Read below to learn more about meteorology, how it works, and a few challenging practice questions to help you test your exam preparation.
Weather is an incredibly fickle thing and while aviation is focused on minimising and controlling variables to increase safety and efficiency, the weather is one variable that we are destined to be at the mercy of.
Even though humanity has built marvellous machines and technology, we have yet to fully understand the nature of weather. While we can predict weather very accurately, due to small changes, even a sunny day can become cloudy, affecting the visibility of the pilot.
This is why meteorology is such an important subject to master. This subject is mandatory for any type of pilot licence in aviation. It teaches pilots about the various terminologies, concepts, and procedures for handling bad weather. Meteorology helps pilots learn how to use tools to predict weather conditions to plan flights more efficiently.
If you are looking to ace your meteorology exam, then you are at the right place. Read below to learn more about meteorology, how it works, and a few challenging practice questions to help you test your exam preparation.
Meteorology – Basics and Importance
Weather conditions play a huge role in aviation safety and the mechanics of weather are so important to understand that there is even a dedicated module for it in all types of pilot training programmes: meteorology.
Meteorology involves training pilots on how to assess weather conditions before even stepping into the cockpit. Meteorology covers subjects such as wind speed, air pressure, and how to read and interpret weather patterns and weather reports like Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METARs).
Weather is a formidable force, and even with advanced instrumentation, predicting the weather is becoming increasingly difficult due to global weather changes.
Luckily, humanity is taking steps to learn more about weather, the variables that control weather, and how bad weather begins in the first place. By analysing patterns and by applying modern scientific techniques, engineers have been able to improve weather prediction rates which has helped pilots navigate the skies more safely than ever before.
Weather is important for every type of pilot, especially light aircraft pilots who are only allowed to fly under VFR conditions. VFR highlights the appropriate weather conditions that PPL pilots can fly in. For example, PPL holders can only fly in clear, sunny skies. However, by taking on certifications, PPL pilots can upgrade their licence and capabilities to fly at night using the Night Rating or by using the onboard instruments (IR Rating).
Weather and You: PPL Meteorology Practice Exam
A typical meteorology exam consists of 16 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 50-minute time limit.
Here is a quick overview of a typical meteorological exam:
- Number of Questions: 16
- Exam Time: 50 minutes
- Pass mark: 75%
- Minimum correct answers to pass: 12
We recommend that you take out a pen and paper. The real exam will have challenging questions mixed in to throw candidates off and to truly test their aptitude. The trick is to not stay stuck on one question for more than 2-3 minutes.
Mark unanswered questions that require more time and aim to finish the exam strong! Keep going until you reach the end of the question sheet. If you time everything correctly, you should have extra time at the end of the exam that you can use to revisit the unanswered questions.
Always remember to use the process of elimination for harder questions. This method will help you tackle these questions without straight up guessing the answer.
Here is a great practice exam to help you gauge your preparation. You can find the answer key at the end of the exam, good luck!
- What is the standard pressure at sea level in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)?
- A) 1013.25 hPa
B) 1000 hPa
C) 950 hPa
D) 1020 hPa - Which cloud type is most associated with severe turbulence and thunderstorms?
- A) Cirrus
B) Stratus
C) Cumulonimbus
D) Altostratus - What is the approximate temperature lapse rate in the standard atmosphere?
- A) 1.5°C per 1000 ft
B) 2.0°C per 1000 ft
C) 3.0°C per 1000 ft
D) 6.5°C per 1000 m - What does the QNH setting on an altimeter provide?
- A) Altitude above sea level
B) Altitude above the airfield
C) Flight level (FL)
D) Altitude above the tropopause - What is the main hazard associated with wind shear?
- A) Increased visibility
B) Sudden changes in aircraft performance
C) Reduced altimeter accuracy
D) Increased oxygen demand at altitude - When flying at low levels in the UK, which wind direction should you expect due to surface friction?
- A) Veered and stronger than upper winds
B) Backed and weaker than upper winds
C) Veered and weaker than upper winds
D) Backed and stronger than upper winds - What does a METAR report provide?
- A) A forecast for the next 12 hours
B) Real-time weather observations at an aerodrome
C) A detailed explanation of expected turbulence
D) A long-term climate report - What is the primary danger of flying through freezing rain?
- A) Pitot-static system failure
B) Rapid airframe icing
C) Increased lift
D) Lower fuel consumption - At what altitude does the tropopause typically occur in mid-latitudes?
- A) 10,000 ft
B) 18,000 ft
C) 36,000 ft
D) 60,000 ft - What is the primary difference between a warm front and a cold front?
- A) A warm front advances faster than a cold front
B) A cold front is associated with stratus clouds
C) A cold front brings more abrupt weather changes
D) A warm front has steeper vertical development - What does an isobar represent on a weather chart?
- A) A line of constant temperature
B) A line of equal wind speed
C) A line of equal atmospheric pressure
D) A line of equal precipitation - What does a TAF report provide?
- A) Actual weather observations
B) A forecast for an aerodrome
C) Satellite imagery
D) A historical weather summary - In which of the following conditions would you expect radiation fog to form?
- A) Clear night with light winds
B) Warm air over cold water
C) Strong wind over rough terrain
D) Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms - What does a SIGMET warn pilots about?
- A) Routine weather updates
B) Significant weather hazards
C) Air traffic control procedures
D) Runway surface conditions - What weather phenomenon is typically associated with lenticular clouds?
- A) Smooth flying conditions
B) Mountain waves and turbulence
C) Strong low-level winds
D) Sea breezes - What is the main cause of gusty surface winds?
- A) Strong jet streams
B) Localised pressure changes
C) Friction between different air masses
D) Solar radiation
Answer Key
- A) 1013.25 hPa
- C) Cumulonimbus
- D) 6.5°C per 1000 m
- A) Altitude above sea level
- B) Sudden changes in aircraft performance
- B) Backed and weaker than upper winds
- B) Real-time weather observations at an aerodrome
- B) Rapid airframe icing
- C) 36,000 ft
- C) A cold front brings more abrupt weather changes
- C) A line of equal atmospheric pressure
- B) A forecast for an aerodrome
- A) Clear night with light winds
- B) Significant weather hazards
- B) Mountain waves and turbulence
- B) Localised pressure changes
Now that you have completed the exam, make sure that you note the time it took you to complete the test.
Tally all the answers and see if you passed the cutoff for the exam (75%). If you were not able to pass this exam, then don’t worry, this is what practice exams are for. Now you know exactly where you lack and where you need to focus.
Highlight the topics that were troubling to you during this exam and revisit your study material. With enough practice, you will easily be able to pass the real exam!
HOW PILOTS PREPARE FOR BAD WEATHER
Pilots tasked with flying a light aircraft (or any aircraft), are expected to go through a checklist that helps them determine the feasibility of flight for a particular day, based on weather conditions.
Here are the factors that every pilot must keep in mind before even stepping inside the cockpit:
Getting Accurate Weather Information
Weather checks unfortunately do not involve simply glancing out of the window! Pilots must assess the weather carefully and see if their scheduled flight is feasible. The good news is that weather reports are usually provided to pilots in advance, meaning that you will have the week’s weather pattern in a condensed report.
The key here is to check multiple sources to see if all the reports highlight the same weather conditions. Keep in mind that the idea is to see if all the sources have the same prediction for a particular day.
One of the best weather reports is the METeorological Aerodrome Reports or METARs. These reports can provide a snapshot of what you can expect from the weather during the day.
METARs are very detailed and contain information such as temperature, wind speed, visibility, cloud density, wind direction, and any other concerning or plausible weather phenomena.
Pilots can also choose to study the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast or a TAF, which is also similarly used to gauge the weather conditions over 24 hours.
Watching Out for Bad Weather
Modern aircraft are highly capable, however, Mother Nature is unpredictable and one should never challenge her head-on! This is why pilots should never fly in conditions that go against Visual Flight Rules.
Thunderstorms are a great example because they are usually accompanied by intense wind, rain, and of course lightning. This combination makes it a complete no-go for pilots to operate aircraft, especially light aircraft.
Lightning can also make matters worse. Although statistically your aircraft will rarely be struck by lightning, it can cause systemic damage to the electronics of the aircraft. It can also interfere with radio signals and may even cause communication equipment to malfunction.
Another weather pattern to watch out for is related to snowstorms. Aircraft can become susceptible to icing which usually occurs when the temperature surrounding the plane drops below freezing. This drop can significantly reduce the performance of the aircraft and may even interfere with the controls of the plane.
Finally, turbulence may seem harmless but, in some cases, it can significantly increase the risk of a crash, especially when you are flying over uneven terrain like mountains. While it is easy to navigate out of turbulence in clear weather, pilots can run into serious trouble when attempting to combat bad weather with turbulence.
Weather and Runways
Pilots must be vigilant of weather conditions and their effects, even when they are grounded.
The weather has a direct effect on the “quality” of the runway. Rain, ice, hail, and other similar weather phenomena can impact runway conditions and make it difficult for pilots to land, take off, and even taxi aircraft.
Even something as simple as standing water, icing, or snow can significantly impact control and braking while landing the plane.
Keep in mind that skidding is a real danger when it comes to light aircraft which is why it is important that pilots carefully assess not just the weather conditions but also the overall quality of the runway before operating their aircraft.
Seek Help from Veterans
Aviation is an experienced field, and the great thing about experience is that it can be shared with others to guide inexperienced pilots. Younger pilots should ideally consider the opinion of veteran pilots about unconfirmed weather reports or runway conditions.
With enough flight hours, veteran pilots develop an intuition or “sixth sense” about the weather and they can offer insight not available in any METARs or TAF report. For example, if multiple experienced pilots say that the weather for a particular day is bound to change then you should take heed and make the necessary adjustments to your flight plan accordingly.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Max Shilov on Unsplash
