FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)WeatherEasy
A pilot is checking the latest TAF for their destination airport, which includes the forecast 'WS020/22040KT'. What does this specific TAF segment indicate?
- AWind shear at 2,000 feet AGL with winds from 220 degrees at 40 knots.
- BA temporary condition of 20 knots wind from 220 degrees at 40 feet AGL.
- CSurface winds from 220 degrees at 40 knots, becoming sustained.
- DVisibility of 2 statute miles, with a ceiling of 2,000 feet, and winds at 40 knots.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Wind shear at 2,000 feet AGL with winds from 220 degrees at 40 knots.
The TAF segment 'WS020/22040KT' is a standard code for low-level wind shear. 'WS' stands for wind shear, '020' indicates 2,000 feet AGL, and '22040KT' specifies the wind direction (220 degrees) and speed (40 knots) at that altitude.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'WS' is for wind shear, not a temporary condition. The '020' refers to altitude in hundreds of feet AGL, not 20 knots or 40 feet.
- C. 'WS' is for wind shear, not surface winds. Surface winds are reported differently (e.g., '22040KT').
- D. This segment does not report visibility or ceiling. Visibility is typically reported as 'SM' and ceiling as 'BKN' or 'OVC' followed by altitude.
TAF Low-Level Wind Shear (WS)
A TAF forecast group indicating non-convective low-level wind shear, typically within 2,000 feet AGL.
- Reported as 'WS' followed by altitude in hundreds of feet AGL.
- Then followed by wind direction and speed at that altitude.
- Crucial for takeoff and landing considerations.
Memory trick: WS means Wind Shear, then hundreds of feet, then wind for your flight feet.