FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
A remote pilot reviews the following Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) excerpt before a planned evening survey flight: 'KSMF 121720Z 1218/1318 20008KT P6SM BKN030 FM122200 22012G20KT P6SM OVC020 TEMPO 1300/1306 4SM -RA BR BKN010'. What is the forecast visibility and ceiling at 0100Z on the 13th?
- AVisibility greater than 6 statute miles, ceiling overcast at 2,000 feet.
- BVisibility 10 statute miles, ceiling broken at 1,000 feet.
- CVisibility 6 statute miles, ceiling broken at 3,000 feet.
- DVisibility 4 statute miles, ceiling broken at 1,000 feet.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Visibility 4 statute miles, ceiling broken at 1,000 feet.
At 0100Z on the 13th, the 'TEMPO 1300/1306' period is active. Within this temporary period, the forecast is '4SM -RA BR BKN010'. This translates to 4 statute miles visibility, light rain ( -RA), mist (BR), and a ceiling of broken clouds at 1,000 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes the 'FM122200' period, but not the 'TEMPO' conditions active at 0100Z.
- B. Visibility is 4SM, not 10SM. This option incorrectly combines elements.
- C. This describes the initial forecast (1218/1318) before 2200Z, which is incorrect for 0100Z.
TAF Interpretation (TEMPO)
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is a concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions significant to aviation at an airport during a specified period. 'TEMPO' indicates temporary fluctuations in weather, expected to last less than one hour in each instance and cover less than half of the forecast period.
- TAFs are valid for 24-30 hours.
- 'TEMPO' indicates temporary changes.
- Visibility (SM), cloud cover (BKN, OVC), and heights (010 = 1,000 ft) are key.
Memory trick: Read the TAF 'timeline' for the 'current' weather story.