SIFT Aviation Weather and Navigation Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real SIFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 SIFT Aviation Weather and Navigation Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)?
Answer: To provide a weather forecast for the area around a specific airport, valid for 24–30 hours
A TAF is an official forecast of expected weather conditions at a specific airport terminal area, typically covering a 24–30 hour period in a standardized coded format.
Which type of turbulence is caused by mechanical disruption of airflow as wind passes over irregular terrain such as hills or ridgelines?
Answer: Mechanical turbulence
Mechanical turbulence results from the physical disruption of wind flow by surface obstacles like hills, buildings, or trees, creating eddies and unpredictable air movements.
On a sectional aeronautical chart, what color is used to depict Class D controlled airspace around smaller airports with operating control towers?
Answer: Blue
Class D airspace is depicted on sectional charts with a dashed blue boundary line encircling the airport, typically extending to 2,500 feet AGL.
In Army aviation navigation, what does a magnetic compass primarily measure?
Answer: The horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction
A magnetic compass aligns with the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field, providing the pilot with a magnetic heading reference.
Which condition describes a temperature inversion, and why is it relevant to Army aviators?
Answer: Temperature increasing with altitude instead of decreasing, which can trap fog and reduce visibility near the surface
A temperature inversion reverses the normal lapse rate, creating a stable layer that traps moisture and pollutants, often producing persistent low-level fog, haze, or stratus that severely limits visibility.
What is the primary purpose of a pilot checking winds aloft forecasts (FB) before an Army aviation mission?
Answer: To plan fuel loads, true airspeeds, and estimated times en route by accounting for headwinds and tailwinds at cruise altitude
Winds aloft forecasts provide predicted wind direction and speed at various altitudes, enabling accurate fuel planning and flight time calculations for en route navigation.