Aviation Weather and Meteorology Flashcards

What type of front brings rapid weather changes, thunderstorms, and brief but intense precipitation?

Answer: Cold front

Cold fronts move quickly and force warm air upward rapidly, creating narrow bands of intense weather including thunderstorms.

What does a pilot report (PIREP) provide?

Answer: Real-time weather conditions observed by pilots in flight

A PIREP is a weather report made by a pilot in flight, providing real-time observations of actual conditions encountered.

What is the freezing level?

Answer: The altitude at which the temperature equals 0°C

The freezing level is the altitude in the atmosphere where the temperature equals 0°C (32°F).

What is microburst?

Answer: A small but intense downdraft from a convective storm creating dangerous wind shear

A microburst is an intense, small-scale downdraft that hits the ground and spreads outward, creating dangerous wind shear that can overwhelm aircraft performance.

What weather feature is typically associated with the approach of a warm front?

Answer: Gradually lowering ceilings with increasing clouds and continuous precipitation

Warm fronts approach gradually with high cirrus clouds first, then progressively lower clouds, and finally continuous rain or drizzle.

Which cloud type is most associated with continuous light rain and low visibility?

Answer: Nimbostratus

Nimbostratus clouds produce continuous precipitation, low ceilings, and poor visibility — common ahead of warm fronts.