Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam

Steady state thunderstorms, also known as mesoscale convective systems, have the characteristic of typically lasting several hours. This extended duration is primarily due to the organization of the storm system and the continuous inflow of warm, moist air that sustains the thunderstorm's development. Unlike more transient storm types, steady state thunderstorms can persist for a significant period, leading to heavy rainfall and potential flooding in some cases. Their longevity allows for more extensive impacts on the surrounding environment, including sustained precipitation and wind shifts.

In contrast to this option, the other choices present characteristics that do not accurately describe steady state thunderstorms. They are not completely random, as they follow specific meteorological patterns. While they can produce varying intensities of precipitation, including heavy rain, they do not only produce light precipitation. Additionally, steady state thunderstorms are defined by their persistence rather than being short-lived, which distinguishes them from more transient storm types.