Meteorology
What the exam tests
Meteorology tests METAR and TAF interpretation, pressure systems, fronts, icing, thunderstorms, wind shear, fog and local Kuwait conditions such as dust and extreme heat. The exam expects decoding and operational decisions.
Core products
- METAR reports current wind, visibility, weather, cloud, temperature, dew point and QNH.
- TAF gives forecast conditions with validity, TEMPO and BECMG changes.
- QNH is the pressure setting that makes the altimeter read aerodrome elevation.
- Thunderstorms bring gust fronts, microbursts, hail, icing and lightning; avoid them.
- Airframe icing forms near 0 C in visible moisture; climb or descend to a safer temperature if approved.
- In Kuwait, dust and haze reduce visibility; high temperatures produce high density altitude.
Worked example
METAR OKBK 121200Z 33012KT 9999 SCT040 38/12 Q1005. Wind is 330 true at 12 kt; visibility 10 km or more; scattered cloud at 4,000 ft; temperature 38 C; dew point 12 C; QNH 1005 hPa. The temperature and dew-point spread is large, so fog is unlikely. The high temperature means a high density altitude and reduced performance. A crew should check takeoff performance rather than rely on the surface wind alone.
Traps
Do not read 9999 as 9,999 m; it means 10 km or more. Do not treat TEMPO as a permanent change. Do not confuse QNH with QFE. Do not underestimate dust or haze when the visibility is reported in metres.