Monday, October 26, 2026 · Morning warm-up
Capt. Mike's Question of the Day.
Two questions for the Transport Canada pilot written exams every day: a morning warm-up and an evening Captain's Challenge. Each one answered, explained and cited, free. Tap your answer to see how you did.
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Capt. Mike: Here's the question I asked that day. Tap your answer.
What cloud type is associated with continuous, moderate or heavy precipitation and poor visibility?
The answer
1Nimbostratus
Explanation
Nimbostratus is the thick, dark, layered cloud of widespread gentle ascent: it gives continuous, steady rain or snow and cuts visibility badly. Cloud classification is examinable under the Meteorology area of TP 12880E, the study and reference guide for the private pilot written examinations, which lists Clouds with the sub-items Classification, Types and recognition, and Associated precipitation and turbulence. The TC AIM itself carries no cloud classification — nimbostratus appears in it only as the METAR remarks abbreviation NS.
Memory tip: Nimbo means rain-bearing. Nimbostratus is the rain-bearing layer cloud.
Source
TP 12880E, Meteorology — Clouds: Classification; Types and recognition; Associated precipitation and turbulence
Taught in: PPL › MeteorologyThis question is from the PPL course, which teaches every PPAER subject and drills it like this. Unlock all 7 chapters with their quizzes (105 questions), and 4 full-length PPAER mock exams.
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