Lesson 26

METAR & TAF Reports (Part 1)

Welcome to Part 1, where we look at the fundamental aspects of METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) and TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)reports. METAR reports provide immediate weather observations and TAF reports offer forecasted conditions.

Defining METAR & TAF Reprots
Elements of METAR & TAF Reports
Reading Time in METAR & TAF Reports

– Video Lesson –

Part 1: Defining METAR & TAF Reports

METAR vs. TAF Report Purposes

Both METAR and TAF reports provide essential information about weather conditions at airports. Each type of report serves a different need in flight operations.

METAR Reports:

Real-Time Weather for Immediate Decisions

METAR reports offer real-time, current weather updates, allowing for immediate assessment and decision-making during flight operations. METAR reports are usually issued hourly or more often during fast-changing weather.

Memory Hint:

     METAR:
Measure
Existing
Trends
At
Real-Time

TAF Reports:

Weather Forecast Predictions for Flight Planning

In contrast, TAF forecasts provide pilots with detailed weather predictions for the next 24 to 30 hours, aiding in strategic flight planning. TAF forecasts are updated every 6 hours.

Memory Hint:

TAF:
Time-based
Aviation
Forecast

Using The Two Together:

While TAF reports are useful for flight planning ahead of time, weather predictions may not always be precise, leading to potential deviations from the forecast. Updates every 6 hours may not capture rapid weather changes, necessitating real-time adjustments based on METAR reports. Use METAR reports for real-time weather updates.

Part 2: Elements of METAR & TAF Reports

Comparison Chart of Elements 

METAR and TAF reports cover nearly the same elements, with just a few differences.

Both reports include essential weather parameters such as wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, and dew point.

Part 3: Reading Time in METAR & TAF Reports

Universal Time Using Zulu Time

Defining Zulu Time:

Zulu Time, or UTC, is a standard time system used worldwide in aviation, including in TAF and METAR reports. Zulu time is also known as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Purpose of Zulu Time:

Zulu Time allows for clear, cohesive, and universal scheduling across different time zones. Zulu time ensures consistency in forecasting future weather conditions (TAF) and standardizes timing for reporting of current weather observations (METAR).

Example: Zulu Time in Flight Communication:

The drone pilot checks TAF and METAR reports, which use Zulu Time to provide weather forecasts and current weather conditions.

  • For example, a TAF report might indicate that a thunderstorm is expected to start at 1500Z and end at 1800Z.

By using Zulu Time, the drone pilot ensures that these times are universally understood, regardless of local time zones. This prevents any confusion about when the thunderstorm is expected, helping the drone pilot plan the flight safely and efficiently.

Issue Date & Time in Zulu

Definition:

The Issue Date & Time indicates when the METAR or TAF report was issued and is presented in Zulu time. The 2-digit day of the month comes first followed by the Zulu time.

Forecast Period (TAF Reports Only)

TAF REPORTS

TAF reports differ from METAR reports in that they include forecasts for specific time ranges within a single report, indicating the start and end times for each forecast period in Zulu Time. Unlike METAR reports, which provide current weather observations, TAF reports require time ranges to forecast future weather conditions.

Preview of Zulu time on METAR & TAF REPORTS

TAF REPORTS

TAF Report

Quick Review

  • Drones requiring Remote ID must display a label containing the unique Remote ID serial number.
  • This label facilitates the identification process, similar to checking vehicle registration with a license plate number.
  • Frequency: Updated every 6 hours.
  • Purpose: To provide real-time, current weather observations.
  • Use: These reports are used for immediate assessment and decision-making during flight operations, ensuring that pilots and air traffic controllers have up-to-date information on existing weather conditions.
  • Issued hourly or more frequently if the weather is changing rapidly.

Definition: Zulu Time (UTC) is a global standard time used in aviation.

Purpose: Zulu Time allows for clear, cohesive, and universal scheduling across different time zones. 

Zulu (UTC) Time Practice: Hover over each flash card to view the explanation of the day and time. Note that METAR times identify the day, hour and minutes, while TAF times include only the day and hour.

METAR examples: Lauren: separate the 2 rows of boxes and add text before second row: TAF examples

Date and Time:

110200Z

02:00 UTC on the 11th day of the month

151830Z

18:30 UTC on the 15th day of the month

040745Z

07:45 UTC on the 4th day of the month

Date and Time to Period:

1218/1324Z

Forecast period from 18:00 UTC on the 12th to 24:00 UTC on the 13th

0915/1003Z

Forecast period from 15:00 UTC on the 9th to 03:00 UTC on the 10th

2812/0112Z

Forecast period from 12:00 UTC on the 28th to 12:00 UTC on the 1st

Is the purpose of a TAF report to provide forecasted weather conditions or immediate weather observations?

The purpose of a TAF report is to provide forecasted weather conditions for a specific location and time period.

(METAR reports are primarily used to provide immediate weather observations at a specific location.)

In a TAF report, what does the Zulu time indicate when listed before the forecast period?

In a TAF report, the Zulu time listed before the forecast period indicates the time when the forecast was issued.

For instance, “110200Z” means the TAF was issued on the 11th day of the month at 02:00 Zulu Time.

If a TAF report lists “1218/1324Z,” what does this Zulu time range represent?

This represents the forecast period starting on the 12th day of the month at 18:00 Zulu Time and ending on the 13th day of the month at 24:00 Zulu Time.

When deciphering a TAF report, how can you identify the Zulu time for the start and end of a forecast period?

The start and end times in a TAF report are separated by a /slash. For example, “0300/0900” indicates the forecast period starts at 03:00 Zulu Time and ends on the same day at 09:00 Zulu Time.

If a METAR report lists “121854Z,” what does this Zulu time indicate regarding the report’s issuance?

The Zulu time “121854Z” listed in a METAR report indicates that the report was issued on the 12th day of the month at 18:54 Zulu Time.

What are the four different forecast periods, indicated in Zulu time, listed in the TAF report as (1513/1516, 0522/0524, 0600/0606, 0606/0608)

  • 1513/1516Z: Forecast period from 13 Zulu until 16 Zulu on the 15th of the month.
  • 0522/0524Z: Forecast period from 22 Zulu until 24 Zulu on the 5th of the month.
  • 0600/0606Z: Forecast period from 00 Zulu until 06 Zulu on the 6th of the month.
  • 0606/0608Z: Forecast period from 06 Zulu until 08 Zulu on the 6th of the month.

Practice Quiz

Radio: METAR & TAF (Part 1)

1 / 8

What distinguishes TAF reports from METAR reports regarding the information provided?

2 / 8

What is the significance of Zulu Time in aviation?

3 / 8

Why are METAR reports important for flight operations?

4 / 8

What is the primary purpose of TAF reports?

5 / 8

If a METAR report lists "141754Z," what does this Zulu time indicate regarding the report’s issuance?

6 / 8

What is the Zulu Time for 10:00 AM?

7 / 8

If a TAF report lists "0912/0920Z," what does this time range represent?

8 / 8

Which of the following correctly represents Zulu Time for 5:30 PM?

Your score is

The average score is 62%

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