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TEMPO change group in a TAF

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 18 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn a terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF), the change group TEMPO indicates

  1. Atemporary fluctuations expected to last less than 1 hour
  2. Ba rapid and significant change expected within about an hour
  3. Ca 30 percent probability of thunderstorms or precipitation
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. temporary fluctuations expected to last less than 1 hour

  • A — correct TEMPO is used for temporary fluctuations of weather that are expected to last less than 1 hour.
  • B — incorrect A rapid and significant change, usually occurring within an hour, is indicated by the FM group instead.
  • C — incorrect A stated percentage probability of thunderstorms and precipitation is given by the PROB30 group, which is a separate item in the forecast.

BACKGROUND

A terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) is a report established for the five statute mile radius around an airport, and it uses the same descriptors and abbreviations as the aviation routine weather report (METAR). When a significant weather change is forecast during the valid period, the expected conditions and the time period are shown in a forecast change group. The two change groups used are from (FM) and temporary (TEMPO). FM marks a rapid and significant change, usually within an hour, while TEMPO marks temporary fluctuations expected to last less than 1 hour. A separate PROB30 group states a percentage probability of thunderstorms and precipitation in the coming hours.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the change groups as a short list with the time meaning attached to each one, since the codes look similar in a printed forecast. Read the time pair that follows a change group to see exactly when the condition applies.

KEY POINTS

  • TEMPO marks temporary weather fluctuations expected to last less than 1 hour.
  • FM marks a rapid and significant change, usually within an hour.
  • PROB30 states a percentage probability of thunderstorms and precipitation.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Aviation Weather Sources", Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) item 9 (Forecast change group)
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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.