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60 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Explain the general content of GFAs
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- series of charts depicting most probable conditions below 400 Mb over an area at specified time
- designed to meet general aviation and air carrier requirements for pre flight planning - issued 2330z, 0530z, 1130z, 1730z, valid half hour later - each issue consists of 6 charts in 3 sets, hour+0, hour+6, hour+12 - hour+12 includes 12 hour IFR outlook 204.1.1 |
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Explain the coverage areas of GFAs
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- 7 distinct GFA areas covering entire Canadian Domestic Airspace
204.1.1 |
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Explain the units of measure, abbreviations, and symbols on GFAs
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- speed in knots
- heights in hundreds of feet ASL unless otherwise noted - visibility in statute miles - times in UTC - only standard abbreviations - common weather symbols 204.1.1 |
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Describe the layout of GFAs
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Four parts:
- Title Box - Legend Box - Comments Box - weather info section 204.1.2 |
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Describe the Title Box on GFAs
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- chart name
- issuing office ID - name of GFA region - chart type - date/time of issue - valid date/time 204.1.2 |
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Describe the Legend Box on GFAs
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- significant weather symbols used
- nautical mile scale bar 204.1.2 |
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Describe the Comments Box on GFAs
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- important info
- elements difficult to render pictorially - two standard phrases: HGTS ASL UNLESS NOTED; CB TCU AND ACC IMPLY SIG TURBC AND ICG. CB IMPLIES LLWS 204.1.2 |
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Describe the IFR Outlook on GFAs
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- IFR = cig less than 1000ft AGL and/or vis less than 3SM
- MVFR = cig btw 1000 and 3000ft AGL and/or vis btw 3 and 5SM - VFR = cig more than 3000ft AGL and vis more than 5SM 204.1.2 |
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Describe the weather information section of GFAs
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- depicts forecast of clouds and weather conditions
- depicts forecast of icing, turbulence, freezing level conditions 204.1.2 |
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Describe the clouds and weather chart for GFAs
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- relevant synoptic features
- cloud layers - surface-based phenomena - visibility - weather and obstructions to vision - isobars - surface wind 204.1.2 |
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Describe synoptic features on GFAs
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- motion of features indicated by arrow of direction and speed value when more than 5kt
- QS used for speeds less than 5kt 204.1.2 |
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Describe clouds on GFAs
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- bases and tops between surface and 24000ft
- tops of convective clouds even if extending beyond 24000ft - convective cloud always stated - scalloped border for BKN to OVC clouds - no border for SKC, FEW, SCT - when multiple layers forecast, amounts based on clouds at particular level, not summation - all heights ASL in hundreds of feet - height AGL indicated by CIG 204.1.2 |
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Describe surface based layers on GFAs
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- OBSCD used to describe surface based layers
- vertical visibility in hundreds of feet AGL 204.1.2 |
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Describe visibilities on GFAs
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- measured in statute miles
- greater than 6SM indicated as P6SM 204.1.2 |
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Describe weather and obstructions to vision on GFAs
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- included after visibility
- obstructions to vision listed only if vis forecast to be 6SM or less - standard abbreviations used - dashed green line for showery/intermittent precip - solid green line for continuous precip - dashed orange line for obstructions alone and vis less than 6SM solid red line for areas of freezing precip 204.1.2 |
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Decribe spatial qualifiers on GFAs
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For convective cloud/showers:
- ISOLD = less than 25% - SCT = 25-50% - NMRS = greater than 50% For other than convective cloud/showers: - LCL = less than 25% - PTCHY = 25-50% - XTNSV = greater than 50% 204.1.2 |
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Describe isobars on GFAs
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- lines joining points of equal pressure
- drawn at 4 Mb intervals - reference value of 1000 Mb 204.1.2 |
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Describe surface winds on GFAs
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- sustained speed of at least 20kts
- less than 20kts may be included at forecaster's discretion if associated gusts bring mod mechanical turbulence - gusts indicated by G followed by peak gust speed in kts 204.1.2 |
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Describe the icing, turbulence, and freezing level chart for GFAs
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- depicts forecast areas of icing, turbulence, and expected freezing levels
- type, intensity, bases, and tops for each turbulence and icing area - surface synoptic features shown - used in conjunction with Clouds and Weather chart for same valid period 204.1.2 |
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Describe icing on GFAs
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- depicted for moderate or severe icing forecast
- bases and tops in hundreds of feet ASL - type of icing as RIME, MXD, CLR - light icing or partial period icing described in comment box 204.1.2 |
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Describe turbulence on GFAs
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- depicted for moderate or severe turbulence forecast
- base and top in hundreds of feet ASL - cause of turbulence shown as MECH, LLWS, LEE WV, LLJ, CAT 204.1.2 |
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Describe freezing levels on GFAs
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- freezing level contours indicated by dashed line
- 2500ft ASL intervals, starting at surface - modifications to freezing level will be indicated in comment box 204.1.2 |
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Describe GFA amendments
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- automatically amended by AIRMETs
- each AIRMET indicates which GFA is being amended - automatically amended by SIGMETs - SIGMET will not state which GFA being amended 204.1.2 |
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Describe GFA corrections
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- for significant error that could result in erroneous interpretation
- only the erroneous chart is corrected - appropriate explanation in comment box - CCA, CCB, etc 204.1.2 |
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Give the definition and purpose of SIGMETs
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- met info issued concerning weather significant to the safety of aircraft
- primarily intended for ground-to-air comms - clarity and brevity essential 204.1.3 |
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List the weather phenomena for which SIGMETs are issued
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- area of active TS
- line of TS - severe squall line - hurricane/tropical storm - moderate or heavy hail - severe turbulence - severe icing - marked mountain waves - widespread sand or dust storms - volcanic ash cloud - radioactive cloud - LLWS - tornado or waterspout 204.1.3 |
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Describe the issuing procedures for SIGMETs
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- reported or expected to occur within 4 hours
- for volcanic ash, up to 12 hours before when possible - period of coverage not to exceed 4 hours - international cooperation for volcanic ash SIGMETs - abbreviated English language with approved abbreviations - distances in NM - visibility in SM - time in UTC - speed in KT - heights in hundreds of feet - wind direction in degrees true using 3 digits 204.1.3 |
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Describe the format of SIGMETs
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- telecommunication header
- include type WVCN, WCCN, WSCN - SIGMET heading - text 204.1.3 |
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Describe the SIGMET order of content
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- area coverage
- met phenomena - forecast or observed, if applicable - heights of layers affected, if applicable - reporting aircraft type, if applicable - expected movement - expected development, if applicable - tendency beyond period of coverage, if applicable 204.1.3 |
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Describe SIGMET area coverage
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- location names
- position relative to a location - lat/long points alone only in remote areas - add lat/long to all locations used - describe areas as circular, line between two points, irregular area using 3 or more points 204.1.3 |
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Describe the description of met phenomena in SIGMETs
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- intended mainly for ground to air comms
- must be worded clearly and concisely - no reference to turb, icing, or hail with convective events unless special attention is warranted - relation to weather system not required - statement required when phenomenon expected to last beyond coverage period 204.1.3 |
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Describe the numbering of SIGMETs
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- alphabetically numbered for each phenomena
- same letter but sequentially numbered for subsequent SIGMETs for same phenomena - single phenomena over 2 GFA areas receive separate SIGMETS for each GFA area - phenomena moving from 1 GFA area to another requires cancellation in first area and issue in second - same letter not used more than once for different phenomena within 24 hour period 204.1.3 |
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Describe updating SIGMETs
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- updated SIGMET automatically cancels previous one in same series
- required correction to SIGMET issued as an updated SIGMET - SIGMET shall be cancelled when phenomena doesn't occur or dissipates - SIGMET issued even if phenomena already forecast on GFA - SIGMET automatically amends GFA 204.1.3 |
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Describe the relationship of SIGMETs to AIRMETs
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- if SIGMET phenomena decreases in intensity to AIRMET criteria, SIGMET must be cancelled
- if AIRMET phenomena increases in intensity to SIGMET criteria, AIRMET must be cancelled - AIRMET only issued for decreased SIGMET phenomena if not already forecast on GFAs - if SIGMET phenomena is subset of AIRMET phenomena, both can coexist 204.1.3 |
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Decode SIGMET information
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- state SIGMET followed by identification
- state valid period - state data 204.1.4 |
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State the definition and usage of AIRMETs
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- short term met info intended primarily for aircraft in flight, to notify pilots of potentially hazardous weather conditions not described in current area forecast and not requiring SIGMET
- primarily intended for ground to air comms - clarity and brevity essential 204.1.5 |
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List the weather conditions for which AIRMETs are issued
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Non forecast occurence of, or non occurence of forecast:
- IFR conditions - freezing precip - moderate icing - moderate turbulence - thunderstorms - wind speed increases to 20KT or more, or gust increases to 30KT or more - difference in wind speed greater than 20KT - difference in wind direction greater than 60 degrees 204.1.5 |
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Describe the issuing procedures for AIRMETs
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- issued as soon as a criteria is reported or expected to occur
- valid until updated, cancelled, or next GFA series issued - worded in abbreviated English, using standard abbreviations - distance in NM - visibility in SM - times in UTC - speed in KT - heights in hundreds of feet - wind direction in degrees true using 3 digits 204.1.5 |
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Describe the format of AIRMETs
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- telecommunication header
- AIRMET heading - GFA reference - text 204.1.5 |
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Describe the AIRMET order of content
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- area coverage
- met phenomena - forecast or observed, if applicable - flight levels or layers affected, if applicable - reporting aircraft type, if applicable - expected movement or duration, if applicable - expected development or dissipation, if applicable 204.1.5 |
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Describe AIRMET area coverage
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- location names
- position relative to location - lat/long points alone only in remote areas - lat/long added to all locations used - well known geographical location - describe areas as circular, line between 2 points, irregular between 3 or more points, or well known geographical area 204.1.5 |
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Describe the description of met phenomena in AIRMETs
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- intended mainly for ground to air comm
- must be worded clearly and concisely - no relation to weather system required - type of aircraft when PIREP the only evidence of criteria 204.1.5 |
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Describe the numbering of AIRMETs
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- alphanumerically numbered like SIGMETs
- different phenomena labelled with different letter series - two or more criteria from same phenomena can be dealt with in a single letter series - a single phenomena over 2 GFA areas require separate AIRMET for each GFA area - phenomena moving from 1 GFA area to another requires cancel in first area and new issue in the other - the same letter series not to be repeated within 24 hours 204.1.5 |
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Describe updating AIRMETs
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- updated automatically with new GFA series issue
- AIRMETs manually updated only if and when required - correction issued as an updated AIRMET - automatically cancelled with new GFA series issue - only manually cancelled if condition doesn't occur, or ends significantly earlier than forecast - only tool for amending GFAs 204.1.5 |
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Define: PIREP
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Report by a pilot pertaining to weather conditions encountered in flight
204.1.7 |
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List the mandatory elements of a PIREP
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- message header
- location - time - flight level/altitude - aircraft type - and at least one other element 204.1.7 |
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List the supplementary elements that can be contained within a PIREP
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- sky cover
- ambient temperature - wind velocity - turbulence - icing - remarks 204.1.7 |
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List the content criteria for issuing an Urgent PIREP
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- volcanic ash
- tornado, funnel cloud, water spout - severe turbulence - severe icing - hail - LLWS below 500m AGL - other hazardous phenomena 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the location field in a PIREP
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- shall be for position of aircraft at time of PIREP
- direction and distance from a 3 letter NAVAID (add dash if necessary) - direction and distance from aerodrome - geographic coordinate without direction and distance 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the flight level field in a PIREP
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- 3 digits indicating aircraft altitude in hundreds of feet ASL
- DURD - DURC - UNKN 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the sky cover field in a PIREP
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- used to report cloud layer amount and height of bases/tops
- can report one or more layers - use CLR, FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC - heights listed using 3 digits indicating aircraft altitude in hundreds of feet ASL 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the temperature field in a PIREP
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- always 2 digits
- negative value preceded by minus sign 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the wind velocity field in a PIREP
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- direction in whole degrees true using 3 digits
- speed in knots using 3 digits - magnetic wind must be converted to true 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the turbulence field in a PIREP
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- altitude not required if same as flight level field of PIREP
- heights in hundreds of feet AGL - use intensities of LGT, MDT, SEV - CAT only abbreviation allowed in field, any others must go in remarks field - BLO or ABV can be used with heights if base or top is undefined 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the icing field in a PIREP
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- altitude not required if same as flight level field of PIREP
- heights in hundreds of feet AGL - use types of RIME, CLR, MXD - use intensities of TR, LGT, MDT, SEV - BLO or ABV can be used with heights if base or top is undefined 204.1.7 |
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Describe the criteria for completing the remarks field in a PIREP
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- use plain language or approved abbreviations
- report multiple remarks in descending order of importance Can include: - icing in precipitation - thunderstorms - St. Elmo's Fire - frontal conditions - LLWS 204.1.7 |
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Describe the purpose of FDs
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Forecasts in digital form of the winds and temperatures aloft are prepared to meet aeronautical requirements for flight planning
204.1.9 |
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State the content and issuing offices for FDs
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- CMC issues 3, 6, 9 12, and 18 thousand FT levels ASL
- 3000FT level omitted where terrain elevation greater than 1500FT - temps not issued for 3000FT levels - NWS issues 24, 30, 34, 39, 45, and 53 thousand FT levels 204.1.9 |
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State the issue times and periods of use for FDs
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- prepared twice daily at 00z and 12z
- 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 hour forecasts are created - 6, 12, and 24 hour forecasts are issued - 18, 24, and 36 hour kept as backup for subsequent cycle - 30, 36, and 48 hour kept as backup for second subsequent cycle 204.1.9 |
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Describe the FD format
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- ddfftt where dd is wind direction in tens of degrees true, ff is wind speed in knots, tt is temps in Celcius
- wind speeds from 100-199KT |
