Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 15-111 Practice Test

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• Which statement distinguishes a SPECI from a METAR?
• Which observation schedule describes taking observations at an interval not to exceed 35 minutes when there has been a change of 0.01 inch Hg or more since the last ALSTG value?
• Which weather watch requires weather technicians to monitor conditions continuously and perform no other significant duties?
• What activity should be performed upon installation, at least annually thereafter, and after any major maintenance on an instrument or sensor?
• If instrumentation is moved or a site survey shows the reported information to be in error, what information should be provided to the supporting OWS and forwarded to AFWA?
• What does AMOS stand for in this context?
• Which group is advised to develop map-type visibility charts to augment photographic visibility markers?
• If AMOS sensors are not operating or there is no interface to augment AMOS, what should EUs plan to use to prepare the observation?
• AMO uses which technique to describe visual elements?
• These reports are from credible sources within 15 statute miles and will be appended in the remarks of the observation during AMOS augmentation. What are they?
• Which organization is responsible for establishing METAR file times between H+55 and H+59 past the hour?
• What is the difference between the One-Minute Observation (OMO) and the METAR/SPECI?
• In a situation where cloud height data is available from the inactive runway and is representative when the active runway's cloud height equipment is inoperative, what should be used?
• This document identifies the process EUs will use to certify AMOSs at Air Force and Army sites?
• Under Cooperative Weather Watch, what condition triggers reporting changes in tower prevailing visibility to the local EU?
• Who collaborates with the local command to establish an AOL and outline what is needed from various agencies on the installation?
• According to the Federal Standard for Siting Meteorological Sensors at Airports (FCM-S4-1994), AMOS sensor groups must be sited for which aspect?
• What is encoded in METAR format and includes all basic weather parameters found in the body of the METAR plus specific automated remarks? Also accepts augmented elements and remarks.
• Under Observing Operation, which item describes when augmented observations are available?
• What is the purpose of Control Tower Visibility Aids in ATC operations?
• Which watch is associated with notifying airfield leadership that the RVR system requires the runway lights to be left on during airfield closure hours?
• Which unit is responsible for coordinating annual inspections and ensuring equipment condition and unobstructed siting exposure on airfields?
• Which unit will function as the 'eyes forward' for the servicing operational weather squadron and often serve as the primary point of contact for collaborative forecast efforts including resource protection for the installation?
• What may be appended in the remarks of the observation and sent out at the technician's discretion?
• Exploitation units responsible for preparing surface weather observations will establish what when the primary location is evacuated?
• The observing location may be coincident with the weather observing location; or it may be the touchdown area of the primary runway. The selected location must provide what?
• What is the term used for a weather organization when all measurements are taken at approximately the same point?
• When cloud height and visibility values are greater than halfway between two reportable values, which value should be reported?
• The responsibilities of Exploitation units are described in which Air Force documents?
• What does AMOS stand for in meteorological observing?
• The standalone standard clock is zeroed with time from which source?
• Which system uses time averaging of sensor data?
• What is the term for locations where various elements of the observation are evaluated, normally within 5 statute miles of the runway complex, drop zone, or landing zone?
• When two runways have weather sensors and one runway is experiencing an outage, what is the recommended method for determining wind data?
• At a minimum, an initial observation must contain which elements?
• If cloud height equipment for the active runway is inoperative and the measurements from the inactive runway are representative, which data source may be used?
• Which description best captures a SPECI report?
• When evaluating supplement elements, which quality is ensured by instrumental and visual observations?
• Which unit type may augment the AMOS at the Alternate Operating Location if the sensors are functioning?
• What is not required at automated locations if AMOS is working properly and no mandatory supplementary criteria are occurring?
• There are many locations that provide stand-alone weather information, including ranges, training areas, drop zones, MOAs, and uncontrolled airfields. Which system provides this stand-alone weather information?
• How many minutes are weather technicians allotted to complete and transmit an augmented observation after arrival at the AOL?
• Which DoD airfield category is specified as operating with an AMOS?
• OS-21 Commissioning Plan is used to certify AMOSs at which sites?
• What must be determined at each observing location to convert wind direction from magnetic to true?
• Airfield services functions, weather flights, operating locations, and detachments are referred to as which term?
• Weather technicians will also ensure ATC personnel can operate the applicable weather equipment in where?
• When augmenting an AMOS, what is the last observed element?
• All other elements evaluated are based on sensor data that is within 10 minutes or less of the actual time of the observation.
• SPECI criteria will be based on what published guidance?
• Some are capable of generating an observation every minute?
• Time ascribed reflects the time, to the nearest minute, that the criteria is first met or observed?
• From the DoD FLIPs or the Tactical Plotting Chart for your area, you can obtain which information?
• According to rounding rules for negative numbers, if the fractional part to be dropped is greater than one-half, the preceding digit will be decreased by one.
• What form should be used to log ATC task certifications?
• For LOCALs taken in support of aircraft operations, the code form will be what?
• Which system will always be considered automated, even when a weather technician augments or backs up an observation?
• High-quality photographs should be taken on what type of day to reflect the current state of the airfield/site?
• What term describes observations made as close to the scheduled time as possible to meet filing deadlines, but in no case started more than 15 minutes before the scheduled time?
• If there is no sensing capability available on the runway complex, weather technicians may obtain data using backup methods at what location?
• Which weather watch is described as monitoring weather conditions continuously and disseminating SPECI observations, while performing no other significant duties?
• In the Order of Observing, which environment's elements are evaluated first?
• Where should the permanent file of station information be maintained?
• Range criteria may take the place of the criteria.
• Which documents are cited as ATC directives for reporting changes in tower prevailing visibility?
• Which statement is true about automated weather observations when a weather technician augments or backs up an observation?
• Who designates a single timepiece as the standard clock and establishes daily time check procedures?
• Which statement is true about RVR data when RVR equipment is inoperative and visibility is at or below 1 mile?
• The standard clock will be zeroed with which time source?
• According to rounding rules, for a positive number, if the fractional part to be dropped is equal to or greater than one-half, the preceding digit will be increased by one.
• Who should accompany maintenance personnel on this inspection and log any new equipment limitations into the Flight Information Handbook or report equipment issues to higher level(s) (e.g., AFWA, MAJCOM)?
• Where can you find additional guidance on operating at an AOL?
• If a synchronized computer network clock is used as the standard, daily synchronization must be verified with which clock?
• In airports with weather sensors on the approach ends of two or more runways, when the equipment is operational and reliable, which end's data is used?
• What is the location of the primary sensor group and the discontinuity sensor group?
• Which phenomena will be reported if observed within 10 minutes of the actual time of the observation?
• May replace the criteria values with values from Combatant Commander instructions, manuals or supplements relating to command minima for landing, VFR, IFR and alternates.
• If the sensor is not installed at touchdown areas, what location serves as the center of the runway complex for temperature, dew point, pressure, lightning and winds?
• When using an object located in front of a terrestrial background, you should exercise caution if the object is located closer to the observer than to the terrestrial background. This describes which category?
• Which source is considered most reliable for wind data when wind equipment is inoperative?
• Which elements are pressure, temperature, dew point, and wind?
• When weather sensors on the active approach end are operational and reliable, which data source is used for meteorological information?
• Latitude and longitude are specified to the nearest minute in station information. Which of the following best describes this precision?
• These are prominent dark or nearly dark colored objects observed against a light-colored background, preferably the horizon sky. What are they called?
• Who coordinates with the host/supporting airfield systems maintenance to perform an annual inspection of all meteorological equipment and verify no obstructions affecting siting and exposure?
• Altimeter settings provided for international aviation purposes and reported in whole hectopascals are rounded down when disposing of tenths of hPa (e.g., 1009.9 hPa and 1009.1 hPa are both rounded down to 1009 hPa).
• Observation elements are normally evaluated within how many statute miles of the runway complex?
• What will change by several minutes of arc each year at most locations?
• Which type of observation requires elements to reflect conditions existing at the actual time of observation and to have been observed within 15 minutes of that time?
• From true direction to magnetic direction, which steps are applied?
• Weather technicians will task-certify ATC personnel to evaluate prevailing visibility values from whom?
• Supplement elements are evaluated instrumentally with visual observations to ensure what quality?
• An unscheduled observation, reported to the nearest minute, not meeting SPECI criteria. Also will only be taken when local leadership determines there is a requirement in support of local operations or OPSEC considerations.
• Which entity establishes METAR file times between H+55 and H+59 past the hour?
• In the local altimeter setting observation, what triggers the 35-minute observation interval?
• Monitoring changes in local magnetic direction is essential to keep what oriented?
• What weather watch is conducted when the airfield is open and any augmentation of AMOS is required?
• What is the name of the weather report that may be disseminated to agencies other than ATC and may be established locally?
• Which standard addresses siting meteorological sensors at airports?
• Which statement about SPECI timing is true?
• Elements such as sky condition, visibility, and present weather; augmented observations use a fixed time, spatial averaging technique to describe the visual elements, while an AMOS will use a fixed location, time-linear technique.
• What term identifies the requirement to post charts or lists near the weather technician's position to identify observing aids?
• What information can be encoded and transmitted as a remark in column 13 of METAR/SPECI observations?
• Encoded and/or plain language information that elaborates on data in the body of the report may be appended to which report?
• Who must monitor FLIPS or revised charts for changes in local magnetic direction?
• Responsible for preparing surface weather observations, regardless of the mode of operation, will ensure their station information is current and maintained on permanent file at the 14th Weather Squadron (14WS) and in the observing location's historical file?
• Which term is used for elements such as sky condition, visibility, and present weather when augmented observations use fixed time and spatial averaging?
• Who will re-evaluate surface prevailing visibility upon initial receipt of a differing control tower value and upon subsequent reportable changes at the control tower level?
• Who can manually disseminate the One-Minute Observation (OMO) if it is required?
• When cloud height and visibility values are halfway or less between two reportable values, which value should be reported?
• What is the meaning of the WND DATA ESTMD remark?
• What is the maximum interval allowed for rechecking weather conditions since the last observation to determine the need for a SPECI observation?
• The METAR observations taken at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC are known as and also contain additional information?
• Which item is explicitly listed as part of Sensor Data for AMOS?
• In this context, which unit is described as the primary point of contact for the collaborative forecast effort and resource protection?
• At automated locations, AMOS performs what type of weather watch?
• Which factor is included under Physical Description of Observation Site to affect weather or climatology?
• Which group is responsible for re-evaluating surface prevailing visibility after a change at the control tower?
• Elements such as pressure, temperature, dew point, and wind; automated and augmented observations use a fixed location and time-averaging technique.
• What does OMO stand for?
• Weather technicians will be fully trained, task certified, and position qualified according to requirements outlined in what?
• Augmented Observations are used for which elements?
• Operations at the AOL and any reciprocal support from other agencies will be coordinated and formally documented in what?
• What is the primary purpose of establishing an Alternate Operating Location (AOL)?
• What function begins as soon as practical after the augmented observation is transmitted?
• What term describes periods when the airfield is being controlled by an air traffic control tower and designated as Class B, C, or D airspace?
• High-quality color/digital photos taken on a predominantly cloud-free day should be representative of the current state of the airfield/site, and observing locations should develop map-type visibility charts to augment these photographic visibility markers. What are these photos and charts called?
• Which location is used for touchdown runway visual range (RVR) and winds?
• What is defined as a report of weather elements from an individual who is not task certified to take official weather observations?
• Organizations will update Flight Information Publication (FLIP) references to specify those DoD controlled airfields operating with an AMOS. This is done in accordance with which publication?
• Which sources can be used to obtain local magnetic variation?
• During wind equipment outage, which method should be used to determine wind data for the runway in use, and what remark should be included?
• METAR is the acronym for which type of weather report?
• METAR observations taken at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC include additional data and are known as what?
• Which term refers to any certified AF-owned observing system capable of automatically collecting and disseminating observations?
• What is the approximate luminous intensity of unfocused lights used as visibility aids?
• Sensor Data includes which of the following items?
• What requirement directs task certified control tower personnel to make tower prevailing visibility observations when the prevailing visibility at the usual observation point or at the tower level is less than 4 statute miles?
• What term describes a location with adequate communications and a view of the airfield complex?
• Where should you log ATC task certification?
• What does FLIP stand for?
• These are unfocused lights of moderate intensity (about 25 candelas). Red or green runway lights may be used, but avoid focused lights like airway beacons; however, their brilliance can help estimate distance to the light source. What are they?
• What is the procedure called that EUs use to review each new edition of DoD FLIPs after publication?
• Which elements are included in the body of a METAR report?
• Who will notify the tower as soon as possible when the prevailing visibility at the official weather observation point decreases to less than 4 statute miles?
• Which time interval defines 3-hourly METAR observations?
• What is the name of the observing sequence where elements with the greatest rate of change are evaluated last?
• Collect and save data related to an aircraft mishap according to instructions in AFMAN 15-129, Volume 2, Air Force Weather Operations - Exploitation. Technicians will retrieve the archived surface observation data as required by the requesting agency. This describes which category?
• The actual time of the observation will be H+55 to H+59 minutes past the hour (standard time of a METAR observation). This describes which type of report?
• ATC regulations require control towers to maintain a visibility checkpoint chart or list of visibility markers posted in the tower. Upon request, which entity will provide assistance to help prepare a chart or markers for determining tower visibility?
• From magnetic to true: which statement correctly describes the conversion steps?
• When portions of the horizon are obstructed by buildings or aircraft, which value should be used as a guide to determine surface visibility?
• Which statement about wind data during outages is correct?
• Where can you find additional guidance on operating at an AOL?
• Which report is used for LOCAL operations?
• To update FLIP references for AMOS-equipped airfields, which AFI governs the publication process?
• When computations of pressure values require rounding to standards on reportable values, the number will be rounded down to the next reportable value.
• Who will perform required user/operator maintenance in accordance with equipment TOs and ensure meteorological and communications systems maintenance, including calibration and standardization?
• During wind equipment outage, which action should be taken to determine wind data for the runway in use?
• In the Order of Observing, which environment's elements are evaluated last?
• At all EUs, the local ceiling, prevailing visibility, and runway visual range minima for landing and circling minima will be SPECI observations generated by which systems?
• Under what condition may mandatory elements be omitted from the initial observation?
• Where should EUs post charts, lists or other positive means identifying observing aids so they can be accessed quickly?
• The procedure designation for managing instrument outages in instrument procedures is known as?
• EUs may report in the remarks section significant or unusual variations in the sky condition (e.g., CLD LYR AT 400 FT ON APCH RWY 23 RPRTD BY PIREPS) that could affect flying operations. This belongs to which remark category?
• From true direction to magnetic direction: which statement correctly describes the conversion steps?
• Who should research the availability of detailed host installation maps and, as required, submit a work order to survey the markers to create visibility aids/charts?
• From magnetic to true, which steps are applied?
• Which group should use tools such as military grid reference system maps, laser range finder equipment, and GPS devices to determine distances to visibility markers and create visibility aids/charts?
• Which system mode continually senses and measures the atmosphere for wind, visibility, precipitation, cloud height, sky cover, temperature, dew point, altimeter, and lightning, and formats automated remarks?
• If cloud height equipment for the active runway is inoperative, under which condition may data from the inactive runway be used?
• When RVR equipment is inoperative and visibility is equal to or less than 1 mile, how should the RVR be reported?
• Where should a time check be annotated on the form?
• Under Basic Weather Watch, what additional duty do weather technicians perform besides taking METARs and disseminating SPECI observations?
• Under what condition is the RVRNO reported when RVR equipment is inoperative?
• What will affect the orientation of the wind equipment, requiring maintenance personnel to be informed of changes?
• Observing aids for visibility must be clearly identified as daytime or nighttime aids and updated at least how many times?
• What will be an evaluation of sensor data gathered during the 30-minute period ending at the actual time of the observation?
• An unscheduled observation completed and transmitted when any of the special criteria are observed, and will include all data elements in a METAR plus additional remarks, is called what?