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Sunday 8th November 2009
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Brainteasers Interactive Quiz #63:
Aviation Weather Products

Most pilots are familiar with the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) and the Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF) products of the National Weather Service (NWS). There are many other aviation weather products available to pilots, who must obtain "all available information" for any flight (according to FAR 91.103). The purpose of this quiz is to refresh pilots' knowledge regarding those weather products, including the official designators (METAR, TAF, etc.), location of the originating sources, and the content of the products. Most of the information for this quiz can be found in FAA publication AC 00-45E, Aviation Weather Services.

by Irv Siegel

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the questions as best you can, then click on the "Score my quiz answers" button to see your score and read the explanations. If you don't like your score the first time around, you can change some of your answers and resubmit. To get the most out of this quiz, we suggest you keep trying until you get a perfect score.

NOTE: In the event that more than one answer is correct, credit will only be given for the most complete answer.

1. The Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecasts are prepared by the NWS National Center Operations (NCO), located in
a. Kansas City, Kansas.
b. Kansas City, Missouri.
c. Miami, Florida.
d. Norman, Oklahoma.
e. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
f. Washington, D.C.
g. Wichita, Kansas.
2. Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecasts are made twice daily based on the 00Z and 12Z radiosonde data for use during specific time intervals. The official designator for these forecasts is
a. DF.
b. FD.
c. TWF.
d. WTF.
3. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is charged with monitoring and forecasting severe weather over the 48 continental United States. Its products include convective outlooks and forecasts, as well as severe weather watches. The SPC also develops severe weather forecasting techniques and conducts research. The SPC is located in
a. Kansas City, Kansas.
b. Kansas City, Missouri.
c. Miami, Florida.
d. Norman, Oklahoma.
e. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
f. Washington, D.C.
g. Wichita, Kansas.
4. A Convective Outlook is a national forecast of thunderstorms issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). The official designator for a Convective Outlook is
a. AC.
b. CA.
c. CO.
d. OC.
5. A Severe Weather Watch Bulletin defines areas of possible severe thunderstorms or tornado activity. The bulletins, issued by the SPC, are unscheduled and issued as required. The official designator for a Severe Weather Watch Bulletin is
a. SWW.
b. SWWB.
c. WW.
d. WWB.
6. The Aviation Weather Center (AWC) issues warnings, forecasts, and analysis of hazardous weather for aviation interests. The AWC is located in
a. Kansas City, Kansas.
b. Kansas City, Missouri.
c. Miami, Florida.
d. Norman, Oklahoma.
e. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
f. Washington, D.C.
g. Wichita, Kansas.
7. Transcribed Weather Broadcasts provide continuous aeronautical and meteorological information on low/medium frequency (L/MF) and very high frequency (VHF) omni-directional radio range (VOR) facilities. The official designator for Transcribed Weather Broadcasts is
a. ATWB.
b. ATWEB.
c. TVOR.
d. TWB.
e. TWEB.
8. Below Flight Level 180, En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS) or "Flight Watch" is a service from selected FSSs or AFSSs on common frequency
a. 121.5.
b. 122.0.
c. 122.5.
d. 123.0.
e. 123.5.
9. What is the official designator for a routine Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)?
a. AU
b. PRP
c. PWR
d. PWXR
e. UA
10. What is the official designator for Radar Weather Reports?
a. OS
b. RWP
c. RWR
d. RWXR
e. SD
11. Bonus question: If the forecast weather for a particular airport (TAF) differs substantially from the aviation area forecast (FA), which one is more likely to be correct?
a. FA
b. TAF
c. It's a toss-up.