Avnwx (2024)

FAQs

What does metar stand for? ›

Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR), also known as Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report, Meteorological Terminal Air Report or Meteorological Airfield Report is a format for reporting weather information.

The important distinction between them is that a TAF is just a forecast. It predicts future weather. METARs, on the other hand, are issued to advise pilots of current real-time weather conditions. METARs communicate actual weather, not predictions.

What Does 9999 Mean in a TAF? In regions where meters are used for visibility, 9999, or “all the nines,” generally means visibility is greater than 9000 meters. This is an equivalent value of 7 statute miles or greater in the US. In both cases, visibility is excellent and above what is required for a VFR flight.

ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot/FltPlan Go/WingX/Stratus Insight/FlyQ. Whichever of the big aviation apps you use, they are hard to beat for weather briefings.

Aviation Weather Center (AWC)

The airborne weather radar system is an essential tool for pilots to assess the intensity of convective weather ahead of the aircraft. In this respect, it enables the strategic and tactical planning of a safe flight trajectory.

5. Wind. First 3 digits true wind direction or average if variable. If the wind varies 60° or more, the direction will be indicated with a V (e.g. 120V190). Next two digits Mean speed and units (KT=knots, KMH=kilometers per hour, or MPS=meters per second).

VV – Vertical Visibility, indefinite ceiling.

What does AO2 mean in a METAR? ›

A02 means that the site is automated and HAS a precipitation sensor. If it were AO1, there would be no precip sensor. This does not mean the site is un-manned. If there is an AUTO after the ID in the metar ob, then there is no observer.

SIGMET stands for Significant Meteorological Information, and affect all aircraft. These denote more severe weather conditions than AIRMETs. SIGMETs are generally issued for shorter periods than AIRMETs. They usually expire after four hours.

The Terminal Area Forecast ( TAF ) is the official FAA forecast of aviation activity for U.S. airports. It contains active airports in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems ( NPIAS ) including FAA -towered airports, Federal contract-towered airports, non-federal towered airports, and non-towered airports.

METAR Wind Velocity

Wind direction is recorded in degrees true. Whatever runway(s) is (are) in use, the wind velocity for the METAR is normally taken from one designated anemometer.

METAR is the name of the international meteorological code for an aviation routine weather report. METAR observations are normally taken and disseminated on the hour.