If ATIS omits sky condition and visibility, which statement is true about ceiling and visibility?

If ATIS omits sky condition and visibility, which statement is true about ceiling and visibility?

• A. The ceiling is less than 5,000 feet and visibility is less than 3 miles.
• B. The visibility is always 10 miles or more.
• C. The ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and visibility is 5 miles or more.
• D. The ceiling and visibility cannot be determined from ATIS.

Answer: (C)

When ATIS omits sky condition and visibility, you interpret that the weather is above common reporting thresholds, meaning the ceiling and visibility are good enough that those details aren’t specifically needed in the broadcast. The standard implication used in practice is that the ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and the visibility is at least 5 miles. So the statement that the ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and visibility is 5 miles or more aligns with that rule, making it the best choice. The other options describe conditions that would either be reported explicitly or aren’t guaranteed by an omission, so they don’t fit the usual interpretation.

When ATIS omits sky condition and visibility, you interpret that the weather is above common reporting thresholds, meaning the ceiling and visibility are good enough that those details aren’t specifically needed in the broadcast. The standard implication used in practice is that the ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and the visibility is at least 5 miles. So the statement that the ceiling is at least 5,000 feet and visibility is 5 miles or more aligns with that rule, making it the best choice. The other options describe conditions that would either be reported explicitly or aren’t guaranteed by an omission, so they don’t fit the usual interpretation.