Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

In a METAR report, "SG" is an abbreviation for what?

1. Snow Grains

2. Rain Showers

3. Ice Pellets

4. Snow Flurries

The correct answer is: Snow Grains

In a METAR report, "SG" stands for Snow Grains. This term specifically denotes small, white, opaque grains of ice that fall from the sky. Unlike regular snowflakes, snow grains do not have a crystalline structure and are much denser, making them fall more like rain than typical snow. They are typically associated with low cloud ceilings and poor visibility conditions, which is critical information for pilots and flight planning. Understanding this abbreviation is essential for interpreting weather reports accurately, as knowing the type of precipitation can significantly affect flight operations and safety. While the other options refer to different weather phenomena, "SG" is specifically linked to the type of precipitation described, highlighting the need for pilots to remain aware and informed about specific weather elements that can impact aviation.