FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the forecast visibility at KMEM between 1000Z and 1200Z?

1. 5 SM

2. 3 SM

3. 1 SM

4. 2 SM

The correct answer is: 3 SM

To determine the forecast visibility at KMEM (Memphis Municipal Airport) between 1000Z and 1200Z, understanding the typical weather reporting conventions is essential. The forecast visibility usually indicates how far a pilot can see at a given time, which is critical for safe takeoff and landing, especially under varying weather conditions. In the scenario you provided, a visibility of 3 statute miles (SM) indicates that pilots can expect a relatively decent visibility level, which can be sufficient for various flight operations under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, though not ideal. It's crucial to note that different weather phenomena affect visibility, including fog, precipitation, or smoke, and a forecast predicting 3 SM suggests the presence of conditions that might limit visibility but not so severely as to impede most operations. Overall, identifying the forecast visibility as 3 SM could imply moderate weather visibility conditions, making it a practical forecast for operations at that time.