FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)WeatherEasy
A pilot receives a PIREP indicating 'UA/OV KSEA/TM 1430/FL060/TP C172/SK OVC030/WX FV05SM HZ/TA -03'. What does 'TA -03' signify in this report?
- AThe visibility is 3 statute miles due to temperature effects.
- BThe outside air temperature at 3,000 feet is -3°C.
- CThe outside air temperature at Flight Level 60 (6,000 feet) is -30°C.
- DThe outside air temperature at Flight Level 60 (6,000 feet) is -3°C.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The outside air temperature at Flight Level 60 (6,000 feet) is -3°C.
In a PIREP, 'TA' stands for Temperature Aloft. The number immediately following 'TA' indicates the temperature in degrees Celsius at the reported Flight Level. In this case, 'TA -03' means the temperature at FL060 (6,000 feet) is -3°C.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. 'TA' relates to temperature, not visibility, which is 'FV05SM HZ'.
- B. Incorrect. The temperature is reported at the Flight Level (FL060), not at the cloud base (OVC030).
- C. Incorrect. '-03' means -3°C, not -30°C.
PIREP Temperature Aloft (TA)
In a PIREP, 'TA' followed by a number indicates the outside air temperature in degrees Celsius at the reported altitude (Flight Level).
- TA = Temperature Aloft.
- Reported in degrees Celsius.
- Corresponds to the 'FL' (Flight Level) in the PIREP.
- Crucial for icing potential and performance calculations.
Memory trick: PIREP: Pilot's Report, Invaluable for Everyone's Planning.