what's QBB stands for?

[bradlee737]

When fly to Russia, there's always a QBB in the MATER report, what's that mean?
Thanks for any response.

[Capn Bloggs]

http://www.kloth.net/radio/qcodes.php

There'll be an exam on all of these on Monday! :}

[BelArgUSA]

QBB 800 CU (as example) would mean ceiling 800 feet AGL with CU clouds.
Probably metric units in Russia, so would be 250M
xxx
:)
Happy contrails

[bradlee737]

I got it, thank you very much!

[BelArgUSA]

If you only memorize a few Q Codes. the only ones I use and know are:
xxx
QNH - Altimeter setting (altimeter with field elevation on ground)
QNE - Standard 1013.2 mB - 29.92 in' - 760 mm
QFE - Altimeter setting, reading '0' on ground
(Knowledge of the 3 above is a MUST)
xxx
QDM - Mag bearing to a station (DF)
QDR - Mag bearing from a station (DF)
QDL - Request for series of QDM (i.e. in emergency to home to airfield)
QUJ - True bearing to a station (DF) - rarely used
QTE - True baring from a station (DF) - rarely used
(Knowledge of QDM/QDR is recommended)
xxx
QSY - Change frequency to kHz/mHz
QRX - Standby
QGO - Airport closed (visibility or technical reason)
QFU - Runway in use
QAN - Wind direction (mag) and speed
QBA - Visibility (meters or feet)
QBB - Ceiling (meters or feet, cloud type)
QMU - Temperature
QTH - Station location
QTR - UTC time
xxx
I use QSY, QRX, QTH, QTH, QTR codes frequently.
If you are ham as I am, my call sign is LU4-CAR
I operate on (10), 20 and 40 meters USB
Often as "air mobile" from the plane.
My QTH is generally Mid-Atlantic between Recife and Cape Verde
My QSL is a 747 picture... Try me, I will send you one...
xxx
:)
Happy contrails

[NW1]

BelArg - of the QNH/QNE/QFE trio QNE is the odd man out: it is a vertical measurement of length (actually "Pressure Altitude" i.e. the indication on an altimeter with 1013.2mbs / 29.92"Hg set) whereas the other two are pressure settings.

[Jetjock330]

I always remember this one, "Quite Bloody Impossible".

[Self Loading Freight]

"If you are ham as I am, my call sign is LU4-CAR
I operate on (10), 20 and 40 meters USB
Often as "air mobile" from the plane.
My QTH is generally Mid-Atlantic between Recife and Cape Verde
My QSL is a 747 picture... Try me, I will send you one..."

This is off-topic - but I've always wanted to know: what are the regs for operating amateur radio aloft, assuming you've got certified transmitters properly installed?

(I know what they are for SLF: Thou Shalt Not. Although certain rather naughty glider types do seem to use amateur radio frequencies, and nobody minds)

[Gargleblaster]

Next time I'm approaching my "home base" I'll request a QTH from TWR, they're going to hate me !

[BelArgUSA]

Dear SLF - CQ-CQ-CQ...
xxx
Legalities - I transmit/receive using my ham radio call sign, with appropriate "air mobile" suffix.
The aircraft radios (HF radios) are fully capable to tune AM/SSB frequencies assigned to hams.
Radio hams who abuse of their R/T privileges are extremely rare.
They "chat" generally about radios, power, or best frequencies/propagation.
In case of emergencies, they often help. Was the case after the tsunami in Asia.
xxx
Many radio officers in merchant marine also practice that hobby.
With my "air mobile call sign", many exchange QSL cards with me, to confirm.
Mine is a card with my call sign, a picture of an ARG 747...
Last year I got a QSL card from a Maersk containership. They were near Sri Lanka, I was near Cape Verde.
His call sign was "high-seas mobile"...
xxx
In case of loss of aeronautical communications over high seas, I would try merchant marine or hams as last resort.
Ships have very sophisticated D/F capability. They could provide me with QDR on request.
In that case, I would use my airplane call sign, on marine or ham frequencies.
Living in apartment in Buenos Aires, they objected to install antennas on top of the apartment building.
My last antenna, was the window "screen"... not too efficient antenna...
So I sometimes practice the hobby from the airplane, in all legality and on proper frequencies.
xxx
In these days of worldwide internet... radio hams regret the "good old days".
Back then, I had a nice SONY shortwave receiver in my bags to listen to BBC news, worldwide.
Nowadays... is a laptop, to listen to radio stations, or watch TV news...
xxx
:)
Happy contrails

[LeadSled]

Folks,
But what about that vital QLD ??
Tootle pip!!

[el #]

BelArgUSA,
you never cease to amaze me! I'm not an ham, but I know the trade a bit, being a telecom engineer. I someone was to ask me if it was remotely possible to receive a QSL from a 747 Captain in flight, I would have said "never in your life".
But one lives to learn.
As always, my unconditional admiration. Still looking to catch you in Baires, perhaps comes out you live the next esquina from my place :)

Edit: and if you really want, I'll repeat your signal over IP from my rooftop. Or die trying.