METAR, TAF, and Hazard Advisories
Key decoding rules and product definitions for interpreting textual and graphical aviation weather.
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Questions Covered in This Set
12 cards to master
What is the difference between a METAR and a SPECI?
A METAR is the routine hourly observation; a SPECI is an off-schedule special observation issued when conditions change significantly.
In a METAR, is the reported wind direction true or magnetic?
True. (The tower gives magnetic — a classic trap.)
How is 'ceiling' defined in a METAR?
The lowest broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC) layer, or a vertical visibility (VV) layer; VV002 = indefinite ceiling, sky obscured, 200 ft.
What do the intensity qualifiers -, (none), +, and VC mean?
- = light, no prefix = moderate, + = heavy, VC = in the vicinity (5–10 SM from the station).
Why does a small temperature/dewpoint spread matter to an IFR pilot?
A spread of about 1°C or less means the air is nearly saturated, so fog and low stratus are likely to form, persist, or worsen — and it hints at icing potential.
What area and validity does a TAF cover?
A 5 statute mile radius of the airport, valid 24 or 30 hours, issued four times a day — it is not an area forecast.
Distinguish FM, BECMG, TEMPO, and PROB30 in a TAF.
FM = rapid change replacing all prior conditions; BECMG = gradual change over the stated window; TEMPO = temporary, under 1 hour at a time and less than half the period; PROB30 = 30–49% chance.
What do AIRMETs Sierra, Tango, and Zulu cover?
Sierra: IFR ceilings <1000 ft and/or vis <3 SM plus mountain obscuration. Tango: moderate turbulence, sustained surface winds ≥30 kt, LLWS. Zulu: moderate icing and freezing levels.
What triggers a Convective SIGMET and how long is it valid?
Embedded, line, or severe thunderstorms, hail ≥3/4 inch, or tornadoes; valid 2 hours, issued hourly at :55, and it implies severe turbulence, icing, and LLWS.
What is a Center Weather Advisory (CWA)?
A short-fuse advisory issued by an ARTCC, valid up to 2 hours, often the earliest warning of a developing weather problem.
What is a G-AIRMET and why is it more useful than the old text version?
A graphical AIRMET issued in 3-hour snapshots out to 12 hours, so you can see whether a hazard area is moving toward or away from your route.
Why are PIREPs valuable?
They are the only ground truth — an actual human report from an airplane rather than a model output or a sensor reading.
