GFA Flashcards
(25 cards)
What does the 400 hPa level represent in meteorological terms?
The 400 hPa level corresponds to approximately 24,000 feet in altitude.
What type of conditions are depicted in the sets mentioned?
The sets depict probable meteorological conditions expected to occur at or below the 400 hPa level.
Fill in the blank: Each of these sets depicts the most probable meteorological conditions expected to occur at or below the _______ level.
400 hPa
True or False: The 400 hPa level is associated with weather phenomena that occur at sea level.
False
How many times daily are GFA charts issued?
Four times daily
What is the approximate time before the beginning of the forecast period that GFA charts are issued?
½ hour before
How many sets of GFA charts are issued at each time?
Two sets of three each
How often are GFA charts issued?
Every six hours
What are the approximate issue times for GFA charts in UTC?
- 2330 UTC
- 0530 UTC
- 1130 UTC
- 1730 UTC
At what times are GFA charts valid in UTC?
- 0000 UTC
- 0600 UTC
- 1200 UTC
- 1800 UTC
How many charts are included in each GFA issue?
Six charts
What are the two main categories of charts in a GFA issue?
CLOUDS AND WEATHER and ICG TURB & FZLVL
What types of forecasts are depicted for each set of three charts?
Near-term forecast, 6-hour forecast, and 12-hour forecast
What additional information is included in the 12-hour Clouds and Weather chart?
An IFR outlook for an additional 12-hour period
What is the total forecast period provided in each set of six charts?
Next 24 hours If flying IFR
How are wind speeds expressed in the GFA?
In knots (KT)
GFA stands for Graphical Area Forecast, which is used in aviation.
In what units are cloud heights given?
In hundreds of feet ASL
ASL stands for Above Sea Level.
What is the measurement for horizontal visibility?
In statute miles (SM)
Statute miles are commonly used for visibility in aviation.
What time format is used in aviation documentation?
Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
UTC is the time standard used in aviation to avoid confusion across time zones.
True or False: Cloud heights are measured in feet ASL.
True
Cloud heights are typically expressed in hundreds of feet above sea level.
What is the importance of the facts listed in the GFA?
They are needed for everyday flying
Understanding these measurements is crucial for pilots and aviation personnel.
What are the visibility and altitude conditions for IFR?
Less than 1,000 feet AGL and/or less than 3 SM visibility
IFR is crucial for flight operations when visibility is significantly restricted.
What does MVFR stand for?
Marginal Visual Flight Rules
MVFR conditions are defined as between 1,000 and 3,000 feet AGL and/or between 3 and 5 SM visibility.
What are the visibility and altitude conditions for MVFR?
Between 1,000 and 3,000 feet AGL and/or between 3 and 5 SM visibility
MVFR indicates conditions that are not ideal for visual flight but still allow for some flight operations.
