Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Flight Instructor Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your upcoming exam!

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What does "DU" indicate in a METAR report?

Dust
Freezing
Haze
Funnel Cloud

The correct answer is: Dust

In a METAR report, "DU" specifically indicates the presence of dust in the atmosphere. This code is used to inform pilots and meteorologists about the weather conditions that may affect visibility and flight operations. The notation helps in providing an accurate representation of the weather, particularly in regions prone to dust storms or arid climates where dust can be a significant factor. Understanding the context of the other options highlights their distinctions. For example, "FZ" denotes freezing conditions, which refers to temperatures at or below 0°C. "HZ" represents haze, an atmospheric condition that may obscure visibility but is different from actual dust. Lastly, "FC" is used for funnel clouds or tornadoes, which are severe weather phenomena unrelated to dust. Each of these codes serves a different purpose in conveying critical weather information for aviation safety, but "DU" is uniquely identified with dust specifically.