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Which conditions are characteristic of unstable air?

Choices

  • Stratiform clouds, poor visibility, and smooth air

    Those describe stable air, not unstable air.

  • Cumuliform clouds, good visibility, and turbulencecorrect

    Unstable air rises freely, producing cumuliform clouds, turbulence, and good visibility.

  • Steady precipitation with no vertical development

    Steady, layered precipitation is typical of stable air.

  • Fog and low ceilings with light winds

    Fog and low ceilings are associated with stable, saturated air.

Why

Unstable air continues to rise once lifted, producing cumuliform clouds, showery precipitation, turbulence, and generally good visibility.

FAA source: Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28 / PHAK Ch. 12browse the reference library →

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

Which conditions are characteristic of unstable air? · PPL Free Ground School