7.5 Reading a TAF Report - Practice Questions

(Refer to Figure 15) In the TAF for KMEM, what does "SHRA" stand for?

• Rain showers

• A shift in wind direction is expected

• A significant change in precipitation is possible

Answer explanation

The TAF utilizes the same descriptors and abbreviations as used in the METAR report.

Please know that you 1) you won’t be able to bring in the METAR / TAF glossary we include in this course with you into the Aeronautical Knowledge Test; but that 2) you do not need to memorize everything that’s in this glossary. We’ve included everything as a means of being thorough, but here are the codes that we specifically want to call out. These are the ones that tend to show up.

BKN = broken

OVC = overcast

BR = mist

SH = showers

RA = rain

(Refer to Figure 15) During the time period from 0600Z to 0800Z, what visibility is forecast for KOKC?

• Greater than 6 statute miles

• Possibly 6 statute miles

• Not forecasted

Answer explanation

In the TAF report for KOKC, first find the time period from 0600Z to 0800Z, which is being indicated by 0606/0608. If we look to the right of that time period, we see 21015KT P6SM, which indicates winds from 210° at 15 knots, with visibility greater than 6 statute miles.

The “P” you can think of as standing for “Plus” and indicates “greater than.”

(Refer to Figure 15) In the TAF from KOKC, the clear sky becomes

• overcast at 2,000 feet during the forecast period between 2200Z and 2400Z.

• overcast at 200 feet with a 40% probability of becoming overcast at 600 feet during the forecast period between 2200Z and 2400Z.

• overcast at 200 feet with a probability of becoming overcast at 400 feet during the forecast period between 2200Z and 2400Z.

Answer explanation

We can see in each of the answer choices that we’re being asked to look at the forecast period between 2200Z and 2400Z. So let’s isolate that part of the TAF report, which says:

SKC BECMG 0522/0524 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020

This translates to clear skies becoming from 2200Z to 2400Z on the 5th, winds from 200° at 13 knots gusting up to 20 knots, visibility 4 statute miles, rain showers, clouds overcast at 2,000 ft.

(Refer to Figure 15) What is the valid period for the TAF for KMEM?

• 1200Z to 1200Z

• 1200Z to 1800Z

• 1800Z on the 12th to 2400Z on the 13th

Answer explanation

Remember that the TAF utilizes the same descriptors and abbreviations as used in the METAR report. So we’ll find the valid period of the report toward the very beginning of the report:

121720Z 1218/1324

This means that the forecast was prepared on the 12th day of the month at 1720Z, and that the report is valid for 30 hours, from 1800Z on the 12th to 2400Z on the 13th.

(Refer to Figure 15) Between 1000Z and 1200Z the visibility at KMEM is forecast to be

• 1/2 statute mile

• 3 statute miles

• 6 statute miles

Answer explanation

We’re being asked to look at the forecast period between 1000Z and 1200Z, which is indicated within the report as 1310/1312. If we look a little to the right, we see 3SM which indicates the visibility forecast during this period is 3 statute miles.

(Refer to Figure 15) What is the forecast wind for KMEM from 1600Z until the end of the forecast?

• No significant wind

• Variable in direction at 6 knots

• Variable in direction at 4 knots

Answer explanation

We’re being asked to look at the forecast period between 1600Z until the end of the forecast, which is indicated within the report as FM131600. If we look to the right, we see VRB06KT, which translates to winds variable in direction at 6 knots.

(Refer to Figure 15) In the TAF from KOKC, the "FM (FROM) Group" is forecast for the hours from 1600Z to 2200Z with the wind from

• 160° at 10 knots

• 180° at 10 knots

• 180° at 10 knots, becoming 200° at 13 knots

Answer explanation

We’re being asked to look at the forecast period from 1600Z to 2200Z, which is indicated within the report as FM051600. Starting there through 2200Z, where the forecast is being updated (0522/0524), here’s what’s being forecast:

FM051600 18010KT P6SM SKC

This translates to from 1600Z on the 5th, winds 180° at 10 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles with clear skies.

(Refer to Figure 15) The only cloud type forecast in TAF reports is

• Nimbostratus.

• Cumulonimbus.

• Scattered cumulus.

Answer explanation

In the body of a TAF forecast, you’ll see forecast meteorological conditions—wind, visibility, weather, and sky condition.

Cumulonimbus clouds (CB) are the only cloud type that’s forecast in a TAF. And remember that to pilots, the most dangerous type of cloud is a cumulonimbus, or thunderstorm cloud.