Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

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What is the meaning of "GS" in METAR reports?

  1. Small Hail or Snow Pellets

  2. Ground Speed

  3. Geometric Shape

  4. Greater Shower

The correct answer is: Small Hail or Snow Pellets

In METAR reports, "GS" stands for "small hail" or "snow pellets." METAR is an aviation routine weather report that provides essential information about current weather conditions at airports. The inclusion of "GS" indicates the occurrence of small hail or snow pellets, which can affect flight operations and safety. When pilots and meteorologists read METAR reports, they look for specific weather phenomena that can impact flights, and "GS" helps them understand that the precipitation being reported is not just rain but rather indicates potentially hazardous conditions due to the presence of small hail or ice pellets. This is crucial for flight planning and making real-time decisions during operations, as small hail and snow pellets can lead to reduced visibility and increased risk when flying. The other options listed do not pertain to standard METAR report terminology. Ground speed refers to the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground and is not indicated in METAR reports. Geometric shape is unrelated to meteorological terms, and greater shower does not correspond to any recognized aviation weather terminology.