Figure 12: Aviation routine weather reports (METAR)

6 FAA questions that refer to this figure

1. Question 1 · Remote Pilot (Part 107)

   (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 12.) What are the current conditions for Chicago Midway Airport (KMDW)?

   • A.Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, rain.
   • B.Sky 7,000 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, heavy rain.
   • C.Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 11, occasionally 2SM, with rain.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: A. Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, rain.

   The KMDW report in Figure 12 is 'SPECI KMDW 121856Z 32005KT 1 1/2SM RA OVC007 17/16 A2980 RMK RAB35'. Visibility is 1 1/2 statute miles, 'RA' with no intensity sign is moderate rain, and OVC007 is an overcast layer at 700 feet AGL (cloud heights are in hundreds of feet). Heavy rain would be coded +RA and 7,000 feet would be OVC070; '1 1/2SM' is one and one-half miles, not 11 miles.

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2. Question 2 · Remote Pilot (Part 107)

   (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 12.) The wind direction and velocity at KJFK is from

   • A.180° true at 4 knots.
   • B.180° magnetic at 4 knots.
   • C.040° true at 18 knots.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: A. 180° true at 4 knots.

   The KJFK report reads '18004KT': the first three digits are the direction the wind is blowing from, 180 degrees, and the next two are the speed, 4 knots. METAR wind directions are referenced to true north (AIM 7-1-29), not magnetic. 040 at 18 knots misreads the groups.

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3. Question 3 · Private Pilot

   (Refer to figure 12.) The wind direction and velocity at KJFK is from

   • A.180° true at 4 knots.
   • B.180° magnetic at 4 knots.
   • C.040° true at 18 knots.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: A. 180° true at 4 knots.

   The KJFK SPECI reports 18004KT: the first three digits are the direction the wind blows from, in degrees true, and the next two the speed in knots, so 180 degrees true at 4 knots. METAR winds are true, not magnetic, and 040 at 18 misreads the group.

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4. Question 4 · Private Pilot

   (Refer to figure 12.) The remarks section for KMDW has RAB35 listed. This entry means

   • A.blowing mist has reduced the visibility to 1-1/2 SM.
   • B.rain began at 1835Z.
   • C.the barometer has risen .35 inches Hg.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: B. rain began at 1835Z.

   In the remarks of the KMDW SPECI (issued 121856Z), RAB35 means rain (RA) began (B) at 35 minutes past the hour, that is at 1835Z. It is not a visibility remark or a pressure tendency.

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5. Question 5 · Private Pilot

   (Refer to figure 12.) What are the current conditions depicted for Chicago Midway Airport (KMDW)?

   • A.Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, rain.
   • B.Sky 7000 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, heavy rain.
   • C.Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 11, occasionally 2SM, with rain.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: A. Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2SM, rain.

   The KMDW SPECI reads 1 1/2SM RA OVC007: visibility 1 1/2 statute miles in rain with an overcast layer at 700 feet (cloud heights are in hundreds of feet AGL). RA without a plus sign is moderate rain, not heavy, and 1 1/2SM is one and one-half miles.

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6. Question 6 · Private Pilot

   (Refer to figure 12.) Which of the reporting stations have VFR weather?

   • A.All.
   • B.KINK, KBOI, and KJFK.
   • C.KINK, KBOI, and KLAX.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct: C. KINK, KBOI, and KLAX.

   VFR requires a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet and visibility of at least 3 miles. KINK (15SM SKC), KBOI (30SM SCT150) and KLAX (6SM, only scattered layers, so no ceiling) all qualify, while KJFK (1/2SM FG OVC005) and KMDW (1 1/2SM OVC007) are IFR.

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