SPC Aviation Weather Information 2

Question 1

What does a SIGMET (WS) warn pilots about?

Accepted Answer

Severe or extreme turbulence, severe icing, or widespread dust/sandstorms

Answer

Surface wind gusts above 15 knots

Answer

Forecast freezing levels below 5,000 feet

Answer

Visibility reductions due to fog at destination airports

Question 2

Which weather product provides a pilot with the forecasted position of fronts, pressure centers, and precipitation for a 12 to 24 hour period?

Accepted Answer

Prog chart (Prognostic chart)

Answer

Constant pressure analysis chart

Answer

Surface analysis chart

Answer

Weather depiction chart

Question 3

An Airport/Facility Directory (Chart Supplement) lists a rotating beacon operating during daylight hours. This indicates the airport is located in an area of:

Accepted Answer

Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)

Answer

Class B airspace

Answer

Uncontrolled airspace

Answer

Restricted area proximity

Question 4

What is the standard temperature lapse rate in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) below 36,000 feet?

Accepted Answer

2°C per 1,000 feet

Answer

3°C per 1,000 feet

Answer

3.5°F per 1,000 feet

Answer

2°F per 1,000 feet

Question 5

Virga is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground

Answer

Ice crystals forming at high altitudes that produce halos around the sun

Answer

Fog that forms along coastlines due to warm moist air

Answer

Rotor clouds forming in the lee of mountains

Question 6

What is the primary hazard associated with flying through an area of virga?

Accepted Answer

Unexpected strong downdrafts and microburst-like wind shear

Answer

Severe icing on airframe surfaces

Answer

Reduced visibility below VFR minimums

Answer

Carburetor icing in piston engines

Question 7

A Convective SIGMET (WST) is issued for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Severe or extreme turbulence, or a line of thunderstorms at least 60 miles long

Answer

Moderate turbulence between 15,000 and 25,000 feet MSL

Answer

Any convective activity within 50 miles of a Class C airport

Answer

Thunderstorm tops above flight level 250