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

SIGMETs are issued for hazardous weather significant to all aircraft, including severe turbulence, severe icing, and widespread dust or sandstorms lowering visibility below 3 miles.

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

Prognostic (prog) charts depict forecast surface weather including fronts, pressure systems, and precipitation areas at 12- and 24-hour intervals.

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

A rotating airport beacon operating during daylight hours indicates that the airport is in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) — ceiling below 1,000 feet and/or visibility below 3 miles.

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

The ISA standard lapse rate is approximately 2°C (3.5°F) per 1,000 feet of altitude gain in the troposphere.

Question 5

Virga is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground

Answer

Virga is streaks or wisps of precipitation falling from clouds that evaporate in the dry air below before reaching the ground, and can be associated with strong downdrafts.

(SPC) Student Pilot Certificate Practice Test

(SPC) Student Pilot Certificate Practice Test

SPC Aviation Weather Information 2