SkyDrill

Weather radar medium return color

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 2 of 26 on Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems. ACS element AM.II.I.K14 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONOn the flight deck display of an on-board weather radar system, how is a medium return depicted?

  1. AIn yellow
  2. BIn magenta
  3. CIn red
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. In yellow

  • A — correct The on-board weather radar receiver is set up to depict medium returns as yellow.
  • B — incorrect Magenta is reserved to depict intense or extreme precipitation or turbulence.
  • C — incorrect Red is used for heavy returns, which come from denser precipitation than a medium return.

BACKGROUND

On-board weather radar systems function much like air traffic control primary radar, except that the radio waves bounce off of precipitation instead of aircraft. Dense precipitation creates a stronger return than light precipitation. The receiver is set up to depict heavy returns as red, medium returns as yellow and light returns as green on a flight deck display, with magenta reserved for intense or extreme precipitation or turbulence. Clouds themselves do not create a return. Some aircraft have a dedicated weather radar screen, while most modern aircraft integrate the weather radar picture into the navigation display.

STUDY TIP

Learn the ladder from light to extreme as green, yellow, red, magenta, and remember that clouds alone paint nothing.

KEY POINTS

  • Weather radar returns come from precipitation, not from clouds.
  • Light returns show green, medium yellow and heavy red.
  • Magenta is reserved for intense or extreme precipitation or turbulence.

SOURCES

  • ama-airframe/ch11.txt "Weather Radar"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON COMMUNICATIONS, LIGHT SIGNALS, AND RUNWAY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.