What are the best sources of aviation weather information for pilots?

1 METARs and TAFs

METARs and TAFs are two types of aviation weather reports that provide current and forecasted conditions at airports and surrounding areas. METARs are hourly observations of the surface weather, such as wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, and pressure. TAFs are terminal aerodrome forecasts that predict the weather for a specific period, usually up to 24 hours. You can access METARs and TAFs online, by phone, or through various apps and software. They are essential for planning your departure, arrival, and alternate airports.

2 AIRMETs and SIGMETs

AIRMETs and SIGMETs are aviation weather advisories that alert pilots of hazardous weather phenomena that may affect flight safety. AIRMETs are issued for moderate conditions, such as turbulence, icing, mountain obscuration, or low-level wind shear. SIGMETs are issued for severe or extreme conditions, such as thunderstorms, volcanic ash, or tornadoes. You can receive AIRMETs and SIGMETs through various sources, such as the Flight Service Station, the Automatic Terminal Information Service, or the Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service. They are crucial for avoiding or navigating around dangerous weather.

3 Radar and Satellite Imagery

Radar and satellite imagery are graphical representations of the weather that show the location, intensity, and movement of precipitation, clouds, and other features. Radar imagery uses radio waves to detect rain, snow, hail, or other particles in the atmosphere. Satellite imagery uses sensors to capture images of the earth from space. You can view radar and satellite imagery online, through apps, or on electronic flight bags. They are useful for visualizing the weather patterns and trends, and for spotting potential hazards or opportunities.

4 Winds Aloft and PIREPs

Winds aloft and PIREPs are two types of aviation weather information that provide data on the wind speed and direction at different altitudes and locations. Winds aloft are forecasts of the wind conditions at various pressure levels, usually from 3,000 to 39,000 feet. PIREPs are pilot reports of the actual weather encountered in flight, such as turbulence, icing, visibility, or temperature. You can obtain winds aloft and PIREPs online, by phone, or through apps and software. They are helpful for optimizing your route, altitude, and fuel consumption, and for learning from other pilots' experiences.

5 Area Forecasts and Graphical Forecasts

Area forecasts and graphical forecasts are two types of aviation weather information that provide a broad overview of the weather conditions and outlook for a large region. Area forecasts are text-based summaries of the weather for a specific area, usually covering several states or provinces. They include information on the cloud cover, visibility, precipitation, and general weather trends. Graphical forecasts are map-based displays of the weather for a specific area, usually covering a single state or province. They include information on the flight category, ceiling, visibility, wind, and precipitation. You can access area forecasts and graphical forecasts online or through apps and software. They are beneficial for getting a general picture of the weather and for identifying potential problem areas.