Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does the symbol "+" indicate in a METAR report?

1. Light precipitation

2. Heavy precipitation

3. No precipitation

4. Cloud cover

The correct answer is: Heavy precipitation

The symbol "+" in a METAR report specifically denotes heavy precipitation. This indicates that the weather phenomenon being reported is occurring at a significant intensity, which can affect visibility and various flight operations. METAR reports use standardized symbols to provide pilots and meteorologists with a quick and clear snapshot of weather conditions at a specific airport. Understanding METAR symbols is crucial for interpreting weather data accurately. For example, light precipitation would be indicated by a different symbol, which means that the weather conditions would be less severe compared to those represented by the "+" sign. Similarly, the absence of precipitation is represented by a notation that signifies no moisture is present, and cloud cover is indicated through different identifiers related to cloud types and heights. Each symbol serves a distinct purpose to convey critical weather information concisely, which is vital for flight safety and planning.