Weather & METAR/TAF Interpretation Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does METAR stand for?
Meteorological Aerodrome Report – an observation of current weather at an airport.
How often are METARs issued?
Every hour, typically at 55–59 minutes past the hour.
What does “AUTO” mean in a METAR?
The report was generated automatically without human intervention.
In a METAR, what does “KT” refer to?
Wind speed in knots.
What does “9999” mean in a METAR visibility report?
Visibility is 10 kilometers or more (used in international METARs).
How is sky condition shown in a METAR?
With abbreviations like SCT (scattered), BKN (broken), OVC (overcast), and heights in hundreds of feet AGL.
What does “TEMPO” mean in a TAF?
Temporary weather conditions expected to last less than an hour or for less than half the time period indicated.
What does “FM” mean in a TAF?
From – indicates a rapid change to new weather conditions starting at a specific time.
What is a TAF used for?
It forecasts weather conditions at a specific airport over a 24–30 hour period.
What does “BR” mean in METAR/TAF codes?
Mist.
What does “TSRA” indicate in a METAR?
Thunderstorms with rain.
What is the difference between “FEW” and “BKN” in a METAR?
FEW = few clouds (1/8–2/8 coverage); BKN = broken (5/8–7/8, which constitutes a ceiling).
What are the three ingredients required for a thunderstorm?
Moisture, unstable air, and a lifting force.
What is a ceiling in aviation terms?
The lowest layer of clouds reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC).
What is a convective SIGMET?
A warning for severe weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail ≥¾ inch, or wind ≥50 knots.
How do you convert Zulu (UTC) time to local time in a METAR?
Subtract your time zone offset (e.g., Eastern Standard Time is UTC–5).
What does a dewpoint close to the temperature indicate?
High humidity and a high likelihood of fog or low clouds.
What is the difference between a METAR and a TAF?
METAR = observed current weather; TAF = forecasted future weather.
What is an AIRMET?
A weather advisory for light to moderate weather phenomena affecting all aircraft (e.g., IFR, mountain obscuration, turbulence).
What briefing should a VFR pilot request before a cross-country flight?
A standard weather briefing (includes NOTAMs, forecasts, current conditions).
