FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What additional information might a radar summary chart provide about weather conditions?

1. The color of clouds

2. Echo configuration

3. Cloud composition

4. Visibility distances

The correct answer is: Echo configuration

A radar summary chart is primarily designed to represent the intensity and movement of precipitation in the atmosphere, using radar data. The correct answer, which pertains to echo configuration, is essential as it indicates the structure and patterns of precipitation represented on the chart. Echo configuration helps dispatchers interpret the severity and type of weather conditions, such as determining if the precipitation is associated with thunderstorms, steady rain, or other meteorological phenomena. This information is crucial for flight planning and ensuring safety during operations. The other options do not accurately reflect the kind of information provided by radar summary charts. For example, the color of clouds and cloud composition are not measurable by radar technology, so radar summary charts do not provide data on those visual elements. Instead, they focus on precipitation and its characteristics. Additionally, visibility distances are typically conveyed through other meteorological reports, such as METARs or TAFs, rather than being directly represented in radar summary charts. Thus, echo configuration stands out as the relevant information offered by these charts.