Free FAA-107 Weather Sources and Interpretation Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: (Refer to METAR: KXYZ 121853Z 18015G25KT 1/2SM +TSRA BKN008 OVC015 13/12 A2992) What are the current wind conditions?
- Wind from 180 degrees at 25 knots, gusts to 15 knots.
- Wind from 180 degrees at 15 knots, gusts to 25 knots. (Correct answer)
- Wind from 150 degrees at 18 knots, gusts to 25 knots.
- Wind from 250 degrees at 18 knots.
Correct answer: Wind from 180 degrees at 15 knots, gusts to 25 knots.
The wind group `18015G25KT` is decoded as wind from 180 degrees true at a sustained speed of 15 knots. The 'G25' portion indicates that wind is gusting up to 25 knots.
Question 2: (Refer to TAF: KABC 121730Z 1218/1318 15012KT P6SM BKN030 FM130200 18010KT P6SM SCT040) What weather is forecast for 0300Z on the 13th?
- Wind from 150 degrees at 12 knots, broken clouds at 3,000 feet.
- Wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots, scattered clouds at 4,000 feet. (Correct answer)
- Wind from 150 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 6 statute miles.
- Wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots, broken clouds at 3,000 feet.
Correct answer: Wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots, scattered clouds at 4,000 feet.
The `FM130200` group indicates a rapid change (FROM) occurring at 0200 Zulu on the 13th. The forecast weather after this time is wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles, and scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL.
Question 3: (Refer to METAR: KXYZ 121853Z AUTO 18015G25KT 3SM -RA BKN008 OVC012 13/12 A2992) What is the reported ceiling?
- 800 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
- 1,200 feet AGL.
- 3 statute miles.
- There is no ceiling reported.
Correct answer: 800 feet AGL.
A ceiling is defined as the height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC). In this METAR, the lowest such layer is `BKN008`, which corresponds to a ceiling at 800 feet AGL.
Question 4: The valid period of a routine Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is typically:
- 6 hours.
- 12 hours.
- 24 hours. (Correct answer)
- 48 hours.
Correct answer: 24 hours.
Standard TAFs are issued four times a day at 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, and 1800Z. They are typically valid for a 24-hour period, though some international locations may have 30-hour TAFs.
Question 5: In a METAR, what does the code `VC` indicate?
- Violent Clouds.
- Variable Ceiling.
- Visual Conditions.
- In the Vicinity. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: In the Vicinity.
The code `VC` stands for 'Vicinity,' which means the specified weather phenomenon is not at the airport station itself, but is within 5 to 10 statute miles of the station. For example, `VCSH` means showers in the vicinity.
Question 6: Which weather product is a report of current surface weather observations, rather than a forecast?
- TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast).
- GFA (Graphical Forecasts for Aviation).
- METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report). (Correct answer)
- PIREP (Pilot Report).
Correct answer: METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report).
A METAR is a routine weather report that provides current surface weather conditions observed at a specific time and location (an airport). A TAF, in contrast, is a forecast of expected weather conditions.
Free FAA-107 Weather Sources and Interpretation Questions and Answers
(Refer to METAR: KXYZ 121853Z 18015G25KT 1/2SM +TSRA BKN008 OVC015 13/12 A2992) What are the current wind conditions?