Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does "SN" mean in a METAR report?

1. Snow

2. Rain

3. Clouds

4. Fog

The correct answer is: Snow

In a METAR report, "SN" stands for snow. This shorthand is used by meteorologists and aviation professionals to denote the presence of snow in weather observations. METARs are standardized aviation routine weather reports that provide crucial information about weather conditions at an airport at a specific time. The inclusion of "SN" helps pilots and air traffic control personnel understand that snow is either falling or has recently fallen in the area, which is important for assessing runway conditions, visibility, and safety during flight operations. The other options refer to different weather phenomena that are represented by distinct codes in METAR reports. For instance, "RA" would indicate rain, while cloud coverage is described using terms like "BKN" for broken clouds or "OVC" for overcast conditions. Fog is typically identified with "FG" in METAR reports. Each of these abbreviations serves to provide specific and critical information to aid in safe flying practices.