Embedded Files
Lesson 6.5 – Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Knowing how to read and interpret weather reports and forecasts is one of the most important practical skills a pilot can develop. Good weather decisions save lives.
Reference:
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 13 – Aviation Weather Services
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 7
Note on Terminology
Note on Terminology
The United States follows ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards for many weather products. ICAO uses the word “aerodrome” instead of “airport.” That is why the official name of the forecast is Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), even though American pilots normally say “airport” in everyday conversation.
1. METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report)
1. METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report)
A METAR is a current surface weather observation, usually issued once per hour (special reports are issued when conditions change significantly).
Where to find METARs:
Aviation Weather Center (aviationweather.gov), EFB apps (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, etc.), Flight Service, or airport AWOS/ASOS.
Example METAR with decoding:
METAR KOSU 301953Z 22015G25KT 3SM -RA BR BKN018 OVC035 12/11 A2985 RMK AO2
KOSU – Station identifier
301953Z – Date and time (UTC)
22015G25KT – Wind 220° at 15 knots, gusting 25 knots
3SM – Visibility 3 statute miles
-RA BR – Light rain and mist
BKN018 OVC035 – Broken at 1,800 ft, overcast at 3,500 ft
12/11 – Temperature 12°C / Dew point 11°C
A2985 – Altimeter setting 29.85 inHg
Practical Point 1:
A small temperature–dew point spread (here only 1°C) indicates high relative humidity and a real risk of fog or low clouds.
2. TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
2. TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
A TAF is a forecast for a specific aerodrome/airport and the area within approximately 5 statute miles. TAFs are issued several times daily and normally cover 24 or 30 hours.
Practical Point 2:
Always compare the TAF with the latest METARs. If current conditions are already worse than forecast, treat the forecast with extra caution.
3. AIRMETs and SIGMETs
3. AIRMETs and SIGMETs
AIRMET – Advisories for weather potentially hazardous to light aircraft:
Sierra = IFR conditions / mountain obscuration
Tango = Turbulence
Zulu = Icing
SIGMET – Advisories for more severe weather hazardous to all aircraft (severe turbulence, severe icing, dust storms, volcanic ash, and Convective SIGMETs for thunderstorms).
Practical Point 3 – Decision Making
Practical Point 3 – Decision Making
The real skill is using the information to make safe decisions:
Avoid thunderstorms by a wide margin.
Treat small temperature–dew point spreads and marginal ceilings/visibility with caution.
If you do not understand the weather or feel uncomfortable with the conditions, stay on the ground.
No flight is worth launching into weather you cannot safely handle.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
METARs show current conditions — learn to decode ceiling, visibility, wind, weather, and temperature–dew point spread.
TAFs show expected conditions — always cross-check them with current METARs.
AIRMETs and SIGMETs warn of significant hazards; avoid SIGMET areas and carefully evaluate AIRMETs.
The best weather decision is often the decision not to go.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse