Quiz: Can You Answer These 6 Aviation Weather Questions?

Boldmethod

Think you can answer all 6?

1) Most weather reported in a METAR observation is within _____ of the airport's location point.

Most weather reported in an observation is within 5 statute miles of the airport's location point. This weather is considered "on airport," and observations do not use a code to identify it.

Most weather reported in an observation is within 5 statute miles of the airport's location point. This weather is considered "on airport," and observations do not use a code to identify it.
2) A ____ is an unscheduled observation taken when there is a significant change in the weather. ____ reports help alert pilots about rapidly changing weather conditions at an airport.

There are two types of weather observations: METAR and SPECI. METARs, which are reported once per hour, are the most common type of observation. A SPECI is an unscheduled observation taken when there is a significant change in the weather. SPECI reports help alert pilots about rapidly changing weather conditions at airports. Fortunately, METARs and SPECIs are coded using the same format.

There are two types of weather observations: METAR and SPECI. METARs, which are reported once per hour, are the most common type of observation. A SPECI is an unscheduled observation taken when there is a significant change in the weather. SPECI reports help alert pilots about rapidly changing weather conditions at airports. Fortunately, METARs and SPECIs are coded using the same format.
3) What weather report can you use to find forecasted altitudes for cloud tops?

The Graphical Area Forecast gives you forecasted cloud tops.

The Graphical Area Forecast gives you forecasted cloud tops.
4) You see these clouds high in the sky. What are they?

Simon Eugster

These are Cirrus clouds.

These are Cirrus clouds.
5) At 9,000 feet MSL above GFK, what is the wind speed and direction?

Boldmethod

The wind above GFK at 9,000 feet is from 310 degrees, and blows at 25 knots. First, find the 9000 foot altitude column, and then go down to the GFK row. "3125" can be divided into "31," which designates 310 degrees, and "25," meaning 25 knots.

The wind above GFK at 9,000 feet is from 310 degrees, and blows at 25 knots. First, find the 9000 foot altitude column, and then go down to the GFK row. "3125" can be divided into "31," which designates 310 degrees, and "25," meaning 25 knots.
6) As you arrive at the airport, you see this weather surrounding the mountains nearby. What AIRMET would you expect during a weather briefing?

Boldmethod

An AIRMET SIERRA is issued when an area 3,000 square miles or more is affected by IFR conditions, mountain obscuration, or IFR and mountain obscuration. Since you see low clouds covering the mountaintops, you might expect to find an AIRMET SIERRA during your weather briefing.

An AIRMET SIERRA is issued when an area 3,000 square miles or more is affected by IFR conditions, mountain obscuration, or IFR and mountain obscuration. Since you see low clouds covering the mountaintops, you might expect to find an AIRMET SIERRA during your weather briefing.