Aviation Weather Reports Breakdown

Overview

• Purpose: Help pilots, air traffic control, and the public make informed decisions.
• Importance: Essential for passing the FAA Part 107 exam.
• Focus: Three primary types of aviation reports.

Types of Aviation Reports

1. METAR Report

   • Definition: Meteorological Aerodrome Report
   • Purpose: Provide current routine weather observations at airports.
   • Frequency: Issued hourly or as needed.
   • Content: Wind, visibility, sky conditions, temperature, dew point, altimeter settings, and significant weather.

2. TAF Report

   • Definition: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
   • Purpose: Provide weather forecasts for specific airports.
   • Frequency: Issued every 6 hours.
   • Forecast Period: 24 or 30-hour forecast.
   • Content: Predictions for wind, visibility, weather conditions, sky conditions, and significant weather changes.

3. PIREP

   • Definition: Pilot Weather Reports
   • Purpose: Provide real-time weather reports by pilots in flight.
   • Content: Conditions like turbulence, icing, cloud tops, visibility, etc.
   • Issuance: As reported by pilots.

Additional Report

• SPECI Report
  • A special type of METAR report issued when there is a significant change in weather conditions affecting aviation safety.

Decoding METAR Reports

• Report Type

  • METAR: Routine observation.
  • SPECI: Special weather report issued anytime.

• Station Identifier

  • 4-letter ICAO code.
  • Example: KATL indicates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Date and Time

  • Zulu (UTC) time format.
  • Example: 121755Z signifies 12th day, 17:55 UTC.

• Wind Information

  • Direction in degrees (where the wind is coming from).
  • Wind speed in knots.
  • Gusts marked with 'G'.

• Visibility

  • Measured in statute miles.
  • Can include visual modifiers for conditions less than 10 miles (e.g., light drizzle).

• Weather Conditions

  • Cloud cover indicated by codes (e.g., FEW for few clouds).
  • Altitude in feet AGL (above ground level).

• Temperature and Dew Point

  • Measured in Celsius.
  • Temperature and dew point match indicates high humidity (100%).

• Altimeter Setting

  • Provides atmospheric pressure information.
  • Example: A2992 signifies 29.92 inches of mercury.

• Remarks (RMK)

  • Optional section for additional weather information.
  • Can include automated observation indicators and peak wind details.

Additional Notes

• True vs Magnetic North: METAR reports use true north; runways and compasses use magnetic north.
• Visual Modifiers: List available for decoding weather conditions.

Conclusion

• Understanding METAR and TAF reports is crucial for FAA Part 107 exam.
• Comments and questions are encouraged for deeper understanding.