SPC - Student Pilot Certificate Aviation Weather Information Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pilot is reviewing the following METAR prior to a local flight: KOKC 182253Z 18015G25KT 10SM SCT040 25/15 A2992. What information does this report provide about the wind?
- The wind is from 180 degrees true at 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. (Correct answer)
- The wind is from 180 degrees magnetic at 15 knots.
- The visibility is 18 statute miles with winds at 15 knots.
- The wind is variable from 150 to 250 degrees at 18 knots.
Correct answer: The wind is from 180 degrees true at 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots.
In a METAR, the wind information follows the date/time group. '18015G25KT' decodes as: wind from 180 degrees true at a speed of 15 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots. It's crucial to remember that METAR wind direction is always reported in true north.
Question 2: You are planning a cross-country flight and are concerned about potential icing conditions. Which of the following weather advisories is most pertinent to your flight planning?
- An AIRMET Sierra for mountain obscuration.
- A Convective SIGMET for embedded thunderstorms.
- An AIRMET Zulu for moderate icing and freezing levels. (Correct answer)
- A TAF indicating calm winds.
Correct answer: An AIRMET Zulu for moderate icing and freezing levels.
AIRMETs are advisories for weather that may be hazardous to light aircraft. Specifically, an AIRMET Zulu is issued for moderate icing and defines the freezing levels, which is critical information for avoiding icing conditions. AIRMET Sierra deals with IFR conditions and mountain obscuration, and a Convective SIGMET warns of severe thunderstorm activity.
Question 3: Which of the following weather products provides a forecast of weather conditions expected at a specific airport for a specified period, typically 24-30 hours?
- Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)
- Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) (Correct answer)
- Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR)
- Area Forecast (FA)
Correct answer: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is a weather forecast for the 5 statute mile radius around an airport. It is issued several times a day and is valid for a 24 or 30-hour period. A METAR provides current conditions, not a forecast. A PIREP is a report from a pilot in flight. An FA covers a broad geographical area.
Question 4: During a preflight briefing, you are told that the temperature is 15°C and the dew point is 12°C at your departure airport. What potential weather concern should this information raise?
- The close temperature-dew point spread indicates a high likelihood of carburetor icing.
- These conditions are ideal for the formation of fog or low clouds. (Correct answer)
- The high temperature indicates a risk of severe thunderstorms.
- There is no significant weather concern with this temperature-dew point spread.
Correct answer: These conditions are ideal for the formation of fog or low clouds.
When the temperature and dew point are close together (typically within 3-5°C), the air is close to saturation. This proximity increases the likelihood of fog, mist, or low clouds forming, which could adversely affect visibility for a VFR flight.
Question 5: A student pilot is on a solo cross-country flight and encounters unforecast weather that is more severe than anticipated. Which type of in-flight weather advisory would warn of severe turbulence that is hazardous to all aircraft?
- AIRMET Tango
- Center Weather Advisory (CWA)
- SIGMET (Correct answer)
- Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)
Correct answer: SIGMET
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is issued for weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to all aircraft. This includes severe turbulence, severe icing, widespread dust storms, sandstorms, or volcanic ash. AIRMET Tango is for moderate turbulence. A CWA is an advisory for air traffic control, and a PIREP is a report from a pilot.
Question 6: In a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), what does the code 'BECMG 1820 30015KT' indicate?
- Temporarily between 1800Z and 2000Z, the wind will be from 300 degrees at 15 knots.
- From 1800Z, the wind is forecast to be 300 degrees at 15 knots.
- There is a 30% probability of winds from 150 degrees at 18 knots.
- A gradual change in wind conditions to 300 degrees at 15 knots is expected between 1800Z and 2000Z. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A gradual change in wind conditions to 300 degrees at 15 knots is expected between 1800Z and 2000Z.
The term 'BECMG' in a TAF indicates a gradual change in weather conditions that is expected to occur over the specified time period. In this case, 'BECMG 1820' means that between 1800Z and 2000Z, the wind will gradually become 300 degrees at 15 knots.
SPC - Student Pilot Certificate Aviation Weather Information Questions and Answers 1
A pilot is reviewing the following METAR prior to a local flight: KOKC 182253Z 18015G25KT 10SM SCT040 25/15 A2992.
What information does this report provide about the wind?