A sample report
VIDP 051030Z 27008KT 4000 HZ SCT020 BKN100 28/16 Q1012 NOSIG
This is an invented example, built only to show the format.
Decoding it part by part
| Part | Reads as |
|---|---|
| VIDP | The airport’s four-letter code (Delhi). |
| 051030Z | Day 05, time 10:30 UTC. Z means UTC. |
| 27008KT | Wind from 270°, 8 knots. |
| 4000 | Visibility 4,000 metres. |
| HZ | Haze. |
| SCT020 | Scattered cloud at 2,000 feet. |
| BKN100 | Broken cloud at 10,000 feet. |
| 28/16 | Temperature 28°C, dew point 16°C. |
| Q1012 | QNH 1012 hPa. |
| NOSIG | No significant change expected. |
Cloud cover words
FEW is one to two oktas, SCT is three to four, BKN is five to seven and OVC is overcast. An okta is one-eighth of the sky.
Passing it on the radio
On the radio, controllers read the key items: wind, visibility, cloud and QNH. You are expected to copy the QNH and read it back. If the controller says “wind two seven zero, eight knots”, you will hear it as digits.
Quick answers
What does the Z mean in a METAR?
It means the time is given in UTC, also called Zulu time.
Is the wind direction true or magnetic?
In a METAR, wind direction is given relative to true north. Winds spoken to pilots by the tower are magnetic.
Answer questions on this topic, or run a full radio call out loud.
This guide is general study help written by RTR Exam. It is not an official publication of DGCA or ICAO. Confirm rules, fees, dates and syllabus with DGCA's latest notice.