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Determining the ceiling from sky coverage

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 24 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1j · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA weather observation reports a single cloud layer at 1,500 feet covering six-eighths of the sky. For aviation purposes, what is the ceiling?

  1. A1,500 feet, because six-eighths coverage is reported as broken
  2. BNo ceiling, because six-eighths coverage is reported as scattered
  3. C1,500 feet only if the layer is reported as overcast
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 1,500 feet, because six-eighths coverage is reported as broken

  • A — correct Clouds covering five-eighths to seven-eighths of the sky are reported as broken, and the lowest broken or overcast layer is the ceiling, so the ceiling is 1,500 feet.
  • B — incorrect Six-eighths falls within the five-eighths to seven-eighths range that defines broken, not scattered.
  • C — incorrect A broken layer qualifies as a ceiling; overcast (entire sky covered) is not required.

BACKGROUND

A ceiling is the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast, or the vertical visibility into an obscuration such as fog or haze. The study guide states that clouds are reported as broken when five-eighths to seven-eighths of the sky is covered, and overcast means the entire sky is covered. Applying these definitions, any single layer covering six-eighths of the sky is broken and therefore sets the ceiling at its reported height. Ceiling information is reported in METARs and by automated weather stations.

STUDY TIP

Convert the coverage fraction to its reporting category first (broken or overcast), then ask whether that category counts as a ceiling.

KEY POINTS

  • Broken coverage is five-eighths to seven-eighths of the sky.
  • The lowest broken or overcast layer is the ceiling.
  • Overcast is not required; a broken layer already sets the ceiling.

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.