CPL Meteorology · Mock exam

A tropical low has formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria in December with central pressure 995 hPa, moving SW and not yet at cyclone intensity. A CPL pilot plans Gove (YGOV) to Darwin (YPDN) at FL080. What aviation precautions are warranted?

• A.Tropical lows that form in December in the Australian region always dissipate spontaneously within about six hours of initial formation without producing hazardous weather
• B.A pre-cyclone tropical low in the development stage can always be safely transited at FL080 by flying directly over the low centre and eye at reduced power
• C.Obtain the analysis and track forecast, SIGMETs, METAR/TAF, GAF and GPWT; expect widespread CB, heavy rain, low cloud, turbulence and wind shear, and make a conservative go/no-go decision
• D.No precautions are necessary because the system has not reached cyclone intensity