Instrument Flight Rules Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Winds at 2,000 feet above the surface generally flow in a manner that is influenced by the higher-altitude atmospheric pressure patterns. At these altitudes, winds tend to blow parallel to the isobars, which are lines of equal atmospheric pressure. This behavior is due to the reduced influence of surface friction, allowing for a more direct flow that aligns with pressure gradients.

In contrast, surface winds are affected by various factors, including friction, topography, and surface roughness, causing them to cross the isobars at an angle, typically flowing from areas of high pressure to low pressure with a noticeable deviation in direction due to those ground-level influences. This difference in behavior between the two layers of wind highlights the effect that friction has on surface winds as opposed to the smoother flow patterns observed at higher altitudes.

Thus, the correct relation is that winds at 2,000 feet flow parallel to the isobars, whereas surface winds cross them, reflecting the distinct atmospheric dynamics at different altitudes.