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Height coded in a METAR sky condition group

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 4 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K1 · 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 METAR reports the sky condition BKN008. At what height is the base of this broken cloud layer?

  1. A8,000 feet AGL
  2. B800 feet AGL
  3. C800 feet MSL
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 800 feet AGL

  • A — incorrect The three-digit height is in hundreds of feet, not thousands; 8,000 feet would be coded as 080.
  • B — correct Cloud base heights in a METAR are coded as a three-digit number in hundreds of feet above ground level, so 008 means 800 feet AGL.
  • C — incorrect METAR cloud base heights are reported above ground level (AGL), not above mean sea level.

BACKGROUND

The sky condition group in a METAR is always reported in the sequence of amount, height, and type, or as an indefinite ceiling with vertical visibility (for example BKN008 OVC012CB or VV003). The heights of cloud bases are reported as a three-digit number in hundreds of feet above ground level (AGL). The amount of sky coverage is reported in eighths of the sky from horizon to horizon using contractions such as BKN (broken) and OVC (overcast). Cloud types such as towering cumulus (TCU) and cumulonimbus (CB) are appended to the height when present.

STUDY TIP

Multiply the three-digit height by 100 and add AGL. In the study guide's example, BKN008 OVC012CB is a ceiling broken at 800 feet and overcast at 1,200 feet with cumulonimbus clouds.

KEY POINTS

  • METAR sky condition is coded as amount, height, and type in that order.
  • Height is three digits in hundreds of feet AGL: 008 equals 800 feet AGL.
  • Coverage amounts are expressed in eighths of the sky.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)", item 8 Sky condition and example decode
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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.