Weather Data Interpretation Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Weather Data Interpretation Exam

The Weather Data Interpretation Exam evaluates your ability to read, interpret, and apply meteorological data for flight planning and decision-making. Below are key topics and strategies to prepare for this exam.

Key Topics for Weather Data Interpretation

1. Meteorological Reports and Forecasts

METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report)
- Know how to decode METARs, including wind, visibility, weather phenomena, clouds, temperature, dew point, altimeter settings, and remarks.
- Example:
```
METAR KJFK 251551Z 22015G25KT 10SM SCT030 BKN100 18/12 A3005 RMK AO2
```
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
- Understand TAF format and how it predicts weather conditions over a specific time frame.
- Example:
```
TAF KJFK 251120Z 2512/2618 22015KT P6SM BKN020
```
SIGMET/AIRMET
- Identify significant weather advisories (e.g., severe turbulence, icing, thunderstorms).
- AIRMETs for light/moderate conditions, SIGMETs for severe hazards.
ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
- Recognize ATIS abbreviations and use them for arrival and departure planning.

2. Weather Charts

Surface Analysis Chart
- Interpret isobars, fronts (cold, warm, stationary, occluded), pressure systems (highs and lows), and wind patterns.
Significant Weather Charts
- Understand areas of turbulence, jet streams, thunderstorms, and icing.
Winds and Temperatures Aloft (FD)
- Read wind direction, speed, and temperature for various altitudes.
- Example:
```
7500-15 (Wind 250° at 50 knots, Temp -15°C)
```

3. Weather Radar and Satellite Imagery

Radar Imagery
- Recognize precipitation intensity, types, and movements (e.g., rain, thunderstorms).
Satellite Imagery
- Use visible and infrared imagery to identify cloud cover, storm systems, and temperature trends.

4. Weather Phenomena and Hazards

Turbulence
- Understand categories: light, moderate, severe, and extreme.
- Anticipate turbulence based on jet streams, terrain, or convective activity.
Icing Conditions
- Know where icing occurs (temperatures between 0°C and -20°C in clouds or precipitation).
- Types: Rime, clear, mixed.
Thunderstorms
- Avoid cumulonimbus clouds; understand associated hazards like wind shear, hail, and lightning.
Fog and Visibility
- Types of fog: radiation, advection, upslope, ice, and frontal fog.
- Impact of reduced visibility on landing and takeoff.

5. Winds and Wind Shear

Crosswind and Tailwind Components
- Calculate crosswind/tailwind components using wind direction and runway orientation.
Wind Shear and Microbursts
- Understand how to detect and avoid low-level wind shear and microbursts, often reported in LLWAS or PIREPs.

6. Weather Information Sources

Flight Service Stations (FSS)
- Utilize briefings for comprehensive weather data.
Automatic Weather Observing Systems (AWOS/ASOS)
- Automated, real-time weather data.

7. Weather Decision-Making

Go/No-Go Decisions
- Use weather reports and forecasts to assess safety and legality of flight.
Diversions and Alternate Airports
- Plan for weather contingencies, including alternate airports and fuel reserves.

Sample Exam Questions

METAR/TAF Interpretation:

Decode this METAR:

METAR KSFO 251456Z 27012KT 10SM FEW025 18/13 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP134

What weather is forecasted in the following TAF?

TAF KSFO 251120Z 2512/2618 27015KT P6SM SCT020 BKN050 FM251800 28020G30KT P6SM FEW015 SCT200

Weather Chart Analysis:
- On a surface analysis chart, interpret a tight isobar spacing around a low-pressure system.
- What does a jet stream symbol on a significant weather chart indicate?
Winds Aloft:
- Interpret the following FD data:
```
FL240 29025KT -30
```
Weather Hazards:
- What weather phenomena are most likely associated with a cold front on a surface analysis chart?
Go/No-Go Decision:
- Based on a METAR showing visibility 1/4 mile in fog and a temperature-dew point spread of 0°C, would you proceed with a flight?

Practical Tips for Exam Preparation

Practice Decoding:
- Use practice METARs and TAFs to develop fluency in decoding weather reports quickly.
Study Charts:
- Familiarize yourself with common weather charts and practice identifying key features.
Simulate Scenarios:
- Create mock scenarios requiring weather-based decision-making.
Focus on Hazards:
- Study turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, and other hazards in detail, as they often appear on exams.