FAA Ground School Practice Test

What current conditions are depicted for Chicago Midway Airport (KMDW)?

1. Sky 500 feet, visibility 3 SM, no precipitation

2. Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2 SM, rain

3. Clear skies, visibility unlimited

4. Sky 1000 feet scattered clouds, visibility 2 SM

The correct answer is: Sky 700 feet overcast, visibility 1-1/2 SM, rain

The correct choice reflects the conditions indicated at Chicago Midway Airport (KMDW) as having an overcast sky at 700 feet, with a visibility of 1.5 statute miles in the presence of rain. This description is crucial for pilots and those involved in aviation because it provides essential information about the cloud cover, which affects aircraft operations, especially during takeoff and landing phases. An overcast sky at 700 feet means that clouds cover the sky at that altitude, posing a potential challenge for visual flight rules (VFR) operations, where higher visibility is required for flying. Additionally, the visibility of 1.5 statute miles suggests that pilots would encounter reduced visibility conditions, which could necessitate the use of instruments for navigation and landing, complying with instrument flight rules (IFR). The presence of rain further indicates the likelihood of slippery runways and could contribute to lower visibility, impacting flight safety and operational decisions. In contrast, the other choices reflect either better visibility and sky conditions or fail to mention the precipitation that is critical for understanding the operational environment.