FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)WeatherMedium
A METAR remarks section includes 'PK WND 28045/1522.' How should a CFII explain this remark to an instrument student?
- AA peak wind gust of 45 knots from 280° occurred at 1522Z since the last METAR
- BForecast peak wind for the next hour will be 280° at 45 knots
- CCurrent wind is 280° at 45 knots as of 1522Z
- DWind shear alert issued at 1522Z with 45-knot gusts expected
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A peak wind gust of 45 knots from 280° occurred at 1522Z since the last METAR
The 'PK WND' remark reports the peak wind observed since the last METAR, given as direction/speed followed by the time (UTC). Here, a peak wind of 45 knots from 280° occurred at 1522Z; it is not the current wind or a forecast.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. METARs report observed conditions, not forecasts.
- C. This is the peak wind observed, not necessarily the current reported wind.
- D. This remark is not a wind shear alert format used by ATC.
METAR Remark: PK WND
A METAR remark indicating the peak wind speed and direction observed since the previous METAR, along with the time it occurred (UTC).
- Format: PK WND dddff/(hh)mm
- Reported when peak wind exceeds 25 knots since last METAR
- Time given in UTC, often just minutes if within the same hour
Memory trick: PK WND = the peak, not the present—look at the time stamp.