A pilot is flying VFR and observes a layer of stratus clouds at 1,500 feet AGL and a layer of altocumulus clouds at 8,000 feet AGL. According to standard cloud height reporting, what would be the highest reported cloud layer in a METAR if these were the only clouds present?

Correct answer: B. BKN080

METARs report cloud layers in ascending order of height. Cloud amounts are reported as FEW (1/8-2/8), SCT (3/8-4/8), BKN (5/8-7/8), or OVC (8/8). The question asks for the 'highest reported cloud layer', implying that we need to consider how a METAR would represent the higher layer if it were broken. While the exact coverage of each layer isn't given, 'BKN080' represents a broken layer at 8,000 feet AGL, which is a plausible representation for the higher altocumulus layer and would be the highest reported. The question is designed to test understanding of typical reporting practices and altitude references for clouds. If the altocumulus were broken, it would be reported as BKN080. Since the question asks for the highest reported layer, and altocumulus is typically a mid-level cloud, BKN080 is the most fitting answer if it constitutes a significant layer.