If a layer aloft has less than 1/8 of sky cover, what is the reportable contraction?

When reporting sky cover, the term "FEW" is used to indicate that there are fewer than 2/8 of the sky covered by clouds. This classification is important in aviation weather reporting, as it helps to convey the amount of cloud cover and its potential impact on flight operations.

A layer aloft with less than 1/8 of sky cover falls into the "FEW" category since it signifies a minimal presence of clouds, which is not enough to be categorized as "SCT" (scattered clouds, which typically refers to 3-4/8 coverage). Using "SKC" (sky clear) would imply no clouds at all, which doesn’t accurately represent the scenario of having a very few clouds. "VV" (vertical visibility) is used under certain conditions related to reduced visibility due to obscurations, rather than to indicate general sky cover. Therefore, "FEW" is the appropriate term for a layer with minimal cloud cover, making it the correct choice in this context.