FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)WeatherEasy
A remote pilot reviews a METAR that reports 'SCT004 BKN012 OVC025' during a pre-flight briefing. For aviation weather reporting purposes, what is the reported ceiling?
- A1,200 feet AGL
- BThere is no ceiling because a scattered layer is present below it
- C400 feet AGL
- D2,500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 1,200 feet AGL
A ceiling is defined as the height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC), or the vertical visibility into an obscuration. Scattered (SCT) layers do not count as a ceiling because they cover only 3/8 to 4/8 of the sky. The lowest BKN or OVC layer here is BKN012, so the ceiling is 1,200 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A scattered layer below a broken/overcast layer does not prevent a ceiling from being reported.
- C. 400 feet is a scattered layer, which does not constitute a ceiling.
- D. 2,500 feet is an overcast layer but not the lowest qualifying layer.
Ceiling (METAR)
The height above ground of the lowest cloud layer reported as broken or overcast, or the vertical visibility into an indefinite ceiling.
- FEW and SCT layers never count as a ceiling
- BKN and OVC layers define a ceiling
- The LOWEST BKN/OVC layer sets the ceiling height
- Vertical visibility (VV) is used when the sky is obscured
Memory trick: 'Ceiling starts at Broken' — FEW and SCT don't block the sky enough to count.