ATC Weather Questions and Answers
Latest Version Already Passed
What does ATC use to track real-time weather conditions?
✔✔Radar, satellite data, and pilot reports
Why is wind shear a major concern for aircraft?
✔✔It can cause sudden changes in airspeed and altitude
What does ATC issue when severe thunderstorms are detected near an airport?
✔✔A SIGMET warning
How does ATC help pilots avoid hazardous weather?
✔✔By providing real-time weather updates and alternative routing
What type of fog is most common at airports in the early morning?
✔✔Radiation fog
1
,Why do pilots request alternate routes during heavy turbulence?
✔✔To avoid passenger discomfort and structural stress on the aircraft
What does a METAR report provide?
✔✔Current weather conditions at an airport
How does ATC communicate weather updates to en route pilots?
✔✔Through ATIS, radio transmissions, and digital data links
Why do aircraft avoid cumulonimbus clouds?
✔✔They contain severe turbulence, lightning, and updrafts
What weather condition can cause microbursts near runways?
✔✔Strong thunderstorms
What action should a pilot take if encountering icing conditions?
✔✔Activate anti-ice systems and report to ATC
2
,Why is low visibility a critical concern during landing?
✔✔It reduces a pilot’s ability to see the runway and other traffic
What tool does ATC use to detect wind speed and direction at altitude?
✔✔Doppler radar
Why do aircraft need to avoid volcanic ash clouds?
✔✔Ash can damage engines and reduce visibility
How does ATC assist pilots during severe weather diversions?
✔✔By providing alternate routes and airport options
What is the primary danger of flying through a thunderstorm?
✔✔Severe turbulence, hail, and lightning
What does a pilot report (PIREP) provide to ATC?
✔✔Real-time weather conditions observed in flight
3
, Why do airports suspend operations during extreme winds?
✔✔High winds can make takeoff and landing unsafe
What does ATC monitor to determine safe landing conditions?
✔✔Visibility, wind speed, and runway conditions
How does temperature inversion affect aircraft performance?
✔✔It creates stable air that can lead to poor climb performance
What is a key sign of clear air turbulence at high altitudes?
✔✔Sudden, unexpected jolts without visible weather changes
How does ATC warn aircraft of rapidly changing weather?
✔✔By issuing updated SIGMETs and pilot advisories
What type of precipitation causes the most danger to aircraft?
✔✔Freezing rain
4
Latest Version Already Passed
What does ATC use to track real-time weather conditions?
✔✔Radar, satellite data, and pilot reports
Why is wind shear a major concern for aircraft?
✔✔It can cause sudden changes in airspeed and altitude
What does ATC issue when severe thunderstorms are detected near an airport?
✔✔A SIGMET warning
How does ATC help pilots avoid hazardous weather?
✔✔By providing real-time weather updates and alternative routing
What type of fog is most common at airports in the early morning?
✔✔Radiation fog
1
,Why do pilots request alternate routes during heavy turbulence?
✔✔To avoid passenger discomfort and structural stress on the aircraft
What does a METAR report provide?
✔✔Current weather conditions at an airport
How does ATC communicate weather updates to en route pilots?
✔✔Through ATIS, radio transmissions, and digital data links
Why do aircraft avoid cumulonimbus clouds?
✔✔They contain severe turbulence, lightning, and updrafts
What weather condition can cause microbursts near runways?
✔✔Strong thunderstorms
What action should a pilot take if encountering icing conditions?
✔✔Activate anti-ice systems and report to ATC
2
,Why is low visibility a critical concern during landing?
✔✔It reduces a pilot’s ability to see the runway and other traffic
What tool does ATC use to detect wind speed and direction at altitude?
✔✔Doppler radar
Why do aircraft need to avoid volcanic ash clouds?
✔✔Ash can damage engines and reduce visibility
How does ATC assist pilots during severe weather diversions?
✔✔By providing alternate routes and airport options
What is the primary danger of flying through a thunderstorm?
✔✔Severe turbulence, hail, and lightning
What does a pilot report (PIREP) provide to ATC?
✔✔Real-time weather conditions observed in flight
3
, Why do airports suspend operations during extreme winds?
✔✔High winds can make takeoff and landing unsafe
What does ATC monitor to determine safe landing conditions?
✔✔Visibility, wind speed, and runway conditions
How does temperature inversion affect aircraft performance?
✔✔It creates stable air that can lead to poor climb performance
What is a key sign of clear air turbulence at high altitudes?
✔✔Sudden, unexpected jolts without visible weather changes
How does ATC warn aircraft of rapidly changing weather?
✔✔By issuing updated SIGMETs and pilot advisories
What type of precipitation causes the most danger to aircraft?
✔✔Freezing rain
4
