UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Aviation Weather Sources Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A remote pilot is planning a flight for later in the day. Which weather product should be consulted to get an understanding of the forecast conditions expected at the specific destination airport around the planned flight time?
- A METAR, because it provides a detailed report of current surface weather observations.
- A TAF, because it provides a forecast of expected weather conditions for a 5-statute mile radius around an airport. (Correct answer)
- A PIREP, because it contains real-time, in-flight observations from other pilots.
- A Convective SIGMET, because it warns of severe thunderstorm activity.
Correct answer: A TAF, because it provides a forecast of expected weather conditions for a 5-statute mile radius around an airport.
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is the correct source for future planning at a specific airport. While a METAR provides current conditions, a TAF forecasts weather for a 24 to 30-hour period within a 5-statute mile radius of an airport, making it ideal for planning flights later in the day.
Question 2: A remote pilot is reviewing the following METAR: KLAX 182154Z 25015G25KT 10SM SCT040 23/11 A2992. What information can be derived from this report for a planned sUAS operation?
- The wind is from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, and the sky is overcast at 4,000 feet.
- Visibility is 10 nautical miles, and the temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The wind is from 250 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
- The altimeter setting is 29.92 inches of mercury, and there are scattered clouds at 400 feet AGL.
Correct answer: The wind is from 250 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL.
This METAR indicates winds from 250 degrees (true north) at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots (25015G25KT), visibility of 10 statute miles (10SM), and scattered clouds at 4,000 feet Above Ground Level (SCT040). The temperature is 23°C and the dew point is 11°C (23/11), with an altimeter setting of 29.92 inHg (A2992). It is important to remember that cloud heights in METARs are given in feet AGL.
Question 3: Which of the following automated weather systems is generally more sophisticated, providing information on the type and intensity of precipitation, and is a joint effort by the NWS, FAA, and DOD?
- AWIS (Automated Weather Information Service)
- ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System) (Correct answer)
- ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
- AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System)
Correct answer: ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)
The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) is a more advanced system than the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). ASOS is a joint program of the National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense (DOD). It provides more detailed information, including the type and intensity of precipitation, which AWOS systems may not always report.
Question 4: A remote pilot needs a broad overview of weather patterns, including frontal systems and pressure centers, for a cross-country sUAS operation. Which of the following would be the most appropriate resource?
- A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
- A Pilot Report (PIREP)
- An Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)
- A Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA)
The Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) provides a comprehensive, interactive graphical display of weather observations and forecasts across the continental U.S. It is ideal for understanding the big picture, including the location of fronts, pressure systems, and widespread weather phenomena, which is crucial for planning longer flights.
Question 5: While conducting pre-flight planning, you hear on the local airport's automated broadcast that the visibility is 2 statute miles and the cloud ceiling is 700 feet. What operational limitation does this impose on an sUAS flight under Part 107?
- The flight is prohibited because minimum visibility is 5 statute miles.
- The flight is permissible as long as the sUAS remains below 400 feet AGL.
- The flight is prohibited due to visibility being less than the required 3 statute miles. (Correct answer)
- The flight is permissible, but the drone must stay at least 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
Correct answer: The flight is prohibited due to visibility being less than the required 3 statute miles.
Part 107 requires a minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station. Since the reported visibility is only 2 statute miles, the flight cannot legally be conducted without a waiver. Additionally, the drone must remain 500 feet below clouds; with a 700-foot ceiling, the maximum altitude would be 200 feet AGL, but the visibility requirement makes the flight illegal regardless.
Question 6: What is the primary difference between a METAR and a TAF?
- A METAR is a forecast for a large geographical area, while a TAF is for a specific airport.
- A METAR provides current, observed weather conditions, while a TAF is a forecast of future weather conditions. (Correct answer)
- A TAF is issued every 20 minutes, while a METAR is issued only four times a day.
- A METAR reports cloud heights in MSL, while a TAF reports them in AGL.
Correct answer: A METAR provides current, observed weather conditions, while a TAF is a forecast of future weather conditions.
The fundamental distinction is that a METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) provides a snapshot of the current weather conditions observed at an airport, typically updated hourly. A TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), on the other hand, is a forecast predicting weather conditions for the next 24-30 hours for the area around an airport.
UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Aviation Weather Sources Questions and Answers
A remote pilot is planning a flight for later in the day.
Which weather product should be consulted to get an understanding of the forecast conditions expected at the specific destination airport around the planned flight time?