Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does the symbol "-" indicate in a METAR report?

1. Heavy precipitation

2. No precipitation

3. Light precipitation

4. Severe thunderstorms

The correct answer is: Light precipitation

In a METAR report, the symbol "-" indicates light precipitation. This notation is part of a standardized weather reporting system used in aviation to provide critical weather information to pilots and air traffic controllers. The use of the "-" symbol specifically denotes that the precipitation is minimal in intensity, which could include light rain, light snow, or drizzle, among other forms of mild weather phenomena. Understanding this symbol is crucial for pilots in assessing weather conditions and making informed decisions about flight operations. The other symbols in the METAR report reflect varying intensities of precipitation or types of weather phenomena, but the "-" clearly communicates a lighter, less impactful precipitation scenario.