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Distance meaning of VC in a METAR

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 7 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhen the proximity qualifier VC appears in the weather section of a METAR, the phenomenon is located at what distance from the airport?

  1. AWithin 5 statute miles of the airport
  2. B10 to 20 miles from the airport
  3. C5 to 10 miles from the airport
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 5 to 10 miles from the airport

  • A — incorrect Weather within the immediate airport area is reported without the VC qualifier; VC specifically denotes the five to ten mile vicinity.
  • B — incorrect The vicinity range given in the study guide is five to ten miles, not ten to twenty.
  • C — correct The study guide states that VC indicates a specific weather phenomenon is in the vicinity, five to ten miles from the airport.

BACKGROUND

The weather section of a METAR is broken into qualifiers and weather phenomena. The qualifiers of intensity, proximity, and descriptor are given first. Intensity may be light (−), moderate (no symbol), or heavy (+). Proximity depicts only weather phenomena in the airport vicinity, and the notation VC indicates that a specific phenomenon is in the vicinity, five to ten miles from the airport. Descriptors then describe certain types of precipitation and obscurations.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the three qualifier groups (intensity, proximity, descriptor) and the specific VC range of five to ten miles. Questions often test this number directly.

KEY POINTS

  • METAR weather is coded as qualifiers followed by phenomena.
  • Intensity symbols: − light, no symbol moderate, + heavy.
  • VC means the phenomenon is in the vicinity, five to ten miles from the airport.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)", item 7 Weather
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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.