ADX Weather and Environmental Factors 4

Question 1

What is the standard definition of a 'severe thunderstorm' as used in aviation weather products?

Accepted Answer

A thunderstorm with surface winds of 50 knots or greater and/or hail 3/4 inch diameter or larger

Answer

Any thunderstorm with lightning and heavy rain

Answer

A thunderstorm producing a tornado

Answer

Any thunderstorm with tops exceeding FL400

Question 2

Which area of a thunderstorm cell is associated with the greatest turbulence hazard at cruise altitude?

Accepted Answer

The overhang area just outside the storm's visible cloud boundary

Answer

The anvil region downwind of the storm

Answer

Directly beneath the storm base

Answer

Clear air well above the storm top

Question 3

A dispatcher is reviewing a Winds and Temperatures Aloft forecast (FB). The entry '7306+04' at FL390 means:

Accepted Answer

Wind from 230° at 106 knots, temperature +04°C

Answer

Wind from 073° at 06 knots, temperature +04°C

Answer

Wind from 230° at 60 knots, temperature +04°C (with the 50 knot code subtraction applied)

Answer

Wind from 073° at 60 knots, temperature +04°C

Question 4

What meteorological condition is described by the acronym LLWS, and why does it concern dispatchers during approach?

Accepted Answer

Low Level Wind Shear — a sudden change in wind speed or direction below 2,000 ft AGL that can cause loss of airspeed and control on approach

Answer

Low Level Weather System — a surface low affecting the terminal area

Answer

Low Level Warning System — an ATC alert for traffic conflicts

Answer

Low Level Waterspout — a waterspout below 2,000 ft MSL

Question 5

Which cloud type is most directly associated with clear air turbulence (CAT) near the jet stream?

Accepted Answer

Cirrus in bands perpendicular to the jet stream

Answer

Cumulonimbus

Answer

Altocumulus castellanus

Answer

Stratocumulus

Question 6

An aircraft dispatcher is coordinating a flight into a mountainous area with forecast winds at FL180 of 270° at 65 knots. What hazard should be briefed regarding terrain interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mountain wave turbulence and possible rotor zones below mountain crests

Answer

Reduced ground speed only

Answer

Increased headwind requiring alternate fuel planning only

Answer

No significant terrain hazard above FL100

Question 7

What does a METAR sky condition entry of 'VV010' indicate?

Accepted Answer

Vertical visibility of 1,000 feet into an obscuration (such as fog or smoke)

Answer

Variable ceiling at 1,000 feet

Answer

Wind variability between 010° and another direction

Answer

Visibility varying to 10 statute miles