FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)MeteorologyHard
A METAR remarks section includes 'PK WND 31045/1638'. How should a dispatcher interpret this remark?
- AA peak wind of 310° at 45 knots occurred at 1638Z, reported after the routine observation time
- BThe wind shifted to 310° with gusts to 45 knots, lasting 16 minutes 38 seconds
- CA wind of 45° at 310 knots was recorded, indicating a probable data transmission error
- DSustained winds of 310° at 45 knots are forecast to begin at 1638Z
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A peak wind of 310° at 45 knots occurred at 1638Z, reported after the routine observation time
The PK WND remark reports the peak wind speed observed since the last METAR, coded as direction/speed followed by the time (HHMM UTC) it occurred. 'PK WND 31045/1638' decodes as a peak wind from 310° at 45 knots observed at 1638Z; this is an observed remark, not a forecast.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Misreads the time group as a duration rather than a time of occurrence.
- C. Misreads the coded groups; 310° is direction and 45 kt is speed, a valid combination, not an error.
- D. METAR remarks report observed, not forecast, conditions.
PK WND METAR Remark
A METAR remark reporting the peak wind speed recorded since the last METAR observation, coded as direction/speed followed by the time (HHMM UTC) it occurred.
- Format: PK WND dddff/(hh)mm
- Reported only if peak wind exceeds 25 knots since last observation
- Time is given in UTC, minutes only if within the same hour as observation
Memory trick: PK WND = Peak wind, direction-speed, then the clock time it hit