Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

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

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!

Practice this question and more.

What does "FC" denote in a METAR?

Freezing
Fog
Funnel Cloud
Ice Crystals

The correct answer is: Funnel Cloud

In a METAR report, "FC" stands for "Funnel Cloud." This notation indicates the presence of a funnel cloud, which is a cloud forming a rotating, funnel-shaped column extending from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud or a convective cloud and typically indicates the potential for severe weather phenomena. Recognizing this designation in a METAR report is crucial for pilots and meteorologists as it provides important information regarding potential tornado activity or severe thunderstorm conditions. Understanding such abbreviations is key to interpreting weather data accurately for flight safety and planning. While the other options, such as Freezing, Fog, and Ice Crystals, represent important weather phenomena, none are denoted by "FC" in a METAR. Each weather condition has its own specific codes, which are essential for effectively conveying meteorological information. Thus, knowing that "FC" specifically indicates a funnel cloud helps differentiate it from other weather indicators commonly found in METAR reports.