Approved wx briefing sources
Standard wx briefing
A full briefing includes: adverse conditions, VFR not recommended, synopsis, current conditions, enroute forecast, destination forecast, winds aloft, NOTAMs, and ATC delays
Abbreviated wx briefing
Updates a previously received briefing or previously received Information from mass disseminated sources.
Outlook briefing
For departures 6 or more hours away. Includes forecasts for the time of the flight.
Inflight briefing
FSS also provides any of the above types in flight.
METARs
Routine aviation weather that shows surface weather observations. Scheduled METARs are published every hour. Non-scheduled METARs (SPECI) are issued when there is a significant change in one or more of the reported elements since the last scheduled METAR
Terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF)
Airmets
Sierra airmet
For mountain obstructions (something that is obscuring the mountain so you cannot see them) or IFR conditions 1000 ft ceilings and 3SM visibility will trip off an IFR airmet).
Tango airmet
Turbulence; moderate turbulence and sustained surface winds o knots of or greater.
Zulu airmet
Moderate icing
Sigmets
Non-scheduled, as needed. Valid for 4 hours. And
- three types: sierra, tango, and Zulu
Sierra sigmet
Visibility is less than 3SM
- could be seen with sand dust Storms (in the desert)
Tango sigmet
Severe or extreme turbulence not associated with a thunderstorm. Clear Air turbulence (cat)
Zulu sigmet
Severe icing NOT associated with thunderstorms.
Convective sigmets
Severe thunderstorm
Due to: surface winds greater than or equal to 50 knots and hail 3/4” inch or greater in diameter.
Embedded thunderstorms
Pirep
A pilot report on conditions
What 2 things are required for icing to form?
3 types of icing
Structural icing, induction icing, and instrument icing
Structural icing
Accumulation of ice on the exterior of The aircraft. Small/narrow objects are The best collectors of droplets and ice. Ice on the temperature probe or pitot tube are the first places a pilot will see indications of ice accumulations.
Induction icing
Reduces the amount of air available for combustion within the cylinders. Most Common type is carburetor ice, but we don’t have a carburetor. Fuel injected systems can still be effected if the engines air source becomes blocked.
Instrument icing
Pitot-static system becomes blocked affecting the Flight instruments.