12 exam-style questions · PHAK Ch. 12–13 / AC 00-6B

Weather Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test

Q: What is the primary composition of Earth's atmosphere by volume at sea level?

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases. Earth's atmosphere at sea level is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases by volume. (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: At what altitude does the troposphere extend to on average over the continental United States?

About 36,000 feet above the surface. The troposphere extends to about 36,000 feet over the continental US, which is considered mid-latitudes. This is the atmospheric layer where nearly all weather occurs. The troposphere reaches higher altitudes at the equator (around 55,000 feet) and lower at the poles (around 18,000 feet). (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: Which lapse rate indicates the temperature change for unsaturated (dry) air as it rises?

3°C per 1,000 feet. The dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR) — the cooling of unsaturated air as it rises — is 3°C per 1,000 feet. Don't confuse it with the standard/average atmospheric lapse rate of ~2°C per 1,000 feet, which describes the ambient air rather than a rising parcel. (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: Which of the following best describes stable atmospheric conditions?

Stratus clouds, poor visibility, and smooth air. Stable atmospheric conditions are characterized by stratus clouds, poor visibility, and smooth air. These features indicate limited vertical air movement, which is typical of stable air. (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: In the Northern Hemisphere, surface winds around a low-pressure system flow:

Counterclockwise and inward toward the low. In the Northern Hemisphere, surface winds around a low-pressure system flow counterclockwise and inward due to the Coriolis effect. (PHAK Ch. 11, AIM 7-1-5)

Q: Which cloud type is most likely to produce continuous, steady precipitation?

Nimbostratus clouds. Nimbostratus clouds are thick, layered clouds that cover large areas and are most likely to produce continuous, steady precipitation such as prolonged rain or snow. (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: In aviation weather reports, what does the term 'ceiling' refer to?

The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast layer. In aviation weather reports, 'ceiling' refers to the height above ground level of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast, but not thin or partial. (PHAK Ch. 12)

Q: Which stage of a thunderstorm is characterized primarily by updrafts?

Cumulus. The cumulus stage of a thunderstorm is characterized primarily by strong updrafts, which build the storm's vertical development. (PHAK Ch. 13)

Q: In a METAR, how is visibility reported?

In statute miles as 'SM' in the US. In the US, METAR visibility is reported in statute miles, indicated by 'SM' in the report. For example, '10SM' means 10 statute miles visibility. Internationally, meters or kilometers may be used instead. (AIM 7-1-31)

Q: In a TAF, what does 'FM' indicate?

From. 'FM' in a TAF means 'from', indicating a rapid change at a specific time. (AIM 7-1-30)

Weather questions on the FAA knowledge test range from reading METARs and TAFs to understanding fronts, stability, icing, and thunderstorm hazards. Try these sample questions, then review the explanation for each — the reasoning matters more than the letter you pick.

0 of 12 answered

1.What is the primary composition of Earth's atmosphere by volume at sea level?

2.At what altitude does the troposphere extend to on average over the continental United States?

3.Which lapse rate indicates the temperature change for unsaturated (dry) air as it rises?

4.Which of the following best describes stable atmospheric conditions?

5.In the Northern Hemisphere, surface winds around a low-pressure system flow:

6.Which cloud type is most likely to produce continuous, steady precipitation?

7.In aviation weather reports, what does the term 'ceiling' refer to?

8.Which stage of a thunderstorm is characterized primarily by updrafts?

9.In a METAR, how is visibility reported?

10.In a TAF, what does 'FM' indicate?

11.A PIREP reporting 'UA /OV KSTL 090025 /TM 1430 /FL060 /TP C172 /SK BKN045-TOP060 /TA 03 /WV 26035KT /TB LGT' indicates:

12.A surface analysis chart primarily provides information about:

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Weather Practice Questionsfor the Private Pilot Written Test

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Weather Practice Questions
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