AIPNZ GEN 3.5 - MET SERVICES

Question 1

METAR vs METAR AUTO?

Answer 1

METAR found at OH, MF and WP, manually entered by ATC/Flight Service. METAR AUTO issued from AWS at most other airports.

Question 2

What is a SPECI?

Answer 2

Used at METAR locations issued inbetween METAR times to show when some weather elements change signifigantly.

Question 3

What does ‘NCD” mean and where is it found?

Answer 3

NCD, used at all METAR AUTO locations, no cloud below 10,000ft at AA, WN and CH, and no cloud at any level at all other locations.

Question 4

METAR meaning of // ? /// ? //// ? ///////// ?

Answer 4

// = Weather type not detected. /// = Cannot detect TCU or CB. //// = Visibility. ///////// = Cloud not reported.

Question 5

SKC Meaning?

Answer 5

Refers to on ATIS/TAF/METAR the sky is clear. Same as NCD (METAR AUTO) however when it is observed (ATIS, METAR etc), not used by AWS.

Question 6

TAF at CH/WN/AA/OH issue and validity?

Answer 6

Issued from 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, 1800Z, valid for 30 hours. Issued within 1 hour prior to validity period. Updated every 3 hours in between and valid for 27 hours (Still ends at same validity time).

Question 7

TAF at HN issue and validity?

Answer 7

Issued from 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, 1800Z, valid for 24 hours. Issued within 1 hour prior to validity period.

Question 8

TAF at other Domestic Airports issue and validity?

Answer 8

Issued twice a day at 11 o’clock, 1200Z-0600Z (18 hours), and from 0000Z to 1200Z (12 hours).

Question 9

NSC vs CAVOK?

Answer 9

Found on TAF at CH, WN and AA.

NSC: Nil signifigant cloud and no CB or TCU.
No cloud base below: AA = 5000ft, WN = 6500ft, CH = 7000ft.

CAVOK: Cloud and Visibility okay. Visibility greater than 10km, cloud same heights as above and no CB/TCU at any heights, NSW.

Question 10

SIGWX chart?

Answer 10

These are the old school charts. Issued at 0000Z + every 6 hours. Valid for 3 hours either side. FL100-250. FL250-630.

Question 11

GNZSIGWX?

Answer 11

Graphical NZ Significant Weather, main chart we brief. SFC-FL410, SFC-FL250 & SFC-FL100. Depicts forecast turbulence, mountain waves, CBs, airframe icing and volcanic activity.

Question 12

How often are GNZSIGWX issued?

Answer 12

GNZSIGWX charts are issued four times daily;
Issue 1 at 1400Z, with validities 15–21Z and 21–03Z
Issue 2 at 2000Z, with validities 21–03Z and 03–09Z
Issue 3 at 0200Z, with validities 03–09Z and 09–15Z
Issue 4 at 0800Z, with validities 09–15Z and 15–21Z

Question 13

AIREP?

Answer 13

Generally automated reports sent from aircraft about weather conditions encountered.

Question 14

AIREP Special?

Answer 14

Also known as PIREP, Pilot Report. Used when ‘whenever weather phenomena of significance or of a hazardous nature are encountered.”

Question 15

SIGMET Issue time, and Validity?

Answer 15

Issued as required, valid for 4 hours however TC’s and VA are 6 hours.

Question 16

Where is RVR reported and under what criteria?

Answer 16

AA and CH, reported when visibility drops less than 1500m.

Question 17

Where to find details for report AIREP’s?

Answer 17

ENR 1.1 (Last page)

Question 18

Do we do normal AIREP?

Answer 18

No, only apply to CPDLC aircraft (These are automated types of reports).

Question 19

Do we do Special AIREP?

Answer 19

Yes, think of it as reporting weather that may warrant a SIGMET to be reported.

Question 20

TEMPO?

Answer 20

Between stated times, means a weather change lasting less than 1 hour at times.

Question 21

TTL

Answer 21

Trend Type Landing Forecast