CTO Weather Observation & Reporting 2

Question 1

A METAR observation reports winds as '27018G32KT'. What does the 'G32' portion indicate?

Accepted Answer

Gust speed of 32 knots

Answer

The 'G' prefix in a METAR wind group indicates gusts, and '32KT' is the peak gust speed in knots.

Question 2

What ceiling value would be reported in a METAR when the lowest broken or overcast layer is at 2,500 feet AGL?

Accepted Answer

BKN025

Answer

The ceiling is the lowest layer reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC); BKN025 indicates broken clouds at 2,500 feet.

Question 3

Which weather phenomenon is encoded as 'FZFG' in a METAR?

Accepted Answer

Freezing fog

Answer

FZFG stands for freezing fog, a significant hazard as it deposits rime ice on aircraft surfaces.

Question 4

In a METAR, the sky condition group 'SKC' is used at automated stations instead of 'CLR'. What does 'CLR' specifically indicate?

Accepted Answer

No clouds below 12,000 feet

Answer

CLR is reported by automated stations when no clouds are detected below 12,000 feet AGL.

Question 5

A pilot reports an unrestricted visibility of greater than 10 miles. How is this reported in a METAR?

Accepted Answer

P6SM

Answer

Visibilities greater than 6 statute miles are reported as 'P6SM' (plus 6 statute miles) in a METAR.

(CTO) Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification Practice Test