Weather Services for Pilots
Weather is one of the most critical factors affecting aviation safety. Pilots need access to reliable and timely weather information to make informed decisions during preflight planning and while in flight. This section outlines the primary weather services available to pilots and how to use them effectively.
1. Why Weather Services Are Important
Weather services provide essential information about current and forecasted conditions, including visibility, winds, temperature, precipitation, and potential hazards like thunderstorms, icing, or turbulence. Understanding and using these services helps pilots to:
- Plan safe and efficient routes.
- Avoid hazardous weather conditions.
- Ensure compliance with weather minimums for VFR or IFR operations.
2. Primary Weather Services Available to Pilots
Several sources provide weather information for aviation purposes, both preflight and in-flight. Here are the most commonly used services:
Preflight Weather Services
- Flight Service Station (FSS): Pilots can call 1-800-WX-BRIEF to speak with a flight service specialist for a complete weather briefing, including METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, and more.
- Aviation Weather Center (AWC): The FAA’s online weather resource (aviationweather.gov) provides METARs, TAFs, radar, satellite imagery, and graphical forecasts.
- ForeFlight and Other Apps: Mobile apps like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or SkyVector offer convenient access to weather charts, NOTAMs, and flight planning tools.
- Telephone Information Briefing Service (TIBS): Automated recordings of weather and aeronautical information for specific areas (available via FSS).
In-Flight Weather Services
- Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS): Provides current weather information at specific airports, including wind, visibility, temperature, and runway conditions.
- Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS): An automated system providing real-time weather updates at smaller airports.
- Automatic Surface Observing System (ASOS): Similar to AWOS but managed by the National Weather Service, providing detailed surface weather observations.
- Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B): A free weather data service available via ADS-B In, providing METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, and radar imagery to equipped aircraft.
- Enroute Flight Advisory Service (EFAS): Known as “Flight Watch,” this service provides weather updates during flight via 122.0 MHz.
3. Key Weather Products for Pilots
Pilots use a variety of weather products to assess conditions and make decisions. These include:
| Weather Product |
Description |
| METAR |
Hourly surface weather observation providing current conditions at an airport, including wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, and pressure. |
| TAF |
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. A weather forecast for a specific airport, typically valid for 24 to 30 hours. |
| PIREPs |
Pilot weather reports providing real-time observations of weather conditions, including turbulence, icing, and visibility. |
| Radar |
Weather radar imagery showing precipitation intensity and movement, useful for avoiding thunderstorms. |
| Satellite Imagery |
Images showing cloud cover, useful for assessing large-scale weather patterns. |
| Winds and Temperatures Aloft |
Forecasted winds and temperatures at various altitudes, critical for route planning and fuel calculations. |
| NOTAMs |
Notices to Air Missions providing information about temporary changes to airport facilities, airspace, or hazards. |
4. Weather Briefing Types
When contacting an FSS or using an app, pilots can request different types of weather briefings:
- Standard Briefing: A full weather briefing that includes all relevant information for a planned flight, including weather, NOTAMs, and TFRs.
- Abbreviated Briefing: A shorter briefing to update or supplement previously obtained weather information.
- Outlook Briefing: Used when the planned departure time is more than six hours away, providing a general overview of expected conditions.
5. Practical Tips for Using Weather Services
- Check Early and Often: Begin checking weather conditions well before your flight and monitor updates regularly.
- Understand Limitations: Be aware of the limitations of automated systems like AWOS or FIS-B, which may not always provide real-time updates.
- Use Multiple Sources: Cross-check information from different sources (e.g., METARs, radar, and PIREPs) to get a complete picture of conditions.
- Be Cautious with Marginal Weather: If weather conditions are near minimums, consider delaying or canceling the flight.
- Practice with an Instructor: Work with a flight instructor to learn how to interpret weather products and use briefing services effectively.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Updates: Weather conditions can change rapidly. Always check for updates before departure.
- Misinterpreting Weather Products: Ensure you understand how to read and interpret METARs, TAFs, and other weather data.
- Overconfidence: Avoid pushing through marginal weather, especially as a student pilot or when flying VFR.
- Skipping the Briefing: Never fly without obtaining a weather briefing, even for short flights.
7. Conclusion
Weather services provide pilots with essential information for safe flight planning and decision-making. By understanding the available services and weather products, pilots can assess current and forecasted conditions, avoid hazards, and ensure compliance with operational requirements. Always prioritize safety by using reliable sources and staying updated on changing conditions.