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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.