A remote pilot is operating in clear air a few miles from a large thunderstorm. According to the Aviation Weather Handbook, what should the pilot know about hail?
- AHail falls only directly beneath the storm's rain shaft
- BHailstones may be encountered in clear air several miles from the thunderstorm
- CRain at the surface shows that no hail is present aloft
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Hailstones may be encountered in clear air several miles from the thunderstorm
Large hail forms in severe thunderstorms with strong updrafts. The hailstones can fall in clear air several miles from the storm, and pilots should expect hail with any thunderstorm, especially beneath the anvil.
- A. Incorrect. The AWH states hailstones may be encountered in clear air several miles from the thunderstorm.
- B. Correct. Hail can fall in clear air several miles from the storm, especially beneath the anvil.
- C. Incorrect. The AWH states that rain at the surface does not mean the absence of hail aloft.
Source
FAA-H-8083-28B Aviation Weather Handbook, 14.4.5 Hail Eventually, the hailstones fall and may be encountered in clear air several miles from the thunderstorm.
FAA-H-8083-28B Aviation Weather Handbook, 14.4.5 Hail Rain at the surface does not mean the absence of hail aloft.