FAA Private Pilot Weather Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An almond or lens-shaped cloud which appears stationary, but which may contain winds of 50 knots or more, is referred to as

an inactive frontal cloud.
a funnel cloud.
a lenticular cloud. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a lenticular cloud.

An almond or lens-shaped cloud that appears stationary, often found near mountainous terrain, is characteristic of a lenticular cloud. These clouds form in stable air when strong winds blow across a mountain barrier, creating standing waves in the atmosphere. Despite their stationary appearance, the air within them can be moving at high speeds, posing a potential hazard to aircraft due to associated turbulence.

Question 2: What is indicated when a current CONVECTIVE SIGMET forecasts thunderstorms?

Moderate thunderstorms covering 30 percent of the area.
Moderate or severe turbulence.
Thunderstorms obscured by massive cloud layers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thunderstorms obscured by massive cloud layers.

A CONVECTIVE SIGMET is issued for significant weather phenomena associated with thunderstorms that are hazardous to all aircraft. One of the criteria for issuing a CONVECTIVE SIGMET is the presence of embedded thunderstorms. These are thunderstorms that are obscured by massive cloud layers, making them particularly dangerous as they are difficult for pilots to visually identify and avoid.

Question 3: Crests of standing mountain waves may be marked by stationary, lens-shaped clouds known as

mammatocumulus clouds.
standing lenticular clouds. (Correct answer)
roll clouds.

Correct answer: standing lenticular clouds.

When stable air flows over mountains, it can create standing waves in the atmosphere. The crests of these waves, where the air rises and cools, can lead to the formation of characteristic stationary, lens-shaped clouds. These are known as standing lenticular clouds, and they are a visual indicator of potential severe turbulence and strong winds associated with mountain wave activity.

Question 4: The suffix "nimbus," used in naming clouds, means

a cloud with extensive vertical development.
a rain cloud. (Correct answer)
a middle cloud containing ice pellets.

Correct answer: a rain cloud.

In meteorology, the suffix "nimbus" (or prefix "nimbo-") is used in cloud names to indicate that the cloud is a rain-producing cloud. For example, nimbostratus clouds are layered rain clouds, and cumulonimbus clouds are towering thunderstorm clouds that produce heavy rain, lightning, and sometimes hail.

Question 5: When may hazardous wind shear be expected?

When stable air crosses a mountain barrier where it tends to flow in layers forming lenticular clouds.
In areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence. (Correct answer)
Following frontal passage when stratocumulus clouds form indicating mechanical mixing.

Correct answer: In areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence.

Hazardous wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can be extremely dangerous for aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing. It is commonly associated with several atmospheric conditions, including low-level temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above colder air, frontal zones where two air masses meet, and clear air turbulence (CAT) often found near jet streams.

Question 6: The amount of water vapor which air can hold depends on the

dewpoint.
air temperature. (Correct answer)
stability of the air.

Correct answer: air temperature.

The amount of water vapor that air can hold is directly dependent on its temperature. Warmer air has a greater capacity to hold water vapor because the higher kinetic energy of the air molecules allows more water molecules to remain in a gaseous state. As air cools, its capacity to hold water vapor decreases, leading to condensation and the formation of clouds or precipitation if the dewpoint is reached.

Question 7: What cloud types would indicate convective turbulence?

Cirrus clouds.
Nimbostratus clouds.
Towering cumulus clouds. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Towering cumulus clouds.

Convective turbulence is caused by vertical air currents resulting from uneven heating of the Earth's surface. Clouds with significant vertical development, such as towering cumulus clouds and cumulonimbus clouds, are strong indicators of active convection and therefore convective turbulence. These clouds are formed by rapidly rising warm air, which creates turbulent conditions within and around them.

Question 8: When speaking to an AFSS weather briefer you should state

the pilot in command’s full name and address.
a summary of your qualifications.
whether the flight is VFR or IFR. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: whether the flight is VFR or IFR.

When contacting an Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) for a weather briefing, it is essential to provide specific information to ensure you receive the most relevant and accurate briefing. One crucial piece of information to state is whether the flight will be conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This allows the briefer to tailor the weather information to the specific requirements and regulations of your intended flight type.

Question 9: (Refer to Figure 15.) What is the forecast wind for KMEM from 1600Z until the end of the forecast?

Variable in direction at 4 knots.
No significant wind.
Variable in direction at 6 knots. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Variable in direction at 6 knots.

To determine the forecast wind for KMEM from 1600Z until the end of the forecast, locate the TAF for KMEM in Figure 15. Identify the forecast segment that begins at 1600Z and extends to the end of the forecast period. Within this segment, the wind information is typically presented as a direction and speed. Reading this portion of the TAF reveals a forecast of variable wind direction at 6 knots.

Question 10: In which situation is advection fog most likely to form?

A warm, moist air mass on the windward side of mountains.
An air mass moving inland from the coast in winter. (Correct answer)
A light breeze blowing colder air out to sea.

Correct answer: An air mass moving inland from the coast in winter.

Advection fog forms when warm, moist air moves horizontally over a cooler surface. As the warm, moist air passes over the colder ground or water, it cools to its dewpoint, causing the water vapor to condense into fog. This condition is most likely to occur when an air mass moves inland from the coast in winter, as the relatively warm and moist oceanic air encounters the colder land surface.

Question 11: A weather briefing that is provided when the information requested is 6 or more hours in advance of the proposed departure time is

an outlook briefing. (Correct answer)
a forecast briefing.
a prognostic briefing.

Correct answer: an outlook briefing.

An outlook briefing is a type of weather briefing provided by an AFSS when the proposed departure time is 6 or more hours in the future. This briefing provides a general overview of the weather conditions expected for the planned flight, allowing the pilot to make preliminary go/no-go decisions or to anticipate potential weather challenges well in advance. It is less detailed than a standard or abbreviated briefing.

Question 12: (Refer to Figure 260, area D.) Immediately to the left of the letter D in western New York, what are the surface winds?

Wind 25 gusting to 35 kts.
Wind 20 gusting to 30 kts. (Correct answer)
Steady wind at 20 kts.

Correct answer: Wind 20 gusting to 30 kts.

To determine the surface winds immediately to the left of the letter D in western New York, locate Figure 260 and find the designated area D. On a surface analysis chart, wind information is typically depicted using wind barbs or symbols. These symbols indicate both wind direction and speed, including gusts. By interpreting the wind barb in that specific location, you can determine that the surface winds are 20 knots gusting to 30 knots.

Question 13: If the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, and the temperature is 62 °F, what type weather is most likely to develop?

Freezing precipitation.
Thunderstorms.
Fog or low clouds. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fog or low clouds.

The temperature/dewpoint spread is the difference between the ambient air temperature and the dewpoint temperature. When this spread is small and decreasing, it indicates that the air is approaching saturation. If the temperature continues to drop and reaches the dewpoint, the air will become saturated, leading to condensation and the formation of visible moisture in the form of fog or low clouds.

Question 14: One of the most easily recognized discontinuities across a front is

a change in temperature. (Correct answer)
an increase in cloud coverage.
an increase in relative humidity.

Correct answer: a change in temperature.

A front is a boundary between two different air masses, each with distinct characteristics. One of the most easily recognized and significant discontinuities across a front is a change in temperature. As an air mass with different temperature characteristics replaces another, there is a noticeable shift in temperature across the frontal boundary, often accompanied by changes in wind direction, pressure, and moisture content.

Question 15: A pilot can expect a wind-shear zone in a temperature inversion whenever the windspeed at 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the surface is at least

10 knots.
15 knots.
25 knots. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 25 knots.

FAA guidelines indicate that a wind shear zone can be expected in a temperature inversion when the wind speed at 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the surface is at least 25 knots. This significant difference in wind speed across the stable inversion layer creates strong shear forces. Such conditions pose a hazard to aircraft due to abrupt changes in airspeed and attitude.

Question 16: At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 °F and the dewpoint is 38 °F?

9,000 feet AGL.
10,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
11,000 feet AGL.

Correct answer: 10,000 feet AGL.

The base of cumuliform clouds can be estimated using the formula: (Surface Temperature - Surface Dewpoint) / 4.4 * 1000 feet AGL. With a surface temperature of 82°F and a dewpoint of 38°F, the difference is 44°F. Dividing 44 by 4.4 gives 10, and multiplying by 1,000 yields a cloud base of 10,000 feet AGL.

Question 17: (Refer to Figure 17.) Determine the wind and temperature aloft forecast for DEN at 9,000 feet.

230° magnetic at 53 knots, temperature 47 °C.
230° true at 21 knots, temperature -4 °C. (Correct answer)
230° true at 53 knots, temperature -47 °C.

Correct answer: 230° true at 21 knots, temperature -4 °C.

Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecasts (FDs) are decoded using a specific format. For DEN at 9,000 feet, the forecast group typically shows the first two digits as wind direction in tens of degrees true (e.g., 23 = 230°), the next two digits as wind speed in knots (e.g., 21 = 21 knots), and the last two digits as temperature in Celsius (e.g., -04 = -4°C). Therefore, 230° true at 21 knots, temperature -4°C is the correct interpretation.

Question 18: What is meant by the term "dewpoint"?

The temperature at which condensation and evaporation are equal.
The temperature at which dew will always form.
The temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated.

The dewpoint is defined as the temperature to which a parcel of air must be cooled, at constant pressure and moisture content, for it to become saturated. At this point, the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor, and condensation begins to form dew, fog, or clouds. It is a direct measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air.

Question 19: (Refer to Figure 19.) What weather is forecast for the Florida area just ahead of the stationary front during the first 12 hours?

Ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 feet and/or visibility 3 to 5 miles with continuous precipitation. (Correct answer)
Ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 feet and/or visibility 3 to 5 miles with intermittent precipitation.
Ceiling less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles with continuous precipitation.

Correct answer: Ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 feet and/or visibility 3 to 5 miles with continuous precipitation.

Weather charts like Figure 19 use standard symbols to depict forecast conditions. For the area just ahead of a stationary front, the chart would indicate specific ceiling and visibility ranges along with the type and continuity of precipitation. The correct answer reflects the interpretation of these symbols, indicating Marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with continuous precipitation, which is common in areas of persistent lifting ahead of a stationary front.

Question 20: A temperature inversion would most likely result in which weather condition?

Clouds with extensive vertical development above an inversion aloft.
Good visibility in the lower levels of the atmosphere and poor visibility above an inversion aloft.
An increase in temperature as altitude is increased. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An increase in temperature as altitude is increased.

A temperature inversion is an atmospheric condition where the temperature of the air increases with altitude, rather than decreasing as is typical. This reversal of the normal temperature lapse rate creates a stable layer of air. While inversions can lead to poor visibility or fog, their defining characteristic is the increase in temperature as altitude is gained.

Question 21: Which type weather briefing should a pilot request, when departing within the hour, if no preliminary weather information has been received?

Outlook briefing.
Abbreviated briefing.
Standard briefing. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Standard briefing.

When a pilot has not received any preliminary weather information and plans to depart within the hour, a standard briefing is the appropriate request. A standard briefing provides a complete and comprehensive overview of current and forecast weather conditions pertinent to the flight. This ensures the pilot has all necessary information for safe flight planning without prior knowledge.

Question 22: (Refer to Figure 14.) The intensity of the turbulence reported at a specific altitude is

moderate at 5,500 feet and at 7,200 feet.
light from 5,500 feet to 7,200 feet. (Correct answer)
moderate from 5,500 feet to 7,200 feet.

Correct answer: light from 5,500 feet to 7,200 feet.

Pilot Reports (PIREPs) use standardized codes to describe observed weather phenomena, including turbulence. The intensity of turbulence is indicated by terms like 'LGT' for light, 'MOD' for moderate, etc., followed by the altitude range where it was encountered. Therefore, 'light from 5,500 feet to 7,200 feet' correctly interprets a PIREP indicating 'LGT 055-072'.

Question 23: One in-flight condition necessary for structural icing to form is

small temperature/dewpoint spread.
stratiform clouds.
visible moisture. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: visible moisture.

For structural icing to form on an aircraft, two primary conditions must be met: the aircraft must be flying through visible moisture (such as clouds, rain, or drizzle), and the temperature at the point where the moisture strikes the aircraft must be at or below freezing (0°C). Without visible moisture, there is no water to freeze onto the aircraft's surfaces, regardless of temperature.

Question 24: Cumulonimbus Mamma clouds are associated with

The dissipating stage of a thunderstorm.
Violent thunderstorms and tornadoes. (Correct answer)
The cumulus state of a thunderstorm.

Correct answer: Violent thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Cumulonimbus Mamma clouds, also known as mammatus clouds, are distinctive pouch-like structures that hang from the underside of a cloud, typically a cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) cloud. Their presence is often indicative of extremely unstable air and strong updrafts and downdrafts within a severe thunderstorm, frequently associated with violent thunderstorms and even tornadoes.

Question 25: Which conditions result in the formation of frost?

The temperature of the collecting surface is at or below freezing when small droplets of moisture fall on the surface.
The temperature of the collecting surface is at or below the dewpoint of the adjacent air and the dewpoint is below freezing. (Correct answer)
The temperature of the surrounding air is at or below freezing when small drops of moisture fall on the collecting surface.

Correct answer: The temperature of the collecting surface is at or below the dewpoint of the adjacent air and the dewpoint is below freezing.

Frost forms when the temperature of a collecting surface is at or below the dewpoint of the adjacent air, and crucially, the dewpoint itself is below freezing (0°C). In this process, water vapor in the air sublimates directly into ice crystals on the cold surface, bypassing the liquid phase. This requires both the surface and the air's saturation point to be below freezing.

Question 26: One weather phenomenon which will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the

wind direction. (Correct answer)
type of precipitation.
stability of the air mass.

Correct answer: wind direction.

A front is the boundary between two different air masses, and these air masses typically have distinct characteristics, including temperature, moisture, and most notably, wind direction. As an aircraft crosses a front, it transitions from one air mass to another, resulting in an observable and often abrupt change in wind direction due to the convergence or divergence of airflows associated with the frontal boundary.

Question 27: (Refer to Figure 15.) What is the valid period for the TAF for KMEM?

1200Z to 1200Z.
1200Z to 1800Z.
1800Z to 2400Z. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1800Z to 2400Z.

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) includes a validity period, which indicates the timeframe for which the forecast is applicable. This period is typically represented by a four-digit group for the day and hour of the start of the forecast, followed by a slash and another four-digit group for the day and hour of the end of the forecast. For example, '1818/1824' would mean valid from the 18th at 1800Z to the 18th at 2400Z.

Question 28: When requesting weather information for the following morning, a pilot should request

an outlook briefing. (Correct answer)
a standard briefing.
an abbreviated briefing.

Correct answer: an outlook briefing.

When planning a flight for the following morning, a pilot should request an outlook briefing. This type of briefing provides an initial assessment of the weather conditions for a flight that is more than six hours away from the planned departure time. It helps pilots with preliminary planning, allowing them to anticipate potential weather challenges well in advance.

Question 29: SIGMET's are issued as a warning of weather conditions hazardous to which aircraft?

Small aircraft only.
Large aircraft only.
All aircraft. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All aircraft.

A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is a weather advisory issued for all aircraft concerning weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to all aircraft. These advisories cover severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, dust storms, sandstorms, or volcanic ash that obscure visibility to less than three miles, making them critical for all types of aviation.

Question 30: What is a characteristic of stable air?

Stratiform clouds. (Correct answer)
Unlimited visibility.
Cumulus clouds.

Correct answer: Stratiform clouds.

Stable air resists vertical displacement, meaning that vertically moving air tends to return to its original level. This characteristic leads to the formation of stratiform clouds, which are layered and spread horizontally, rather than developing vertically. Other indicators of stable air include smooth air, poor visibility, and steady precipitation.

FAA Private Pilot Weather Test 2

An almond or lens-shaped cloud which appears stationary, but which may contain winds of 50 knots or more, is referred to as