Weather and forecasting quiz (helicopter 2026)

Refresh your knowledge of VMC requirements, including cloud clearances, visibility and knowing when to change your plan.

1. What dangerous phenomena can affect your helicopter when flying near a thunderstorm?

Question:

Severe wind shear and turbulence

Hail

Lightning

All of the above

Correct.

See thunderstorms in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'all of the above'.

See thunderstorms in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

2. A thunderstorm is forecast in the TAF at your destination. What time buffer is required on the forecast timings for the thunderstorm?

Question:

30 minutes either side

60 minutes either side

No buffer is required if the forecast is a TAF3 and your ETA is within the first 3 hours of the validity period of the TAF3

30 minutes either side, or no buffer for a TAF3 within the first 3 hours

Correct.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is '30 minutes either side, or no buffer for a TAF3 within the first 3 hours'.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

3. How is the cloud height shown on a GAF?

Question:

Above ground level in 1,000 ft increments

Above mean sea level in 1,000 ft increments

Above mean sea level in 500 ft increments

Above the aerodrome

Correct.

See Graphical Area Forecast (GAF) in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'above mean sea level in 1000 ft increments'.

See Graphical Area Forecast (GAF) in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

4. How is cloud height shown in a TAF?

Question:

Above ground level in 1,000 ft increments

Above mean sea level in 1,000 ft increments

Above mean sea level in 500 ft increments

Above the aerodrome

Correct.

See Aerodrome Forecast (TAF and TAF3) in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'above the aerodrome'.

See Aerodrome Forecast (TAF and TAF3) in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

5. In a low-level Grid Point Wind and Temperature (GPWT) forecast, how is the wind direction given?

Question:

Degrees magnetic

Degrees true

Correct.

See Grid Point Wind & Temperature forecasts in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'degrees true'.

See Grid Point Wind & Temperature forecasts in the Bureau of Meteorology Aviation Weather Services Knowledge Centre.

6. When flying at or below 10,000 ft, where can you find forecast information about moderate icing conditions?

Question:

In a SIGMET

In an AIRMET

In a TAF only

In an ATIS broadcast

Correct.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'in an AIRMET'.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

7. You are flying your helicopter in the outback during a drought. You need to land in a paddock where a lot of vehicles had been moving around. What possible problem could you experience on landing?

Question:

Dynamic roll over

Mast bumping

Brownout

Rotor droop

Correct.

Brownout can occur due to the dry ground being churned up into dust by the vehicle movement.

See AC 91-29 Guidelines for helicopters – suitable places to take off and land.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'brownout'.

Brownout can occur due to the dry ground being churned up into dust by the vehicle movement.

See AC 91-29 Guidelines for helicopters – suitable places to take off and land.

8. An authorised weather forecast must cover the whole period of the flight. It must include a wind and temperature forecast. When at or below 10,000 ft AMSL, what other item is required?

Question:

A flight forecast

A graphical area forecast (GAF)

A significant weather (SIGWX) forecast

A flight forecast or a graphical area forecast (GAF)

Correct.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'a flight forecast or a graphical area forecast (GAF)'.

See chapter 2 of the VFRG.

9. What actions can help you avoid inadvertent VFR flight into IMC?

Question:

Do not depart when weather is marginal

During flight ensure a defined horizon above the terrain and below the cloud exists

During flight turn back or divert before it becomes impossible to do so

All of the above

Correct.

See chapter 6 of the VFRG.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'all of the above'.

See chapter 6 of the VFRG.

10. You are planning a night VFR flight. What are the en route cloud forecast amount and height requirements?

Question:

Less than or equal to SCT at LSALT

Less than or equal to SCT at LSALT + 500 ft

Less than or equal to SCT at LSALT + 1,000 ft

Less than or equal to BKN at LSALT + 1,000 ft

Correct.

See chapter 3 of the VFRG.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is 'less than or equal to SCT at LSALT + 1,000 ft '.

See chapter 3 of the VFRG.

Non-controlled operations

Weather and forecasting

Flight planning

Controlled aerodromes and operations

Weather quiz (helicopter)

Non-controlled operations

Weather and forecasting

Flight planning

Controlled aerodromes and operations

Weather quiz (helicopter)

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