PSTAR Aviation Weather and Meteorology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does METAR stand for?
- Meteorological Aerodrome Report (Correct answer)
- Monthly Environmental Terminal Air Report
- Meteorological Evaluation Terminal and Review
- Multi-Engine Terminal Airfield Report
Correct answer: Meteorological Aerodrome Report
METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report — it is the standard aviation surface weather observation format.
Question 2: In a METAR, what does 'OVC010' mean?
- Overcast at 1,000 feet AGL (Correct answer)
- Occasional clouds at 10,000 feet
- Overcast at 10 feet AGL
- One-tenth cloud coverage
Correct answer: Overcast at 1,000 feet AGL
OVC010 means an overcast sky layer with its base at 1,000 feet AGL (the number is in hundreds of feet).
Question 3: What weather product provides a forecast of expected weather along a specific route of flight?
- METAR
- Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
- Area Forecast (FA) (Correct answer)
- Winds Aloft Forecast (FB)
Correct answer: Area Forecast (FA)
The Area Forecast (FA) provides a forecast of clouds and general weather conditions over an area, useful for route planning.
Question 4: What is a SIGMET?
- A routine weather observation
- A forecast for significant meteorological conditions hazardous to all aircraft (Correct answer)
- A pilot weather report
- A surface analysis chart
Correct answer: A forecast for significant meteorological conditions hazardous to all aircraft
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) warns of weather conditions that are hazardous to all aircraft, such as severe turbulence or icing.
Question 5: What type of icing is most hazardous because it accumulates rapidly and is difficult to remove?
- Frost
- Rime ice
- Clear ice (Correct answer)
- Mixed ice
Correct answer: Clear ice
Clear ice (also called glaze ice) is most hazardous because large supercooled water droplets spread before freezing, creating a heavy, clear accumulation that disrupts airflow.
Question 6: What is the significance of a temperature-dewpoint spread of 2°C or less?
- Good flying conditions with high visibility
- High probability of fog or low clouds forming (Correct answer)
- Severe turbulence likely
- Thunderstorm development imminent
Correct answer: High probability of fog or low clouds forming
When temperature and dewpoint are within 2°C of each other, the air is near saturation and fog or low cloud formation is likely.
PSTAR Aviation Weather and Meteorology 2
What does METAR stand for?