Why Weather Briefings Matter
Weather is the leading cause of general aviation accidents, making proper weather briefings one of the most critical skills you'll develop as a pilot. Even experienced aviators rely on thorough weather analysis before every flight, as conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
⚠️Safety First
Never attempt to fly in weather conditions beyond your experience level. When in doubt, don't go. Your instructor and fellow pilots at Aviator.NYC are always available to help you interpret complex weather situations.
Step 1: Gather Basic Flight Information
Before you begin your weather briefing, collect the essential details about your planned flight:
- Departure airport - Know your departure point's identifier
- Destination airport - Confirm your planned destination
- Planned departure time - Include date and time in local time
- Estimated flight time - How long you expect the flight to take
- Alternate airports - Have backup options ready
- Aircraft type and equipment - Know your aircraft's capabilities
💡Pro Tip
Always have your flight route mapped out before starting your weather briefing. This helps you identify all airports and areas along your path that might affect your flight.
Step 2: Check Current Weather Conditions (METAR)
METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) provides current weather conditions at airports. These reports are updated hourly and give you a snapshot of what's happening right now.
Key METAR Elements to Focus On
| Element | What It Tells You | Example | Beginner Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | Direction and speed | 27008KT | Is it within your crosswind limits? |
| Visibility | How far you can see | 10SM | Do you need 3+ miles for VFR? |
| Clouds | Coverage and height | SCT250 | Are cloud bases above 1,000 feet? |
| Temperature/Dewpoint | Current temp and humidity | 15/12 | Check for fog/icing potential |
Step 3: Review Weather Forecasts (TAF)
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) tells you what weather is expected at airports over the next 24-30 hours. This helps you understand if conditions will improve or deteriorate during your planned flight time.
Reading TAF for Your Flight Window
Focus on the time period that covers your planned departure, flight time, and arrival. Look for:
- TEMPO - Temporary changes lasting less than an hour
- BECMG - Permanent changes expected during the period
- PROB - Probability of specific conditions occurring
✅Green Light Indicators
For new pilots, ideal conditions include: winds under 15 knots, visibility 5+ miles, cloud ceilings above 3,000 feet, and no precipitation or thunderstorms in the forecast.
Step 4: Check NOTAMs and TFRs
NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) can affect your flight even in perfect weather. Always check these before finalizing your go/no-go decision.
Critical NOTAMs to Review
- Runway closures at departure, destination, and alternate airports
- Navigation aid outages along your route
- Airport services unavailable (fuel, tower operations)
- Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) affecting your route
Step 5: Make Your Go/No-Go Decision
This is where all your weather briefing information comes together. As a new pilot, err on the side of caution and use conservative personal minimums.
| Weather Element | Conservative Minimum | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Crosswind | 10 knots | Builds confidence in normal conditions |
| Visibility | 5 miles | Provides adequate time to see and avoid |
| Cloud Ceiling | 3,000 feet | Allows for safe pattern altitude |
| Gusts | 5 knots | Reduces approach and landing challenges |
Common Weather Codes Reference
Keep this quick reference handy during your weather briefings:
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