Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment Test with targeted quizzes and exam simulations. Get familiar with test formats through multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What does the term "ceiling" refer to in weather reports?

The highest layer of clouds reported as clear
The height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast
The height of the highest layer of clouds reported
The distance from the ground to the closest weather station

The correct answer is: The height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast

The term "ceiling" in weather reports specifically refers to the height of the lowest layer of clouds that is reported as broken or overcast. This measurement is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers because it directly affects visibility and the ability to land and take off safely. When the ceiling is low due to broken or overcast clouds, it indicates that aircraft may face difficulties, particularly in instrument flying, where visibility is compromised. This precise definition helps differentiate it from other related terms in meteorology and aviation reporting, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the current weather conditions that could impact flight operations.