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Meaning of P6SM in a TAF

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 13 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K2 · 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 TAF forecasts visibility as P6SM. What visibility is being forecast?

  1. AVisibility greater than 6 statute miles
  2. BVisibility of 6 statute miles in precipitation
  3. CVisibility less than 6 statute miles
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Visibility greater than 6 statute miles

  • A — correct The study guide states that when the forecast visibility is greater than six miles, it is coded as P6SM.
  • B — incorrect The P denotes a value greater than six miles; it does not indicate precipitation, which is coded separately in the significant weather group.
  • C — incorrect P6SM means more than six statute miles, not less; a lower value would be coded as the actual number of miles.

BACKGROUND

Forecast visibility in a TAF is given in statute miles and may be expressed in whole numbers or fractions. If the forecast visibility is greater than six miles, it is coded as P6SM. This group follows the forecast wind and precedes the forecast significant weather and sky condition groups. In the study guide's example TAF, P6SM is decoded as visibility greater than 6 statute miles.

STUDY TIP

Think of P as "plus": P6SM is more than six miles. Any specific value at or below six miles is written out directly, such as 3SM or 5SM.

KEY POINTS

  • TAF visibility is given in statute miles, whole numbers or fractions.
  • P6SM codes a visibility greater than six statute miles.
  • Precipitation is coded in the separate significant weather group, not in the visibility group.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)", item 6 Forecast visibility
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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.