Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

In a METAR report, what does "very heavy" precipitation denote?

1. ++

2. +

3. -

4. X

The correct answer is: ++

In a METAR report, "very heavy" precipitation is denoted by the symbol "++". This symbol indicates that the intensity of the precipitation being experienced is at a level that is significantly higher than heavy precipitation, and can have a substantial impact on visibility and aircraft performance. The standardized symbols used in METAR reports allow pilots and meteorologists to quickly assess weather conditions. The "+" sign represents "heavy" precipitation, while the "-" sign indicates "light" precipitation. The term "X" is not a recognized symbol for precipitation intensity in METAR reports. Therefore, "++" is the accurate representation of "very heavy" precipitation, making it the correct answer for understanding the levels of precipitation communicated in these aviation weather reports.