area?
Answer: Severe icing not associated with thunderstorms
Severe icing SIGMETs describe conditions that can overwhelm aircraft deicing systems and require avoidance.
What weather phenomenon is associated with a dry line?
Answer: Severe thunderstorm development
A dry line separates moist Gulf air from dry desert air and is a primary trigger for severe thunderstorm and tornado development in the US plains.
A Winds Aloft Forecast (FB) shows '2714+08'. What does '+08' indicate?
Answer: Temperature +8°C
In FB forecasts, the last two digits after the speed are the temperature in degrees Celsius; '+08' means +8°C.
What is the primary danger of flying in freezing rain?
Answer: Rapid accumulation of clear ice on all aircraft surfaces
Freezing rain consists of large liquid drops that freeze on contact, rapidly building clear glaze ice on airframe surfaces.
Which statement correctly describes 'absolute instability' in the atmosphere?
Answer: The environmental lapse rate exceeds the dry adiabatic lapse rate
Absolute instability exists when the environmental lapse rate exceeds the dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR ~3°C/1,000 ft), causing displaced air parcels to accelerate upward.
What is the significance of the 'lifted index' (LI) value of -6 or lower?
Answer: Extremely unstable atmosphere with severe thunderstorm potential
A lifted index of -6 or lower indicates extreme instability, signaling a high likelihood of severe to extreme thunderstorms.