FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)WeatherEasy
A METAR at the destination airport reads 'BKN008 OVC015'. According to FAA definitions, what is the reported ceiling?
- AThe average of the two layers, 1,150 feet AGL
- BNo ceiling exists because two cloud layers were reported
- C800 feet AGL
- D1,500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 800 feet AGL
A ceiling is defined as the height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC), or vertical visibility into an obscuration. Since BKN008 (800 ft) is lower than OVC015 (1,500 ft), the ceiling is 800 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ceilings are not averaged; the lowest qualifying layer is used.
- B. A ceiling does exist since both layers meet the broken/overcast threshold.
- D. This is the overcast layer, but it is not the lowest broken/overcast layer.
Ceiling Definition
The height above ground of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast, or the vertical visibility into an indefinite obscuration.
- Scattered (SCT) layers do not count as a ceiling
- BKN and OVC layers qualify as ceilings
- Vertical visibility (VV) reported for obscured skies also defines a ceiling
Memory trick: 'Few, Scattered don't count—Broken and Overcast make the ceiling'