METARs on the Knowledge Test

Interactive METAR

The Private Pilot written test contains a number of questions requiring you to read coded METARs. A METAR is a Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report. It reports existing conditions at a weather station, usually an airport. These reports are not difficult to read, but many pilots continue to struggle with them. There are uncoded (i.e. plain English) versions available, but with practice, it is easier and faster to read the standard coded reports. On the written test, the problem is much easier since the METARs are published in the Knowledge Testing Supplement (Figure 12). It is a simple procedure to learn the five specific METARs in advance and ace them on the test.

The animated presentation below allows you to click anywhere. Everything is clickable! Use it to explore the five METARs and learn how easy they are to read.

 


About the Author

Headshot of Russ Still

Russ Still is the founder and chief instructor at Gold Seal. He is an ATP with CFI, CFII, and IGI instructor certificates. He is also an FAA Gold Seal instructor and 8-time Master CFI. Russ holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Florida.

Want to become a Private Pilot?

You'll need to pass the FAA Written Test, and Gold Seal is the place to do it! Our fun, interactive Private Pilot Ground School teaches you everything you need to pass the Knowledge Test with flying colors.