FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Meteorology and Weather ServicesHard
A dispatcher reviewing a radar summary chart notes an echo classified as VIP Level 5. What does this classification indicate about the associated thunderstorm cell?
- AModerate echo with light to moderate precipitation and some turbulence possible
- BIntense storm with heavy rainfall, large hail, and severe turbulence likely
- CWeak echo with light precipitation and minimal turbulence
- DExtreme storm guaranteed to produce tornadic activity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Intense storm with heavy rainfall, large hail, and severe turbulence likely
The Video Integrator and Processor (VIP) scale ranks radar echo intensity from 1 (weak) to 6 (extreme). Level 5 is classified as 'intense,' associated with heavy rainfall, large hail, and severe turbulence, while Level 6 ('extreme') is associated with very large hail and a higher likelihood—but not a guarantee—of tornadic activity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Moderate precipitation with light turbulence corresponds to VIP Levels 2-3.
- C. Weak precipitation corresponds to VIP Level 1, not 5.
- D. No radar echo intensity level 'guarantees' tornadic activity; tornadoes are associated with, not certain from, Level 6.
VIP Radar Echo Intensity Levels
A 6-level scale (1-6) used on radar summary charts to categorize thunderstorm echo intensity, from weak to extreme.
- Level 1-2: weak to moderate, light-moderate rain
- Level 3-4: strong to very strong, moderate-heavy rain, some hail
- Level 5-6: intense to extreme, heavy rain, large hail, severe turbulence and possible tornadoes
Memory trick: '1 is light drizzle, 6 is disaster' — VIP levels climb with storm severity