Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

In METAR, what does "VC" stand for?

1. In the Vicinity

2. Visibility Conditions

3. Vapor Cloud

4. Visual Clear

The correct answer is: In the Vicinity

In METAR, "VC" stands for "in the vicinity." This term is used to indicate that certain weather phenomena, such as precipitation or fog, are occurring in an area surrounding the reporting station, but not directly at the station itself. When "VC" appears in a METAR report, it signifies that conditions may be affecting the nearby region and could have implications for pilots, particularly in regard to visibility and safety during flight operations. Understanding this term is crucial for pilots as it provides additional contextual information about conditions that may not be directly affecting their flight path but could still pose a risk. This ensures that the pilot can take into consideration the broader weather conditions while planning their route and during the approach and landing phases of flight. The other options presented do not accurately convey the meaning of "VC" in the context of METAR reports, highlighting the importance of precise terminology in aviation meteorology.