Wx/Planning Maybe

Question 1

How are cloud heights presented in TAFs, ATIS, GAFs, METAR?

Answer 1

Above the aerodrome (AGL)
- TAF, ATIS, METAR

AMSL
- GAF

Question 2

When is wind presented as true vs magnetic?

Answer 2

If you read it, it’s true. If you hear it, it’s magnetic.

Question 3

How long are INTER and TEMPO and how can you remember the difference?

Answer 3

T = Time (longer time) = TEMPO = 60 Mins
Therefore, INTER = 30mins

Question 4

If an INTER and TEMPO are both on the TAF for the relevant time for landing, how much extra fuel is the pilot to carry?

Answer 4

The pilot is only required to carry the longer of the two, therefore TEMPO fue

Question 5

If a TEMPO starts at 1400 but you are landing at 1330, do you have to carry TEMPO fuel for that LDG?

Answer 5

Yes, the pilot has to carry TEMPO fuel if landing during or 30 mins or less prior to the TEMPO starting (Unless its a TAF3)

Question 6

If a TEMPO ends at 1000 but you are landing at 1030, do you have to carry TEMPO fuel for that LDG?

Answer 6

• Yes, because in a normal TAF a half hour buffer exists either side of the times

Question 7

If you have a TAF 3, how does that effect fuel decisions?

Answer 7

• In a normal TAF, a buffer of 30mins applies to INTER and TEMPO fuel before and after landing. This is not required if it is a TAF3

Question 8

What is the phnuemonic used to remeber all the points relevant to alternate decision making?

Answer 8

• Alternates could very well prove life saving (ACVWPLS)

Question 9

Regarding alternates, what does the Pneumonic “Alternates could very well prove life saving” (ACVWPLS) mean?

Answer 9

A: Aids, needs to have two ways of making the approach (ILS or RNAV)
C: Cloud, if below the approach minima +500ft, you will need an alternate (1FTS)
V: Visibility, if below the approach vis +2000m, alternate is required (1FTS)
W: Wind, if forecast XWind is greater than XWIND limits and no 2nd runway you need an alternate
P: Provisional forecast, if used in remote areas with poor forecasting, you need an alternate
L: Lighting, if limited lighting you will need an alternate
S: Storms, you will need an alternate

Question 10

How does a TAF 3 work and under what conditions does it reduce buffers on INTER and TEMPO?

Answer 10

• A TAF3 effectively means that the TAF is being more closely watched by someone at the BOM, the benefits of the TAF 3 can be applied to the first 3 hours of the prediction

Question 11

What is the difference between PA and DA?

Answer 11

PA = Airdensity calculated for QNH (1 HpA = 30ft)
DA = PA corrected for temp (1ºC = 120ft)

Question 12

What are the aircraft perf categories?

Answer 12

Cat 0 - Can’t hover IGE
Cat 1 - HIGE only when TOP
Cat 2 - HIGE @ MCP
Cat 3 - HOGE only when TOP
Cat 4 - HOGE @ MCP