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Meaning of PRESFR in METAR remarks

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 8 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA METAR ends with RMK PRESFR. What does this remark tell the remote pilot?

  1. ABarometric pressure is falling rapidly
  2. BBarometric pressure is rising rapidly
  3. CPrecipitation sensor requires field repair
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Barometric pressure is falling rapidly

  • A — correct PRESFR is the remarks notation for pressure falling rapidly; the study guide's example decodes it as barometric pressure falling rapidly.
  • B — incorrect Rapidly rising pressure is denoted by PRESRR, not PRESFR.
  • C — incorrect Automated stations do use the remarks section to indicate equipment needing maintenance, but PRESFR refers to pressure, not to a sensor fault.

BACKGROUND

The remarks section of a METAR always begins with the letters RMK. It may contain wind data, variable visibility, beginning and ending times of particular phenomena, pressure information, and other information deemed necessary. Rising or falling pressure is denoted in the remarks as PRESRR or PRESFR, respectively. Automated stations also use the remarks section to indicate that equipment needs maintenance. In the study guide's example METAR, RMK PRESFR is decoded as barometric pressure falling rapidly.

STUDY TIP

Split the contraction: PRES (pressure) + RR (rising rapidly) or FR (falling rapidly). Falling pressure is a cue that weather may be deteriorating.

KEY POINTS

  • The remarks section begins with RMK and holds supplementary information.
  • PRESRR = pressure rising rapidly; PRESFR = pressure falling rapidly.
  • Automated stations may also flag equipment maintenance needs in the remarks.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)", items 10 and 12 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.