Aviation Weather Information Flashcards
7 cards from real SPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aviation Weather Information flashcards as text
Which statement about wind shear is correct?
Answer: Wind shear is a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance and can occur at any altitude
Wind shear is defined as a rapid change in wind direction and/or speed over a short distance and can occur at any altitude — including at low levels during approach and departure.
What information is contained in a PIREP (Pilot Weather Report)?
Answer: Actual in-flight weather observations from pilots including turbulence, icing, visibility, and cloud data
PIREPs (UA) are real-time weather observations made by pilots in flight covering turbulence, icing, cloud tops/bases, visibility, and other conditions — they are among the most current weather data available.
What is the primary cause of radiation fog?
Answer: Nighttime radiational cooling of the earth's surface lowering air temperature to the dew point
Radiation fog forms on clear, calm nights when the ground radiates heat upward, cooling the surface air below the dew point — it typically forms in valleys and burns off after sunrise.
A microburst is best characterized by:
Answer: An intense localized downdraft that produces a rapidly expanding ring of winds at the surface
A microburst is an intense small-scale downdraft that, upon hitting the ground, spreads outward in all directions, creating a dangerous headwind-to-tailwind wind shear sequence for landing aircraft.
What is the standard altimeter setting source a pilot should use for flight below 18,000 feet MSL?
Answer: Current local or nearest station altimeter setting broadcast on ATIS, ASOS, or AWOS or provided by ATC
Below 18,000 feet MSL, pilots must use the current altimeter setting from the nearest station along the route, available from ATIS, ASOS/AWOS, or ATC.
Which cloud type is associated with continuous rain or snow and low ceilings?
Answer: Nimbostratus
Nimbostratus clouds are thick, dark, layer clouds that produce continuous moderate-to-heavy precipitation and are responsible for prolonged low-ceiling IMC conditions.
What action should a student pilot take when a NOTAM or weather advisory indicates a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) along the planned route?
Answer: Avoid the TFR unless specific authorization has been obtained from the controlling agency
TFRs prohibit all flight within the restricted area unless the pilot has received explicit authorization from the designated controlling agency; violation can result in certificate action and interception.