Weather Information

OBJECTIVE
  • To develop the pilot’s understanding and skill in reading and interpreting weather information.
ELEMENTS
  • Importance of a thorough preflight weather briefing 
  • Various means and sources of obtaining weather information 
  • Use of real time weather reports, forecasts, and charts 
  • In-flight weather advisories 
  • Recognition of aviation weather hazards to include wind shear 
  • Factors to be considered in making a “go/no-go” decision 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  • Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information by analyzing weather reports, charts, and forecasts from various sources with emphasis on— 
  • METAR, TAF, and FA 
  • Surface analysis chart 
  • Radar summary chart 
  • Winds and temperature aloft chart 
  • Significant weather prognostic charts 
  • Convective outlook chart 
  • AWOS, ASOS, and ATIS reports 
  • Makes a competent “go/no-go” decision based on available weather information 

COMMON ERRORS
  • Expecting weather to remain stable 
  • Using TAF for area weather 
  • Accepting weather and “VFR Not Recommended” reports without question 
THINGS TO REMEMBER
  • Check weather for airports in direction from which storm is coming, thus allowing preview of potential weather for destination and departure airports. 
  • Potential sources for weather information online 
  • XM Weather vs. FAA Approved Weather 
  • Weather Briefing from FSS, DUATs, or other approved sources 
  • Self-briefing contents 
  • Practice briefings are acceptable 
  • Sources of NOTAMs vs. FSS vs. TFRs vs. FAA Violations 
  • CFIs: Give students a scenario where both departure and destination airports are VFR, but there is a cold front between the departure and destination airports 

STUDY
  • “Aviation Weather” Advisory Circular  00-6A 
  • “Aviation Weather Services” Advisory Circular 00-45F 
  • Jeppesen’s “Aviation Weather” 
  • “Meteorology Today” 
  • “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 7 
  • “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 11 & 12