GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Soaring Weather and Meteorology Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following atmospheric conditions is most conducive to the formation of strong mountain wave lift suitable for soaring?

Accepted Answer

A stable air mass with wind speed of at least 15-25 knots at the summit, increasing with altitude, and blowing within 30 degrees perpendicular to the ridge.

Answer

An unstable air mass with wind speed decreasing with altitude.

Answer

A moist, unstable air mass with strong convective activity and winds parallel to the mountain range.

Answer

A shallow layer of warm air aloft with light and variable winds at all altitudes.

Question 2

A glider pilot is flying near the coast on a warm, sunny day with light general winds. They notice a line of small cumulus clouds forming a few miles inland, parallel to the coastline. This visual cue most likely indicates the presence of:

Accepted Answer

A sea breeze front with potential for soarable lift.

Answer

A katabatic wind flowing from the land to the sea.

Answer

Orographic lift generated by coastal hills.

Answer

The remnants of an overnight temperature inversion.

Question 3

An atmospheric sounding indicates a steep lapse rate, where the temperature decreases rapidly with altitude (more than 3°C per 1,000 feet). This condition is described as:

Accepted Answer

Unstable, and favorable for thermal development.

Answer

A strong temperature inversion.

Answer

Atmospherically neutral.

Answer

Stable, and poor for thermal development.

Question 4

When utilizing ridge lift, what is the correct procedure for making turns while flying below the crest of the ridge?

Accepted Answer

All turns should be made away from the ridge.

Answer

All turns should be made toward the ridge to stay in the strongest lift.

Answer

Turns can be made in either direction as long as a safe distance from the terrain is maintained.

Answer

Perform steep 360-degree turns to quickly gain altitude.

Question 5

A pilot is planning a cross-country thermal flight. Which weather characteristic would be MOST detrimental to a successful soaring day?

Accepted Answer

A high-pressure system with a strong capping inversion at a low altitude.

Answer

Scattered cumulus clouds with bases at 6,000 feet AGL.

Answer

A light surface wind that increases to 15 knots at 3,000 feet.

Answer

A dry adiabatic lapse rate from the surface up to 8,000 feet.

Question 6

Which of the following is a primary hazard associated with flying in the rotor zone of a mountain wave system?

Accepted Answer

Severe to extreme turbulence and strong downdrafts.

Answer

Extremely smooth, laminar airflow.

Answer

Widespread fog and poor visibility.

Answer

Consistent, widespread updrafts of over 1,000 feet per minute.