Weather Charts

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Weather Charts BriefingsPIREPS, Progs METARS

• Chapter 13

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Aviation Weather Briefing1-800-WX-BRIEF
Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) (Run by
Lockheed Martin)
http//www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2005/050706
bill.html
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DUAT and DUATS are legal alternatives to calling
a FSS
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http//adds.aviationweather.gov/
Not a legal briefing, but the source that FSS
generally uses. You can use this to follow along
with a FSS specialist.
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The surface analysis chart shows frontal systems
and areas of high and low pressure. The modern
surface analysis chart has been decluttered.
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The Low Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
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The two upper panels show forecast IFR and MVFR
weather 12 and 24 hours in the future. IFR (solid
line) vis gt 1sm and/or ceiling gt 1,000 MVFR
vis 1sm 3sm and/or ceiling 1,000-3000
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The small dashed lines indicate the freezing
levels in that area. The heavy dashed lines and
mountain symbols indicate areas of turbulence
and the altitude of turbulence (add two zeroes).
A / indicates the base of the turbulence
otherwise the turbulence starts at the ground and
goes up to the number shown.
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Be sure to note the valid time in the box in the
bottom right hand corner and the legend between
the two panels.
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The bottom panels of the chart indicate forecast
high and low pressure systems, fronts, and areas
of precipitation 12 and 24 hours into the future.
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A legend is not provided on these charts to
define the symbology. You are responsible for
learning these symbols.
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A legend is not provided on these charts to
define the symbology. You are responsible for
learning these symbols.
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Area Forecasts (FA)

• Issued three times daily for six areas of the
  Lower United States
• 12 hour forecast with additional 6 hour outlook
• Times are in Zulu
• Unlike TAFs, the clouds are given in MSL

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METARS
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Weather Charts Briefings
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AWOS and ASOSAutomated Weather Observing
SystemAutomated Surface Observing System
AWOS-A Only altimeter setting AWOS-1 Altimeter,
Wind, Temperature, Dew Point, and Density
Altitude AWOS-2 AWOS-1 plus visibility AWOS-3
AWOS-2 plus cloud-ceiling data ASOS AWOS
information plus precipitation and freezing rain
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Winds Aloft
Provided in knots, referenced to true
north. First two numbers are direction and the
last two speed. Temperatures are in Celsius 9900
winds light and variable 0000 winds calm
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Pilot Reports(PIREPS)

• Real time weather reports made by pilots
• Typically made to either FSS or EFAS
• You should make PIREPS to help your fellow pilots.

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Weather Charts BriefingsThe End
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• Three types of telephone briefings standard,
  abbreviated, and outlook
• Standard Briefing
• Includes all important weather items of concern
  such as
• adverse weather conditions,
• weather synopsis,
• current weather,
• forecast weather,
• forecast winds aloft,
• NOTAMS airport concerns, navigation aids and
  hazards

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Three types of telephone briefings standard,
abbreviated, and outlook Abbreviated Briefing
If you already received a briefing that day and
just need an update on specific information, ask
for an abbreviated briefing and request specific
updates.
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Three types of telephone briefings standard,
abbreviated, and outlook Outlook Briefing Ask
for an outlook briefing if you need information
six or more hours ahead of time. Follow up
closer to your flight time by getting a standard
weather briefing then.
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What Your FSS Briefer Needs to Know

1. Your tail number or last name
2. Type of airplane you are flying
3. Departure Point
4. Destination
5. Route of flight
6. Estimated time of departure
7. Estimated time enroute
8. Altitude at which you will fly

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What Your FSS Briefer Will Tell You

1. Adverse weather conditions
2. VFR flight not recommended
3. Synopsis
4. Current conditions
5. Enroute forecast
6. Destination forecast
7. Winds aloft
8. NOTAMS

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Flight WatchEFAS Enroute Flight Advisory
Service120.0 MHz

• FSS weather specialist available 6am to 10pm
  local
• Anywhere in the USA from 5,000 AGL to 17,500
  AGL
• Strictly weather no flight plans or anything
  else
• When calling, tell them what VOR/RCO you are near