Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 15-111 Practice Test

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• What does AMOS stand for in this context?
• METAR is the acronym for which type of weather report?
• Elements such as pressure, temperature, dew point, and wind; automated and augmented observations use a fixed location and time-averaging technique.
• 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?
• According to the Federal Standard for Siting Meteorological Sensors at Airports (FCM-S4-1994), AMOS sensor groups must be sited for which aspect?
• Which statement is true about RVR data when RVR equipment is inoperative and visibility is at or below 1 mile?
• Encoded and/or plain language information that elaborates on data in the body of the report may be appended to which report?
• Who designates a single timepiece as the standard clock and establishes daily time check procedures?
• 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?
• Which DoD airfield category is specified as operating with an AMOS?
• Which location is used for touchdown runway visual range (RVR) 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?
• 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.
• When RVR equipment is inoperative and visibility is equal to or less than 1 mile, how should the RVR be reported?
• Which time interval defines 3-hourly METAR observations?
• If cloud height equipment for the active runway is inoperative, under which condition may data from the inactive runway be used?
• Augmented Observations are used for which elements?
• Which weather watch requires weather technicians to monitor conditions continuously and perform no other significant duties?
• From the DoD FLIPs or the Tactical Plotting Chart for your area, you can obtain which information?
• Where should EUs post charts, lists or other positive means identifying observing aids so they can be accessed quickly?
• Supplement elements are evaluated instrumentally with visual observations to ensure what quality?
• Under Observing Operation, which item describes when augmented observations are available?
• When weather sensors on the active approach end are operational and reliable, which data source is used for meteorological information?
• Which statement is true about automated weather observations when a weather technician augments or backs up an observation?
• What does FLIP stand for?
• Sensor Data includes which of the following items?
• When cloud height and visibility values are greater than halfway between two reportable values, which value should be reported?
• Where should you log ATC task certification?
• When computations of pressure values require rounding to standards on reportable values, the number will be rounded down to the next reportable value.
• Observation elements are normally evaluated within how many statute miles of the runway complex?
• 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?
• May replace the criteria values with values from Combatant Commander instructions, manuals or supplements relating to command minima for landing, VFR, IFR and alternates.
• 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?
• In the Order of Observing, which environment's elements are evaluated last?
• What does OMO stand for?
• 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?
• Latitude and longitude are specified to the nearest minute in station information. Which of the following best describes this precision?
• If AMOS sensors are not operating or there is no interface to augment AMOS, what should EUs plan to use to prepare the observation?
• Exploitation units responsible for preparing surface weather observations will establish what when the primary location is evacuated?
• Where can you find additional guidance on operating at an AOL?
• Airfield services functions, weather flights, operating locations, and detachments are referred to as which term?
• What is the difference between the One-Minute Observation (OMO) and the METAR/SPECI?
• Which factor is included under Physical Description of Observation Site to affect weather or climatology?
• 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?
• Which entity establishes METAR file times between H+55 and H+59 past the hour?
• 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?
• What is not required at automated locations if AMOS is working properly and no mandatory supplementary criteria are occurring?
• Some are capable of generating an observation every minute?
• Which group is responsible for re-evaluating surface prevailing visibility after a change at the control tower?
• What information can be encoded and transmitted as a remark in column 13 of METAR/SPECI observations?
• Which source is considered most reliable for wind data when wind equipment is inoperative?
• What is the meaning of the WND DATA ESTMD remark?
• Which elements are pressure, temperature, dew point, and wind?
• Which report is used for LOCAL operations?
• Which statement about wind data during outages is correct?
• How many minutes are weather technicians allotted to complete and transmit an augmented observation after arrival at the AOL?
• What is the maximum interval allowed for rechecking weather conditions since the last observation to determine the need for a SPECI observation?
• What will affect the orientation of the wind equipment, requiring maintenance personnel to be informed of changes?
• What function begins as soon as practical after the augmented observation is transmitted?
• The procedure designation for managing instrument outages in instrument procedures is known as?
• Which documents are cited as ATC directives for reporting changes in tower prevailing visibility?
• If a synchronized computer network clock is used as the standard, daily synchronization must be verified with which clock?
• 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?
• METAR observations taken at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC include additional data and are known as what?
• From magnetic to true: which statement correctly describes the conversion steps?
• 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?
• The standalone standard clock is zeroed with time from which source?
• What is the approximate luminous intensity of unfocused lights used as visibility aids?
• Which statement about SPECI timing is true?
• What is the location of the primary sensor group and the discontinuity sensor group?
• 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?
• Operations at the AOL and any reciprocal support from other agencies will be coordinated and formally documented in what?
• 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?
• Monitoring changes in local magnetic direction is essential to keep what oriented?
• In the Order of Observing, which environment's elements are evaluated first?
• 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?
• What is defined as a report of weather elements from an individual who is not task certified to take official weather observations?
• Who will perform required user/operator maintenance in accordance with equipment TOs and ensure meteorological and communications systems maintenance, including calibration and standardization?
• Observing aids for visibility must be clearly identified as daytime or nighttime aids and updated at least how many times?
• In this context, which unit is described as the primary point of contact for the collaborative forecast effort and resource protection?
• The responsibilities of Exploitation units are described in which Air Force documents?
• 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).
• Which system will always be considered automated, even when a weather technician augments or backs up an observation?
• 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?
• 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.
• AMO uses which technique to describe visual elements?
• Where should a time check be annotated on the form?
• 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?
• 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 weather watch is described as monitoring weather conditions continuously and disseminating SPECI observations, while performing no other significant duties?
• Which sources can be used to obtain local magnetic variation?
• Which group is advised to develop map-type visibility charts to augment photographic visibility markers?
• 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 is the name of the observing sequence where elements with the greatest rate of change are evaluated last?
• 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 must be determined at each observing location to convert wind direction from magnetic to true?
• During wind equipment outage, which method should be used to determine wind data for the runway in use, and what remark should be included?
• Under Cooperative Weather Watch, what condition triggers reporting changes in tower prevailing visibility to the local EU?
• Who can manually disseminate the One-Minute Observation (OMO) if it is required?
• High-quality photographs should be taken on what type of day to reflect the current state of the airfield/site?
• 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.
• What does AMOS stand for in meteorological observing?
• When augmenting an AMOS, what is the last observed element?
• 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?
• 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.
• Which elements are included in the body of a METAR report?
• Which term refers to any certified AF-owned observing system capable of automatically collecting and disseminating observations?
• 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 unit type may augment the AMOS at the Alternate Operating Location if the sensors are functioning?
• Which description best captures a SPECI report?
• Range criteria may take the place of the criteria.
• Which unit is responsible for coordinating annual inspections and ensuring equipment condition and unobstructed siting exposure on airfields?
• From magnetic to true, which steps are applied?
• What term describes a location with adequate communications and a view of the airfield complex?
• What term identifies the requirement to post charts or lists near the weather technician's position to identify observing aids?
• 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?
• Weather technicians will also ensure ATC personnel can operate the applicable weather equipment in where?
• 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?
• SPECI criteria will be based on what published guidance?
• All other elements evaluated are based on sensor data that is within 10 minutes or less of the actual time of the observation.
• Which organization is responsible for establishing METAR file times between H+55 and H+59 past the hour?
• Which term is used for elements such as sky condition, visibility, and present weather when augmented observations use fixed time and spatial averaging?
• Weather technicians will task-certify ATC personnel to evaluate prevailing visibility values from whom?
• These are prominent dark or nearly dark colored objects observed against a light-colored background, preferably the horizon sky. What are they called?
• What is the procedure called that EUs use to review each new edition of DoD FLIPs after publication?
• Which statement distinguishes a SPECI from a METAR?
• What is the primary purpose of establishing an Alternate Operating Location (AOL)?
• Which watch is associated with notifying airfield leadership that the RVR system requires the runway lights to be left on during airfield closure hours?
• This document identifies the process EUs will use to certify AMOSs at Air Force and Army sites?
• 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?
• In the local altimeter setting observation, what triggers the 35-minute observation interval?
• 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.
• From true direction to magnetic direction, which steps are applied?
• During wind equipment outage, which action should be taken to determine wind data for the runway in use?
• 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?
• 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?
• When cloud height and visibility values are halfway or less between two reportable values, which value should be reported?
• At a minimum, an initial observation must contain which elements?
• The METAR observations taken at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC are known as and also contain additional information?
• What is the purpose of Control Tower Visibility Aids in ATC operations?
• Which phenomena will be reported if observed within 10 minutes of the actual time of the observation?
• At automated locations, AMOS performs what type of weather watch?
• For LOCALs taken in support of aircraft operations, the code form will be what?
• Which system uses time averaging of sensor data?
• Under Basic Weather Watch, what additional duty do weather technicians perform besides taking METARs and disseminating SPECI observations?
• 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?
• When portions of the horizon are obstructed by buildings or aircraft, which value should be used as a guide to determine surface visibility?
• From true direction to magnetic direction: which statement correctly describes the conversion steps?
• The standard clock will be zeroed with which time source?
• 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?
• If there is no sensing capability available on the runway complex, weather technicians may obtain data using backup methods at what location?
• 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 is the term used for a weather organization when all measurements are taken at approximately the same point?
• Time ascribed reflects the time, to the nearest minute, that the criteria is first met or observed?
• What will change by several minutes of arc each year at most locations?
• Under what condition is the RVRNO reported when RVR equipment is inoperative?
• What weather watch is conducted when the airfield is open and any augmentation of AMOS is required?
• 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?
• 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?
• Which item is explicitly listed as part of Sensor Data for AMOS?
• 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)?
• What form should be used to log ATC task certifications?
• When two runways have weather sensors and one runway is experiencing an outage, what is the recommended method for determining wind data?
• Where should the permanent file of station information be maintained?
• What activity should be performed upon installation, at least annually thereafter, and after any major maintenance on an instrument or sensor?
• OS-21 Commissioning Plan is used to certify AMOSs at which sites?
• What is the name of the weather report that may be disseminated to agencies other than ATC and may be established locally?
• Weather technicians will be fully trained, task certified, and position qualified according to requirements outlined in what?
• Who must monitor FLIPS or revised charts for changes in local magnetic direction?
• 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?
• 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 will be an evaluation of sensor data gathered during the 30-minute period ending at the actual time of the observation?
• When evaluating supplement elements, which quality is ensured by instrumental and visual observations?
• What may be appended in the remarks of the observation and sent out at the technician's discretion?