7.4 Reading a METAR Report

What does METAR stand for?

• Aviation Routine Weather Report

• Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine

• Meteorological Emergency Transmission and Report

• Meteorological Event Tracking and Reporting

Which of the following statements is TRUE about METAR reports?

• METARs are only used by meteorologists.

• METARs are issued every hour unless significant weather changes occur.

• METARs cannot be accessed online.

• METARs are only issued once a day.

A pilot or meteorologist would obtain a METAR report for a specific airport by following which steps?

• By accessing aviation weather websites or using aviation communication systems to request the report for the airport's code.

• By calling the airport directly and asking for the weather report over the phone.

• By checking the local newspaper for the latest weather updates.

• By watching the weather channel on television for airport-specific reports.

What are the two types of METAR reports mentioned in the passage?

• Routine METAR and SPECI

• Routine METAR and TAF

• SPECI and SIGMET

• TAF and SIGMET

Which organization establishes the four-letter station identifier code used in METAR reports?

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

• National Weather Service (NWS)

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Based on the passage, explain why a SPECI report might be issued instead of a routine METAR report.

• A SPECI report is issued when there is a significant change in weather conditions between routine METAR reports.

• A SPECI report is issued at the same time as every METAR report.

• A SPECI report is only issued during severe storms.

• A SPECI report is issued to replace METAR reports permanently.

What does the '+' symbol indicate in the weather section?

• Light intensity

• Moderate intensity

• Heavy intensity

• No intensity

Fill in the blank: In the weather section, 'TS' stands for ________ and 'RA' stands for ________.

• thunderstorm; rain

• tornado; radiation

• temperature; rainfall

• tropical storm; rapid air

Suppose you see a notation of 'VC' in the weather section of an airport report. What does this mean, and how might this information be useful for airport operations?

• 'VC' indicates weather phenomena are in the vicinity of the airport, which helps operations anticipate nearby weather changes.

• 'VC' means visibility is clear at the airport, ensuring safe operations.

• 'VC' refers to variable cloud cover, which affects flight schedules.

• 'VC' stands for very cold temperatures, requiring de-icing procedures.

What does the abbreviation 'BKN' stand for in aviation weather reports?

• Broken clouds

• Overcast clouds

• Cumulonimbus clouds

• Towering cumulus clouds