METAR Quiz: Decode and Read Aviation Weather Reports
This METAR quiz helps you practice reading and decoding aviation weather reports, from wind and visibility to temperature and altimeter. Build speed for checkrides or study sessions, then go deeper with our meteorology quiz, sharpen instruments with an altimeter reading quiz, or review broader topics with weather quiz questions.
Study Outcomes
- Interpret METAR Reports -
Understand the structure and components of METAR codes through our metar practice quiz, enabling you to quickly recognize key report elements.
- Decode Wind Information -
Analyze wind direction and speed entries in practice metars to accurately determine aviation-critical wind patterns.
- Evaluate Visibility and Weather Conditions -
Assess visibility ranges and weather phenomena within METAR reports to make informed decisions in varied flight scenarios.
- Calculate Temperature and Dew Point -
Apply your metar reading practice to interpret temperature and dew point data, improving your understanding of atmospheric conditions.
- Apply Altimeter Settings -
Learn to extract and set accurate altimeter values from METAR codes, ensuring precise altitude calculations for safe flight operations.
- Build Confidence for Real-World Use -
Leverage this free metar quiz to reinforce your skills, boosting confidence and readiness for actual aviation weather interpretation challenges.
Cheat Sheet
- Wind Group Decoding -
Master the wind group by parsing "27015G25KT" into 270° true direction, 15-knot steady wind, gusting to 25 knots. Use the mnemonic "DDD-SS[G-GG]-KT" (Direction, Speed, [Gust], Knots) from the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). This builds confidence in spotting crosswinds and gust factors in your metar practice.
- Visibility and RVR Interpretation -
Interpret prevailing visibility in statute miles (e.g., "1/4SM") or meters for RVR (e.g., "R23/2400FT") by noting fractions and runway identifiers. ICAO Annex 3 and NOAA guidelines explain how to read "P6SM" as "greater than six miles" and RVR values by runway. Practicing these distinctions in a metar reading practice session helps you gauge safe landing minima confidently.
- Temperature/Dew Point Pairs -
Decode temperature and dew point as "TT/DD" (e.g., "10/08") with "M" indicating minus for sub-zero values (e.g., "M03/M07"). Remember the motto "M adds Minus" and consult FAA AC00-6B for conversion standards. Regular metar quiz practice cements your ability to assess humidity and frost risk quickly.
- Altimeter Settings (QNH vs. QFE) -
Read the pressure group "A2992" as 29.92 inHg and "Q1013" as 1013 hPa for international use by ICAO standards. The formula to switch units is in the UK Met Office MET Guide or FAA AIM: hPa × 0.02953 = inHg (e.g., 1013 × 0.02953 ≈ 29.92). Solid metar reading practice makes setting cockpit instruments second nature.
- Weather Phenomena Symbols -
Memorize intensity and descriptor codes like "+TSRA" for heavy thunderstorms with rain or "-DZ" for light drizzle, as defined by the WMO and ICAO Annex 3. Use the simple phrase "Dot, Dash, Plus" to recall light (-), moderate (no symbol), and heavy (+) qualifiers before the two-letter phenomena code. Practicing with practice metars ensures you'll spot critical weather hazards instantly during pre-flight checks.