What type of conditions can lead to CAVOK not necessarily indicating clear blue skies?

CAVOK, which stands for "Ceiling and Visibility OK," indicates that visibility is good and there are no significant weather phenomena present. While it suggests that there are no clouds below 5,000 feet that would impact visibility or present weather, it does not strictly imply clear blue skies.

The correct answer highlights a situation where cloud cover exists at altitudes above 5,000 feet. This type of cloud cover does not affect the lower visibility criteria necessary for CAVOK, meaning that despite the presence of these clouds, conditions can still meet the CAVOK criteria regarding significant weather and visibility on the ground. Thus, one can have CAVOK conditions with substantial cloud cover high up, resulting in a scenario where the sky may not be completely clear but still meets the requirements for CAVOK.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned can affect the interpretation of CAVOK, but they do not directly relate to the misunderstanding of cloudy skies at high altitudes. Significant weather changes may alter conditions but don't maintain the definition of CAVOK. Low visibility would contradict the notion of CAVOK, and high levels of precipitation typically indicate poor visibility or weather phenomena that would not align with CAVOK parameters.