Which city and altitude pairing has a forecast of 230° true at 39 knots?

• A. STL at 12,000 feet
• B. DEN at 9,000 feet
• C. MKC at 6,000 feet
• D. STL at 9,000 feet

Answer: (A)

Winds aloft are given as the direction from which the wind is blowing and its speed in knots, at a specific altitude and location. A forecast of 230° true at 39 knots means the wind is coming from 230 degrees (southwest) at 39 knots. To answer, you look for the location and altitude line that lists 230/39. For STL at 12,000 feet, the forecast line shows 230° at 39 knots, so that pairing matches exactly. The other options at their respective altitudes show different wind directions or speeds, so they don’t fit the requested forecast. Remember that true direction is relative to true north, and knowing this wind helps you predict how it will affect your glide path and ground speed.