Aviation Wx reports/observations Flashcards
What is a METAR and what are the two types?
METAR - hourly surface wx observation at an airport
routine and special (SPECI) which updates a rapidly changing condition
Basic METAR elements
a. type of report (regular or speci)
b. ICAO station ID
c. Date and time (UTC)
d. Modifier (as required) AUTO (automated) AO1 or AO2 tells you what kind of precip. censor was used.
e. Wind
F. Surface visibility
g. Runway visual range (if required)
h. Wx phenomena (such as rain)
i. sky condition
j. temp/dew point spread
k. altimieter
l. remarks
What is a PIREP (UA) and where are they found?
Pilot report - only way to find actual conditions in the air - typically have cloud base/tops, locations of windshear, icing, etc.
UA - routine
UUA - urgent (oh fuck!)
found from FSS, ARTCC, or termical ATC
What is a TAF?
Terminal aerodrome forecast: expected wx conditions for a specific period of timewithin 5 SM of the airport (center of runway complex) - basically the same info as a METAR but as a forecast
What is an Aera Forecast (FA)
For the gulf of mexico, caribbean sea, and alaska - abbreviated plain language forecast for weather.
Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA)
web based graphics to provide forecast and warnings from 14 hours in the past to 15 hoursi n the future.
incudes:
TAF Ceiling/Visibility Clouds Precipitation and weather Winds Thunderstorms Turbulence Ice
Four types of inflight aviation weather advisories
SIGMET (WS) - potentially hazardous to all aircraft - severe icing not associated with TS, severe or extreme turbulence or CAT, big dust storms vis less than 3SM, volcanic ash
Convective SIGMET - severe or greater turbulence, severe icing, LLWS, surface winds 50kts+, hail, tornados, inbeded thunderstorms, line of TS, TS covering 40% of any area bigger than 3k sq/mi
AIRMET (WA) - significant weather less than SIGMET. WA sigmet is text based and G-AIRMET is graphical. Sierra AIRMET describes IFR conditions and/or extensive mountain obscurations. AIRMET Tango describes moderate turb, surface winds of 30kts+, non-convective LLWS. AIRMET Zulu describes moderate icing and freezing level heights.
Center Weather Advisory (CWA) - current conditions expected at time of issuances and/or short range forecast for within 2 hours of issuance. Not for planning. Adverse weather conditions to avoid.
Aviation Weather Charts
a. surface analysis
b. weather description
c. short-range surface prognostic
d. significant weather prognostic
e. convective outlook
f constant pressure analysis
g. freezing levels
What is surface analysis?
surface weather observations. Sealevel pressure, positions of highs/lows/ridges/troughs, location and character of fronts, various boundries between them.
Define LIFR, IFR, MVFR, VFR
LIFR: ceiling < 500 feet and/or vis < 1 SM
IFR: Ceiling 500 to less than 1k feet, and/or vis 1 to less than 3 SM
MVFR: ceiling 1k to 3k feet and/or vis 3-5SM
VFR: Ceiling greater than 3k and vis 5SM+, includes sky clear
What are short-range surface prog charts?
Surface pressure systems, fronts, and precipitations
Describe low-level sig weather prog chart
guidance for pre-flight briefings
snapshot of wx: flying categories, turbulence, freezing levels,
What is a convective outlook chart?
forecast area for severe weather. Tornados, winds 50+ knots, 3/4 inch hail, non-severe convection, and specific severe weather threats during the following 3 days. Slight, moderate, high risk categories.
What are constant pressure analysis charts?
any surface of = pressure in the atmosphere is a constant pressure surface. The chart is upper air weather map. observed air temp, wind, temp/dewpoint spread. Highs, lows, troughs, and ridges (by height contour patterns resembling isobars on a surface map.
