Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

When using a Constant Pressure Analysis Chart for planning a flight at 10,000 feet MSL, a pilot should refer to the?

1. 850-millibar analysis.

2. 700-millibar analysis.

3. 500-millibar analysis.

4. 300-millibar analysis.

The correct answer is: 700-millibar analysis.

When planning a flight at 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the most appropriate analysis to refer to is the 700-millibar analysis. This is because pressure levels in the atmosphere approximately correspond to altitude, with 700 millibars being around 10,000 feet. The 850-millibar level is typically associated with altitudes around 5,000 feet, which would not provide the best representation for conditions at 10,000 feet. The 500-millibar analysis corresponds to about 18,500 feet, which is too high for a flight that is primarily operating at 10,000 feet. The 300-millibar chart, on the other hand, is relevant for upper-level analysis and is typically used for flights at even higher altitudes, usually around 30,000 feet and above. Using the 700-millibar analysis allows the pilot to assess weather conditions, such as winds, temperature, and moisture influences at an altitude that closely aligns with their planned flight level. This makes it an essential tool for effective flight planning at that elevation.