Aviation Weather Reports - Detailed Breakdown

Introduction

• Focus: Understanding Aviation Weather Reports for FAA Part 107 Exam.
• Three primary types of reports: METAR, TAF, PIREP.
• Importance: Essential for pilots, air traffic control, and public safety.

Types of Aviation Reports

1. METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report)

• Purpose: Current routine weather observations at airports.
• Frequency: Issued hourly or as needed.
• Contents: Wind, visibility, sky conditions, temperature, dew point, altimeter settings.

2. TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

• Purpose: Weather forecasts for specific airports.
• Frequency: Issued every 6 hours, covering 24 or 30-hour forecast periods.
• Contents: Predictions for wind, visibility, weather conditions, sky conditions, significant weather changes.

3. PIREP (Pilot Weather Reports)

• Purpose: Real-time weather reports by pilots in-flight.
• Frequency: Issued as pilots report them.
• Contents: Turbulence, icing, cloud tops, visibility, conditions undetectable by ground systems.

Special METAR: SPECI

• Purpose: Significant or sudden changes in weather conditions affecting aviation safety.
• Frequency: Unscheduled, issued at any time.

Decoding a METAR Report

Report Type

• METAR: Routine observation of current weather.
• SPECI: Special report for significant weather changes.

Station Identifier

• Format: Four-letter ICAO code (e.g., KATL for Atlanta).
• Prefix 'K': Indicates U.S. airports.

Date and Time in UTC

• Format: ddhhmmZ (e.g., 121755Z: 12th day, 17:55 UTC).
• 'Z': Zulu time (UTC), no daylight savings.

Wind Information

• Format: dddffGggKT (e.g., 18015G25KT: wind from 180° at 15 knots, gusts to 25 knots).
• Degrees in True North for METAR/TAF.

Visibility

• Standard: 10 statute miles.
• Modifiers: Indicate conditions like mist (BR), drizzle (DZ).

Weather Conditions

• Clouds: Described by codes such as FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC.
• Altitude: Base of clouds in feet AGL (e.g., 020 = 2,000 ft).

Temperature and Dew Point

• Format: nn/nn (e.g., 18/12 in Celsius).
• Significance: Temperature = Dew Point results in high humidity, fog, mist.

Altimeter Setting

• Format: Axxxx (e.g., A2992 for 29.92 inHg).

Remarks (RMK)

• Content: Additional weather details not in standard report.

Additional Notes

• True vs. Magnetic: True north for weather reports; magnetic north for navigation.
• Importance of Visibility: Must meet 3 statute miles for Part 107 compliance.
• Future Learning: More codes and details in upcoming videos.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding METAR, TAF, and PIREP for FAA Part 107.
• Stay tuned for upcoming detailed video on passing the Part 107 exam.