Flight Information (How to Decipher it and Where to Find It :>)

When you assume that because the weather has been consistently the same for the past couple of days, the weather tomorrow will also be the same.

This only works in places where the climate is consistently the same except for one or two days of the year.

Determines the forecast by using the historical data of the region to determine future weather conditions.

When scientist and meterologist use data and scientific knowledge as well as atmosphereic pressure to determine the future conditions of a region.
- this is by far the most accurate form of weather information, especially when it is given out every 12hrs

Gives weather predicaments based on using numerical data relating to atmospheric pressure to determine future weather conditions.
- only accurate for 5-10 MINS into the future

Stands for the World Meterological Operations
- collects data by buoys, aircrafts, and landbased operation stations
- they then PROCESS the information through an organization called NOAA
Stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- NOAA puts weather data into a computer that generates data that is then used to create external graphic weater products, a visulization of the weather conditions
- information put out by NOAA is then distributed by WFO
Stands for Weather Forecast Office
- WFO sends out a speacial weather forecast to all services worldwide
- the most accurate weather forecast are always presented within 12hrs of the forecast being released

- forecast that is taken every hour of the day
- is represented in a standard format

- non-reoccuring weather forecast
- usually released after the dediction of a significant change in the atmosphere

12 = 12th day of the month
2150Z= 9:50 EST

means that weather presented has been created by an automated system
- A01 and A02 represents the type of sensor systems used by the automated system

Stands for variable direction
- means that the direction of the winds are changing, between two degrees

- light (-)
- moderate (no sign)
- heavy (+)

Thunderstorms

showers

freezing

partial

blowing

drizzle

low drift

shallow

patches

- 9 types of precipitation
- 8 obscurities
- 6 uncommon weather events

rain

drizzle

snow

ice crystals

unknown precipitation

hail (greater than 1/4'')

small hail pellets

snow grains

ice pellets

fog

mist

smoke

haze

spring

sand

dust

volcanic ash

squall line

dust storm

funnel cloud

tornado/water sprout

sandstorm

dust/sand whirl

-determined by their height
- their cieling is based on the lowest AGL of the lowest cloud
- layers of clouds are presented in descending order (highs to lows)

- can report max of 3 layers of clouds at 12,000ft AGL and below

- towering cumulums cloud

cumulonimbus clouds

both reported in Celsius
- M indicates that the temperature provided is below 0

Shower began 24mins past the hr

rain begins 24mins past the hr

sea level pressure was 1013.4 mb/hectopaschel

peak winds

freezing drizzle begins 45 mins past the hr

pressure falling rapidly

- issued 35 mins after the hr
- all heights are given in MSL

- stands for pilot weather reports
- used to confirm height and base of the clouds
- ATC or any flight service will call in and request the pilot to provide that information

- require you to use /acronym to convey information

- relation to NAV/AID

- time (UTC)

- attitude/flight level

- aircraft type

sky cover

flight visibility

temperature in celcius

wind

turbulance

icing

- 22 is the date (day of the month)
- 1555 is the time. (round up to get 16:00 which is 4:00pm)
- 221612 indicates that it is the next day (16th) at 12:00

- gradual change in weather over 2hrs

- no severe weather

temporary

hurricane advisory
- provides location and expected movement

convective outlook
- severe weather watch
- defines possible areas of severe weather and tornados

airman meterological info
- issued every 6 months
- uses identifiers for different flight conditions

- IFR conditions flight plan

- marks that flight condition has either turbulance, windshear, or strong winds

- marks flight condition that has either icing or freezing

- issued for extremely hazardous weather
- usually issued with CAT

- mentioned in SIGMET WSs
- meants that there is clear turbulance

convective sigmet
- also extremely hazardous
- mentions all kinds of hazardous things you may or may not encounter

- briefing that you must read before every flight
- considered the most complete brief

- used when you need one or two specific items
- also can be used if you want to update other or previous briefings

- used when your departure time is 6 hours away or more
- basically a forecast (keep checking other sources because forecast are not always accurate)

- notices to airmen

- telephone info briefing
- preliminary briefing
- can connect w/ a real person briefer afterwards

Stands for Direct User Access Terminal Systems
- FAA approved weather service briefing
- seen in AUTO Flight planning
- has flight planning info
- has updated info
- delivered in plain language weather

Aviation weather center

- in flight weather service
- ARTCC
- flight service
- air route traffic control centers

center weather advisories
- issued due to sigmet/sigmet convective
- mentions air that may cause a disruption in smooth traffic pattern flow

Hazardous in Flight Weather Advisory Service
- SIGMETS, AIRMETS, PIREPS

Automated Weather Sensor System
- new system than the ASOS
- operated by the FAA

- includes GPS, EFB cockpit or tablet display system
Provides....
- METARS, TAF, PIREPS, winds/temp aloft, NOTAMS, AIRMETS,SIGMETS,SUA,TFR, NEXRAD