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Definition of a ceiling

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 23 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1j · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONFor aviation purposes, a ceiling is defined as

  1. Athe lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast
  2. Bthe lowest layer of clouds reported as few or scattered
  3. Cthe greatest horizontal distance at which prominent objects can be seen
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast

  • A — correct The study guide defines a ceiling as the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast, or the vertical visibility into an obscuration such as fog or haze.
  • B — incorrect Few and scattered layers do not constitute a ceiling; the layer must be broken or overcast.
  • C — incorrect That is the definition of visibility, which is closely related to but distinct from ceiling.

BACKGROUND

For aviation purposes, a ceiling is the lowest layer of clouds reported as being broken or overcast, or the vertical visibility into an obscuration such as fog or haze. Clouds are reported as broken when five-eighths to seven-eighths of the sky is covered, and overcast means the entire sky is covered. Current ceiling information is reported in the aviation routine weather report (METAR) and by automated weather stations. Visibility, the greatest horizontal distance at which prominent objects can be seen with the naked eye, is reported alongside it.

STUDY TIP

Remember that only broken or overcast layers (or vertical visibility into an obscuration) count as a ceiling.

KEY POINTS

  • Ceiling: lowest broken or overcast layer, or vertical visibility into an obscuration.
  • Broken means five-eighths to seven-eighths sky coverage; overcast means total coverage.
  • Ceilings are reported in METARs and by automated stations.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Ceiling"
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MORE ON WEATHER / EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.