A common type of ground or surface based temperature inversion is that which is produced by
Ground radiation on clear, cool nights when the wind is light.
AW
The primary cause of all changes in the Earth's weather is
Variation of solar energy received by the Earth's regions.
AW
A characteristic of the stratosphere is
Relatively small changes in temperature with an increase in altitude.
AW
Steady precipitation, in contrast to shower, preceding a front is an indication of
Stratiform clouds with little or no turbulence.
AW
The presence of ice pellets at the surface is evidence that
there is freezing rain at a higher altitude.
AW
Which conditions result in the formation of frost?
Temperature of the collecting surface is below the dewpoint of surrounding air and the dewpoint is colder than freezing.
AW
To which meteorological condition does the term "dewpoint" refer?
The temperature to whcih air must be cooled to become saturated.
AW
What temperature condition is indicated if wet snow is encountered at your flight altitude?
The temperature is above freezing at your altitude.
AW
The amount of water vapor which air can hold largely depends on
air temperature
AW
Clouds, fog, or dew will always form when
water vapor condenses.
AW
What causes surface winds to flow across the isobars at an angle rather than parallel to the isobars?
surface friction
AW
Winds at 5,000 ft AGL on a particular fligth are southwesterly while most of the surface winds are southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to
Friction between the wind and the surface.
AW
What relationship exists between the winds at 2,000 ft above the surface and the surface winds?
The winds at 2,000 ft tend to parallel the isobars while the surface winds across the isobars at an angle toward lower pressure and are weaker.
AW
Which force, in the Northern Hemisphere, acts at a right angle to the wind and deflects it to the right until parallel to the isobars?
Coriolis.
AW
The most frequent type of ground or surface based temperature inversion is that produced by
Radiation on a clear, relatively still night.
AW
What feature is associated with a temperature inversion?
A stable layer of air.
AW
What type of clouds will be formed if very stable moist air is forced upslope?
Stratified clouds with little vertical development.
AW
The general characteristics of unstable air are
good visibility, showery precipitation, and cumuliform type clouds.
AW
Which is a characteristic of stable air?
Stratiform clouds
AW
Why type clouds can be expected when an unstable air mass is forced to ascend a mountain slope?
Clouds with extensive vertical development.
AW
What are the characteristics of stable air?
Poor visibility, steady precipitation, and stratus type clouds.
AW
What are some characteristics of unstable air?
Turbulence and good surface visibility.
AW
Stability can be determined from which measurement of the atmosphere?
Ambient lapse rate.
AW
What determines the structure or type of clouds which form as a result of air being forced to ascend?
The stability of the air before lifting occurs.
AW
Which of the following combinations of weather producing variables would likely result in cumuliform type clouds, good visibility, rain showers, and possible clear type icing in clouds?
Unstable, moist air, and orographic lifting.
AW
Unsaturated air flowing upslope will cool at the rate of approximately (dry adiabatic lapse rate)
3C per 1,000 ft
AW
A temperature inversion will normally form only
in stable air.
AW
Frontal waves normally form on
slow moving cold fronts or stationary fronts.
AW
Which are characteristics of an unstable cold air mass moving over a warm surface?
Cumuliform clouds, turbulence, and good visibility.
AW
The suffix "nimbus", used in naming clouds, means a
raincloud.
AW
What are the four families of clouds?
high, middle, low, and those with extensive vertical development.
AW
Which weather phenomenon is always associated with the passage of a frontal system?
A wind change.
AW
What is indicated by the term "embedded thunderstorms"?
Thunderstorms are obscured by massive cloud layers and cannot be seen.
AW
Fair weather cumulus clouds often indicate
turbulence at and below the cloud level.
AW
The average height of the troposphere in the middle latitudes is
37,500 ft.
AW
A high cloud is composed mostly of
ice crystals.
AW
An air mass is a body of air that
Covers an extensive area and has fairly uniform properties of temperature and moisture.
AW
What enhances the growth rate of precipitation?
Upward currents.
AW
Which precipitation type normally indicates freezing rain at higher altitudes?
Ice pellets.
AW
The strength and location of the jetstream is normally
weaker and farther north in the summer.
AW
Which weather conditions should be expected beneath a low level temperature inversion layer when the relative humidity is high?
Smooth air and poor visibility due to fog, haze, or low clouds.
AW
Which feature is associated with the tropopause?
Abrupt change in temperature lapse rate.
AW
Which is true regarding the use of airborne weather-avoidance radar for the recognition of certain weather conditions?
The radarscope provides no assurance of avoiding instrument weather conditions.
AC 00-24B
If the air temperature is +8C at an elevation of 1,350 ft and a standard (average) temperature lapse rate exists, what will be the approximate freezing level?
5,350 ft MSL.
AW
Which weather phenomenon signals the beginning of the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
The start of rain at the surface.
AW
Which clouds have the greatest turbulence?
Cumulonimbus.
AW
Standing lenticular clouds, in mountainous areas, indicate
turbulence.
AW
The presence of standing lenticular altocumulus clouds is a good indication of
very strong turbulence.
AW
Which family of clouds is least likely to contribute to structural icing on an aircraft?
high clouds
AW
Where can wind shear associated with a thunderstorm be found? Choose the most complete answer.
On all sides of the thunderstorm cell and directly under the cell.
AW
Where do squall lines most often develop?
Ahead of a cold front.
AW
Where does wind shear occur?
With either a wind shift or a windspeed gradient at any level in the atmosphere.
AW
What is an important characteristic of wind shear?
It may be associated with either a wind shift or a windspeed gradient at any level in the atmosphere.
AIM, AW
Which is a characteristic of low level wind shear as it relates to frontal activity?
With a warm front, the most critical period is before the front passes the airport.
AW
During the life cycle of a thunderstorm, which stage is characterized predominantly by downdrafts?
Dissipating.
AW
Which weather phenomenon is always associated with a thunderstorm?
Lightning.
AW
Which thunderstorms generally produce the most sever conditions, such as heavy hail and destructive winds?
Squall line.
AW
What is an indication that downdrafts have developed and the thunderstorm cell has entered the mature stage?
Precipitation begins to fall from the cloud base.
AW
What are the requirements for the formation of a thunderstorm?
Sufficient moisture, an unstable lapse rate, and a lifting action.
AW
What is an important characteristic of wind shear?
It is an atmospheric condition that may be associated with a low level temperature inversion, a jet stream, or a frontal zone.
AW
Why is frost considered hazardous to flight operation?
Frost causes early airflow separation resulting in a loss of lift.
AW
In which meteorological environment is aircraft structural icing most likely to have the highest rate of accumulation?
Freezing rain.
AW
What is an operational consideration if you fly into rain which freezes on impact?
Temperatures are above freezing at some higher altitude.
AW
Under which condition does advection fog usually form?
Moist air moving over colder ground or water.
AW
If you fly into severe turbulence, which flight condition should you attempt to maintain?
Level flight attitude.
AW
Which weather condition can be expected when moist air flows from a relatively warm surface to a colder surface?
Fog
AW
Fog is usually prevalent in industrial areas because of
an abundance of condensation nuclei from combustion products.
AW
In which situation is advection fog most likely to form?
An air mass moving inland from the coast in winter.
AW
In what localities is advection fog most likely to occur?
Coastal areas.
AW
What types of fog depend upon a wind in order to exist?
Advection fog and upslope fog.
AW
What situation is most conducive to the formation of radiation fog?
Warm, moist air over low, flatland areas on clear, calm nights.
AW
Which conditions are favorable for the formation of radiation fog?
Clear sky, little or no wind, small temperature/dewpoint spread, and over a land surface.
AWS
Test data indicate that ice, snow, or frost having a thickness and roughness similar to medium or coarse sandpaper on the leading edge and upper surface of an airfoil can
reduce lift by as much as 30 percent and increase drag by 40 percent.
AC 20-117
A pilot reporting turbulence that momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude should report it as
light turbulence.
AIM
Hazardous wind shear is commonly encountered near the ground
during period of strong temperature inversion and near thunderstorms.
AWS
What is the expected duration of an individual microburst?
Seldom longer than 15 minutes from the time the burst strikes the ground until dissipation.
AIM
Maximum downdrafts in a microburst encounter may be as strong as
6,000 ft per minute
AIM
An aircraft that encounters a headwind of 45 knots, within a microburst, may expect a total shear across the microburst of
90 knots.
AIM
(Refer to figure 13)
If involved in a microburst encounter, in which aircraft positions will the most severe downdraft occur?
3 and 4.
AIM
(Refer to figure 13)
When penetrating a microburst, which aircraft will experience an increase in performance without a change in pitch or power?
1
AIM
(Refer to figure 13)
The aircraft in position 3 will experience which effet in a microburst encounter?
Strong downdraft.
AIM
(Refer to figure 13)
What effect will a microburst encounter have upon the aircraft in position 4?
Strong tailwind.
AIM
(Refer to figure 13)
How will the aircraft in position 4 be affected by a microburst encounter?
Performance decreasing with a tailwind and downdraft.
AIM
What wind condition prolongs the hazards of wake turbulence on alanding runway for the longest period of time?
Light quartering tailwind.
AIM
Wake turbulence is near maximum behind a jet transport just after takeoff because
of the high angle of attack and high gross weight.
AIM
What effect would a light crosswind of approximately 7 knots have on vortex behavior?
The upwind vortex would tend to remain over the runway.
AIM
When landing behind a large jet aircraft, at which point on the runway should you plan to land?
Beyond the jet's touchdown point.
AIM
When passing through an abrupt wind shear which involves a shift from a tailwind to a headwind, what power management would normally be required to maintain a constant indicated airspeed and ILS glide slope?
Lower than normal power initially, followed by a further increase as the wind shear is encountered, then a decrease.
AC 00-54
What effect will a change in wind direction have upon maintaining a 3 degree glide slope at a constant true airspeed?
When groundspeed increases, rate of descent must increase.
AC 00-54
While flying a 3 degree glide slope, a constant tailwind shears to a calm wind. Which conditions should the pilot expect?
Airspeed and pitch attitude increase and there is a tendency to go above glide slope.
AC 00-54
Under which conditions is hydroplaning most likely to occur?
During conditions of standign water, slush, high speed, and smooth runway texture.
AFH
Thrust is managed to maintain IAS, and glide slope is being flown. What characteristics should be observed when a headwind shears to be a constant tailwind?
Pitch attitude: decreases
Required thrust: increased, then reduced.
Vertical speed: increases
IAS: increases, then decreases to approach speed
AC 00-54
While flying a 3 degree glide slope, a headwind shears to a tailwind. Which conditions should the pilot expect on the glide slope?
Airspeed and pitch attitude decrease and there is a tendency to go below glide slope.
AC 00-54
What effect does haze have on the ability to see traffic or terrain features during flight?
Haze creates the illusion of being a greater distance than actual from the runway, and causes pilots to fly a lower approach.
AIM
When a climb or descent through an inversion or wind shear zone is being performed, the pilot should be alert for which of the following change in airplane performance?
A sudden change in airspeed.
AW
The body of a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) covers a geographical proximity within a
5 statute mile radius from the center of an airport runway complex.
AWS
What wind direction and speed is represented by the entry 9000+00 for 9,000 ft, on a Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FD)?
Light and variable; less than 5 knots.
AWS
What does a Convective Outlook (AC) describe for a following 24 hours period?
General thunderstorm activity.
AWS
Which primary source should be used to obtain forecast weather information at your destination for the planned ETA?
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
AWS
A "VRB" wind entry in a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) will be indicated when the wind is
3 knots or less.
AWS
When the visibility is greater than 6 SM on a TAF it is expressed as
P6SM
AWS
"WND" in the categorical outlook in the Aviation Area Forecast (FA) means that the wind during that period is forecast to be
sustained surface wind speed of 20 knots or stronger.
AWS
What is the forecast wind at 1800z in the following TAF?
KMEM 091740Z 091818 00000KT 1/2SM RAFG OVC005=
Calm
AIM, AWS
What significant sky condition is reported in this METAR observation?
METAR KBNA 091250Z 33018KT 290V360 1/2SM R31/2700FT +SN BLSNGF VV008 00/M03 A2991 RMK RAE42SNB42
Sky is obscured with vertical visibility of 800 ft.
AIM, AWS
When are sever weather watch bulletins (WW) issued?
Unscheduled and issued as required.
AWS
When is the temperature at one of the forecast altitudes omitted at a specific location or station in the Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FD)?
For the 3,000 ft altitude (level) or when the level is within 2,500 feet of station elevation.
AWS
When is the wind group at one of the forecast altitudes omitted at a specific location or station in the Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FD)? When the win
at the altitude is within 1,500 ft of the station elevation.
AWS
Decode the excerpt from the Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FD) for OKC at 39,000 ft
FT: 39000
OKC: 830558
Wind 330 at 50 knots, temperature -58C
AWS
Which values are used for winds aloft forecast?
True direction and knots.
AWS
(Refer to figure 2)
What approximate wind direction, speed, and temperature (relative to ISA) should a pilot expect when planning for a flight over PSB at FL 270?
255 true at 93 knots; ISA +6C
AWS
(Refer to figure 2)
What approximate wind direction, speed, and temperature (relative to ISA) should a pilot expect when planning for a flight over ALB at FL 270?
275 true at 97 knots; ISA +4C
AWS
(Refer to figure 2)
What approximate wind direction, speed, and temperature (relative to ISA) should a pilot expect when planning for a flight over EMI at FL 270?
265 true; 100 knots; ISA +3C
AWS
The station originating the following weather report has a field elevation of 1,300 ft MSL. From the bottom of the overcast cloud layer, what is its thickness? (tops of OVC are reported at 3800 feet)
SPECI KOKC 092228Z 28025G36KT 3/4SM BKN008 OVC020 28/23 A3000
500 ft.
AIM, AWS
Which response most closely interprets the following PIREP?
UA/OV OKC 063064/TM 1522/FL080TP C172/TA-04/WV 245040/TB LGT/RM IN CLR
64 nautical miles on the 63 degree radial from Oklahoma City VOR at 1522 UTC, flight level 8,000 ft. Type of aircraft is a Cessna 172.
AWS
A station is forecasting wind and temperature aloft at FL 390 to be 300 at 200 knots; temperature -54C. How would this data be encoded in the FD?
809954
AWS
Are forecasts generally include a forecast period of 18 hours and cover a geographical
area the size of several states.
AWS
"WND" in the categorical outlook in the Aviation Area Forecast means that the wind during that period is forecast to be
sustained surface wind speed of 20 knots or greater.
AWS
A ceiling is defined as the height of the
lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena aloft that is reported as broken or overcast.
AWS
The reporting station originating this Aviation Routine Weather Report has a field elevation of 620 ft. If the reported sky cover is one continuous layer, what is its thickness? (tops of OVC are reported at 6,500 ft)
METAR KMDW 121856Z AUTO 32005KT 1 1/2SM +RABR OVC007 17/16 A2980
5,180 ft
AIM, AWS
What is the wind shear forecast in the following TAF?
TAF KCVG 231051Z 231212 12012KT 4SM -RA BR OVC008 WS005/27050KT TEMPO 1719 1/2SM -RA FG FM1930 09012KT 1 SM-DZ BR VV003 BECMG 2021 5SM HZ=
500 ft AGL from 270 at 50 kt
AIM, AWS
What is meant by the entry in the remarks section of METAR surface report for KBNA
METAR KBNA 211250Z 33018KT 290V260 1/2SM R31/2700FT +SN BLSNFG VV008 00/M03 A2991 RMK RAE42SNB42
Rain ended 42 past the hour, snow began 42 past the hour
AIM, AWS
What information is provided by a Convective Outlook (AC)?
It provides prospects of both general and severe thunderstorm activity during the following 24 hours.
AWS
Interpret this PIREP
MRB UA/OV MRB/TM1430/FL060/TPC182/SK BKN BL/WX RA/TB MDT
At 6,000 ft; between layers; moderate turbulence; moderate rain.
AWS
Which weather forecast describes prospects for an area coverage of both severe and general thunderstorms during the following 24 hours?
Convective outlook.
AWS
From which primary source should you obtain information regarding the weather expected to exist at your destination at your estimated time of arrival?
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
AIM, AWS
AIRMET's are issued on a scheduled basis every
six hours
AIM
Which meteorological condition is issued in the form of a SIGMET (WS)?
Widespread sand or dust storms affecting at least 3,000 square miles or an area deemed to have a significant effect on the safety of aircraft oprations.
AIM
What important information is provided by the Radar Summary chart that is not shown on other weather charts?
Lines and cells of hazardous thunderstorms.
AWS
What flight planning information can a pilot derive from constant pressure charts?
Winds and temperatures aloft.
AWS
(Refer to figure 4)
Wha tis the meaning of a bracket (]) plotted to the right of the station circle on a weather depiction chart?
The station is an automated observation location.
AWS
(Refer to figure 4)
the Weather Depiction Chart indicates the heaviest precipitation is occurring
north central Minnesota.
AWS
(Refer to figure 4)
The Weather Depiction Chart in the area of northwestern Wyoming, indicates
500-ft ceilings and continuous rain, less than 3 miles visibility.
AWS
The Surface Analysis Chart depicts
actual frontal positions, pressure patterns, temperature, dewpoint, wind, weather, and obstructions to vision at the valid time of the chart.
AWS
The Low-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart depicts weather conditions
that are forecast to exist at a valid time shown on the chart.
AWS
Which meteorological conditions are depicted by a prognostic chart?
Conditions forecast to exist at a specific time shown on the chart.
AWS
(Refer to figure 5)
What is the meaning of the symbol depicted as used on the US Low-Level Significant Weather Prog Chart?
Shower precipitation (e.g. rain showers) embedded in an area of continuous rain covering half or more of the area.
AWS
A prognostic chart depicts the conditions
forecast to exist at a specific time in the future.
AWS
(Refer to figure 18)
(SFC PROG) A planned low altitude flight from northern Florida to southern Florida or 00z is likely to encounter
showery precipitation, thunderstorms/rain showers covering half or more of the area.
AWS
(Refer to figure 18)
The 24 hour Low LEvel Significant Weather Prog at 12Z indicates that southwestern West Virginia will likely experience
ceilings less that 1,000 ft, visibility less than 3 miles.
AWS
(Refer to figure 18)
The US Low Level Significant Weather Surface Prog Chart at 00Z indicates that northwestern Colorado and eastern Utah can expect
moderate or greater turbulence from the surface to FL 240.
AWS
(Refer to figure 18)
The chart symbols shown in the Gulf of Mexico at 12Z and extending into AL, GA, SC, and northern FL indicate a
tropical storm.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What weather conditions are depicted within the area indicated by arrow E?
Occasional cumulonimbus, 1/8 to 4/8 coverage, bases below 24,000 ft MSL, and tops at 40,000 ft MSL.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What weather conditions are depicted within the area indicated by arrow D?
Forecast isolated embedded cumulonimbus clouds with tops at 43,000 ft MSL, and less than 1/8 coverage.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What weather conditions are predicted within the area indicated by arrow C?
Moderate turbulence at 32,000 ft MSL
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What weather conditions are depicted within the area indicated by arrow B?
Moderate turbulence from below 24,000 ft MSL to 37,000 ft MSL
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What information is indicated by arrow A?
The height of the tropopause in hundreds of feet above MSL.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
What weather conditions are depicted within the area indicated by arrow F?
Occasionally embedded cumulonimbus, bases below 24,000 ft with tops to 48,000 ft.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow A on the Radar Summary Chart?
Strong to very strong echoes; echo tops 30,000 ft MSL; thunderstorms and rain showers.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow D on the Radar Summary Chart?
Intense to extreme echoes within the smallest contour, echo tops 29,000 ft MSL, and cell movement toward the northeast at 50 knots.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
The area indicated by arrow H indicates
moderate turbulence at and below 34,000 ft.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow C on the Radar Summary Chart?
Area movement toward the northeast, strong to very strong echoes, and echo tops 28,000 ft MSL
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow B on the Radar Summary Chart?
Weak to moderate echoes, rain showers increasing in intensity.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow E on the Radar Summary Chart?
Highest echo tops 30,000 ft MSL, weak to moderate echoes, thunderstorms and rain shower, and cell movement toward northwest at 15 knots.
AWS
For most efective use of the Radar Summary Chart during preflight planning, a pilot should
know the chart displays precipitation only; it does not display clouds, fog, fronts, or other boundaries.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow G on the Radar Summary Chart?
Echo bases 10,000 ft MSL; cell movement toward northeast at 15 knots; weak to moderate echoes; rain.
AWS
(Refer to figure 8)
What weather conditions are depicted in the area indicated by arrow F on the Radar Summary Chart?
Line of echoes; thunderstorms; highest echo tops 45,000 ft MSL; no line movement indicated.
AWS
(Refer to figure 9)
The Severe Weather Outlook Chart, which is used primarily for advance planning, provides what information?
A 24-hour severe weather outlook for possible thunderstorm activity.
AWS
(Refer to figure 9)
Using the DAY 2 CONVECTIVE OUTLOOK, what type of thunderstorms, if any, may be encountered on a flight from Montana to central California?
General
AWS
(Refer to figure 20)
What is the maximum wind velocity forecast in the jet stream shown on the high level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart over Canada?
130 knots.
AWS
(Refer to figure 20)
What is the height of the tropopause over Kentucky?
FL340
AWS
(Refer to figure 12)
What is the approximate wind direction and velocity at 34,000 ft (see arrow C)?
290 at 50 knots
AWS
(Refer to figure 12)
The wind direction and velocity on the Observed Winds Aloft Chart (see arrow A) is indicated from the
southwest at 35 knots.
AWS
(Refer to figure 9)
What type of thunderstorm activity is expected over Montana on April 4th at 0800z?
None.
AWS
(Refer to figure 12)
What is the approximate wind direction and velocity at CVG at 34,000 ft (see arrow A)?
230 at 35 knots
AWS
(Refer to figure 12)
What is the approximate wind direction and velocity at BOI (See arrow B)?
250 at 95 knots.
AWS
(Refer to figure 7)
The symbol on the US HIGH LEVEL SIGNIFICANT WEATHER PROG, indicated by arrow G, represents the
height of the tropopause.
AWS
SIGMET's are issued as a warning of weather conditions potentially hazardous
to all aircraft.
AIM
Which meteorological condition is issued in the form of a SIGMET (WS)?
Widespread sand or duststorms affecting at least 3,000 square miles or an area deemed to have a significant effect on the safety of aircraft operations.
AIM
Which forecast provides specific information concerning expected sky cover, cloud tops, visibility, weather, and obstructions to vision in a route format?
249 TWEB 252317.
AWS
What is the maximum forecast period for AIRMETs?
Six hours.
AIM
The Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS) is a continuous broadcast over selected VORs of
SIGMETs, CONVECTIVE SIGMETs, AIRMETs, Severe Weather Forecasts Alerts (AWW), and Center Weather Advisories.
AIM
What does the Runway Visual Range (RVR) value, depicted on certain straight-in IAP Charts, represent?
The horizontal distance a pilot should see when looking down the runway from a moving aircraft.
AIM
On what frequency should you obtain En Route Flight Advisory Service below FL 180?
122.0
AIM