1. Unit 3 Unmanned Aircraft
Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services

2. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.1 – Weather Observations
Retesting after failure
An applicant for a knowledge test who fails that test may not reapply for the test for 14 calendar days after failing the test.
Weather Observations
Combined effort of National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense (DOD), and other aviation groups
Though not 100 percent accurate meteorologist use computers to predict the weather patterns, trends, and characteristics
Government agencies, weather observers, pilots and other aviation professionals receive knowledge from up to date weather information
Surface Aviation Weather Observations
Compilation of elements of the current weather at individual ground stations across the US
Network is made of government and privately contracted faculties that provide constant up to date info
Automated systems Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) and Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) play a major role in gatherings surface observations

3. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.1 – Weather Observations
Surface Aviation Weather Observations
Surface observations provide local weather conditions relevant to a specific airport
This information includes:
Type of report
Station Identifier
Date and Time
Modifier (as required)
Wind
Visibility
Runway visual range
Weather phenomena
Sky condition
Temperature / dew point
Altimeter reading
Applicable remarks
May come from a person, automated station an automated station that is updated or enhanced by a weather observer
Covers a small area and can be beneficial to a remote pilot

4. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.1 – Weather Observations
Radar Observations
Four types of radar that provide wind and precipitation information
Dopplar Radar (WSR-88D NEXRAD)
Inform communities of the weather
Has two modes
Clear Air – most sensitive mode, slow antenna rotation allows for a longer sample time
Precipitation – faster rotation allow images to update faster every 4-6 minutes
Intensity values measure in decibels of Z, dBZ, and are depicted in color or radar images
TDWR, FAA terminal Doppler
Provides sever weather alerts and warnings to ATC
Ensures operators are aware of gust fronts, heavy precipitation, wind shear and other dangerous weather arriving and departing form an airport
FAA airport surveillance radar
Used in detecting precipitation, aids to located and measure intensity of precipitation
Used to route aircraft around severe weather in the airport environment
Airborne radar
Carried by aircraft to locate weather disturbances
Operate in C or X bands measuring heavy and well as less intense precipitation

5. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.1 – Weather Observations
Service Outlets
Government, government contract, or private facilities that provide aviation weather services
FAA, NOAA, and NWS work with private aviation companies to provide different ways of accessing weather information
Flight Service Station (FSS)
Preflight weather information
Can be obtained 24 hours a day (1.800.WXBRIEF) from anywhere in the US
Telephone Information Briefing Service (TIBS)
Provided by FSS
Systems of meteorological and aeronautical information
Provides route and area briefings, airspace procedures, and special announcements
Recordings are updated when changes occur
Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS)
Automated continuous broadcast of hazardous weather information over selected VOR navigational aids (NAVIDS)
VORs with HIWAS have an “H” in the upper right corner of the identification box

6. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
Aviation Weather Reports
Gives accurate depictions of current weather conditions
Typical report types are METARs PIREPs
METAR – Aviation Routine Weather Report
Observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format
Issued on regular basis unless significant weather changes occure
Special METAR (SPECI) can be used at any time between routine METAR reports
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR

7. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
METAR
Two types
Regular time interval METAR
SPECI METAR – given at anytime for rapidly changing conditions, aircraft mishaps, or other critical information

8. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
KDAB – Station identifier
Four letter code established by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
An unique three letter identifier preceded by country designation
K – USA
DAB – airport identifier
ICAO identifier indicates the region, country, or state (PA for Alaska, PH for Hawaii)
Can be found searching websites like SUATS and NOAA’s Aviation Weather Aviation Digital Date Services (ADDS)

9. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
161753Z – Date/Time
Date and time of report depicted in a six-digit group
First two are date last four are time of the METAR/SPECI
Time is given in Universal Standard Time (UTC)
“Z” appended to the end of the time to denote the time is given in Zulu Time (UTC) not Local Time

10. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
AUTO – type of generation
Auto – automated generation
Also lists “AO1” (for no precipitation discriminator or “AO2” (with precipitation discriminator) in the remarks section to indicate the type of precipitation sensors employed at the automated station
COR – corrected METAR

11. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Wind
Reported as 5 digits unless speed is more an 99 knots then 6 digits are used
First three digits indicate true direction wind is blowing from in 10s of degrees
If variable VAR is used
If more then 60 degrees of swing and more than 6 knots a separate set of numbers separated by a “V” will indicate he extremes of the wind directions
Last 2 or 3 digits indicate speed
If it is gusting the letter “G” follows the wind speed with the peak gust recorded

12. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Visibility
Reported in Statue Miles “SM”
Reported in miles and fractions of a mile
At times Runway Visual Range (RVR) is reported
RVR is the distance a pilot can see down the runway, runway number / visibility in feet
R17/1400Ft – 1400 ft visibility on runway 17 Right

13. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Weather – two categories qualifiers and weather phenomenon
Qualifiers of intensity, proximity and the descriptor
Intensity – (-) light, ( ) Moderate, (+) Heavy
Proximity only depict weather phenomena that are in the airport vicinity
“VC” indicates 5 to 10 miles from the airport
Descriptors
Used to describe certain types of precipitation and obscuration
Ex, Precipitation , squalls, funnel clouds

14. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Sky conditions
In sequence of amount, height, and type or indefinite ceiling/height (vertical visibility)
Cloud bases are reported in three digit number in hundreds of feet AGL
Clouds above are not observed or reported by automated systems
Types of clouds, cumulus (TCU) cumulonimbus (CB), are reported with their heights
Contractions are used to describe the amount of cloud coverage and obscuring phenomena
Coverage reported in 8th of the sky from horizon to horizon

15. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Temp
Temperature in Celsius
Temps below 0 preceded by “M” for Minus
Dewpoint

16. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
METAR KDAB Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR
Altimeter setting reported as inches of mercury (Hg) in four digit number group
Always preceded with “A”
Rising or falling pressure may be indicated in remarks by “PRESRR” or “PRESSFR”

17. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
Initial recurrent knowledge tests
An initial aeronautical knowledge test covers the following areas of knowledge:
Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation;
Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation;
Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance;
Small unmanned aircraft loading;
Emergency procedures;
Crew resource management;
Radio communication procedures;
Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft;
Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol;
Aeronautical decision making and judgement;
Airports operations; and
Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.
Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs)
Provide valuable information regarding the conditions as the actually exist in the air
Remote pilots can confirm height of bases and tops of clouds, locations of wind shear and turbulence, and the location of inflight icing
When unexpected weather is encountered pilots are encouraged to make a report to FSS or ATC

18. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Initial recurrent knowledge tests
(b) A recurrent aeronautical knowledge test covers the following areas of knowledge;
Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
Airspace classifications and operating requirements and flight restriction affecting small unmanned aircraft operation;
Emergency procedures;
Crew resource management;
Aeronautical decision making and judgement;
Airport operations; and
Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
Printed Forecasts
The following are the printed reports are printed reports remote pilots should be familiar with:
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
Aviation Area Forecasts (FA)
Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET)
Airman’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET)
Winds and Temperatures aloft forecasts (FB)

19. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
Report established for the five statute mile radius around an airport
Usually given for large airports
Valid for hours updated four times a day 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, 1800Z
Utilizes same descriptors and abbreviations as METARs
TAF KDAB Z 0812/0912 TEMPO 1112/1114 5SM BR FM G25KT P6SM SCT040 BKN250 FM KT P6SM BKN080 OVC150 PROB / SM TSRA BKN030CB FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO 1204/ SM TSRA OVC030CB

20. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
TAF KDAB Z 0812/0912 TEMPO 0812/0814 5SM BR FM G25KT P6SM SCT040 BKN250 FM KT P6SM BKN080 OVC150 PROB /0904 3SM TSRA BKN030CB FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO 0904/0908 3SM TSRA OVC030CB
TAF – type of report routine forecast (TAF) or amended (TAF AMD)
KDAD – ICAO station identifier same as METAR
081030Z – date and time first two are date last four are time in Zulu time
0812/0912 – Valid Period
First two numbers are the day of the month for the start of the TAF
Second two numbers are the hour it begins
The second set of numbers
First two numbers are the day it ends
Second two numbers are the hour it ends

21. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
TAF KDAB Z 0812/0912 TEMPO 0812/0814 5SM BR FM G25KT P6SM SCT040 BKN250 FM KT P6SM BKN080 OVC150 PROB /0904 3SM TSRA BKN030CB FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO 0904/0908 3SM TSRA OVC030CB
Temporary from 8th day 1200Z to 8th day 1400Z 5 statute miles visibility with mist
From 1500 winds from 160° at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots visibility greater than 6 statute miles scattered clouds at 4000ft broken clouds at 25000ft
From 9th day 0000Z winds from 140° at 12 knots visibility greater than 6 statute miles broken clouds at 4000ft overcast at 8000ft, 30% probability on the 9th at 0400Z 3 statute miles of visibility with thunderstorms and rain broken clouds at 3000 with cumulonimbus clouds
From 9th day 0400Z winds from 140° at 8 knots visibility greater than 6 statute miles scattered clouds at 4000ft overcast at 8000ft
Temporary from 9th day 0400Z to 0800Z visibility 3 statute mile with thunderstorms and rain overcast clouds at 3000ft with cumulonimbus

22. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Area Forecasts (FA)
DFWC FA
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLDS/WX
SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL
CLDS/WX VALID UNTIL …OTLK VALID
OK TX AR LA MS AL AND SCTL WTRS
Disseminated in four sections
Header
Gives location identifier of the source of the FA, the date and time issuance, the valid forecast time, and the area of coverage.
Comes from Dallas Fort Worth
Covers the states of Ok, Tx, Ar, La, Ms, Al, and some coastal gulf waters
Issued on 12th day at 0945Z

23. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Area Forecasts (FA)
SEE AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR CONDS AND MTN OBSCN
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLSW AND IFR CONDS.
NON MSL HGTS DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG
Precautionary statements
IFR conditions, mountain obscurations, and thunderstorm hazards
Statements with height would be given in MSL unless AGL or Ceiling are stated

24. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Area Forecasts (FA)
SYNOPSIS…LOW PRES TROF 10Z OK/TX PNHDL AREA FCST MOVE EWD INTO
CNTRL-SWRN OK BY 04Z. WRMFNT 10Z CNTRL OK-SRN AR-NRN MS FCST LIFT
NWD INTO NERN OR-NRN AR EXTRMNRN MS BY O4Z.
Synopsis
Gives a brief summary identifying the location and movement of pressure systems, fronts, and circulation patterns

25. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Area Forecasts (FA)
S CNTRL AND SERN TX
AGL SCT-BKN010. TOPS 030. VIS 2-5SM BR Z BECMG AGL SCT Z AGL
SCT050.
OTLK…VFR OK
PNDLAND NW…AGLSCT030 SCT-BKN100.
TOPS FL200
15Z AGL SCT040 SCT100. AFT 20Z SCT TSRA DVLPG…FEW POSS SEV. CB TOPS
FL 450.
VFR Clouds and Weather
Expected sky conditions, visibility and weather for the next 12 hours and an outlook for the following 6 hours

26. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Inflight Weather Advisories
Issued as either AIRMET, SIGMET, or convective SIGMET
AIRMET
Issued every 6 hours with intermediate updates issued as needed for a particular area forecast region
Weather section concerns phenomena considered potentially hazardous to light aircraft with limited operational capabilities
Has a fixed alphanumeric designator, numbered sequentially for easy identification, beginning with the first issuance of the day
Sierra – AIRMET code to denote IFR and mountain obscuration
Tango – used to denote turbulence, strong surface winds, and low-level wind shear
Zulu – used to denote icing and freezing levels
BOSS WA
AIRMET SIERRA UPDT 3 FOR IFR AND MTN OBSCN VALID UNTIL
AIRMET IFT…ME NH VT MA CT RI NY NJ AND SCTL WTRS FROM CA TO YSJ TO
150e ACK TO EWR TO YOW TO CAR OCNL GIG BLW 010.VIS BLW 3SM PCPN/BR.
CONDS CONT BYD 02Z THRU 08Z
AIRMET MTN OBSCN…ME HG VT MA NY PA FORM CAR TO MLT TO CON TO SLT
TO SYR TO CAR MTNS OCNLY OBSCD BY CLDS/PCPN/BR. CONDS CONT BYD 02Z
THRU 08Z

27. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
SIGMET
Inflight advisories concerning non-convective weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft
Include sever icing, sever or extreme turbulence, clear air turbulence, dust storms, sandstorms, and volcanic ash
Unscheduled forecast good for 4 hours
If used for hurricanes it is good for 6 hours
Issued using an alphabetic identifier from November through Yankee
First one issued is an Urgent Weather SIGMET
Reissued ones for the same event are sequentially numbered
SFOR WS
SIGMET ROMEO2 VALID UNTIL L100530
OR WA
FROM SEA TO PDT TO EUG TO SEA
OCNL SEV CAT BTN FL280 AND FL350 EXPCD
DUE TO JTSTR
CONDS BGNG AFT 0200Z CONTG BYD 0530Z

28. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
MKCC WST
CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C
VALID UNTILL 2055Z
ND SD
FROM 90W MOT-GFK-ABR-90W MOT
INTSFYG AREA SEV TS MOVG FROM 24045KT. TOPS ABV FL450. WIND GUSTS TO 60KTS RPRTD.
TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN…WIND GUSTS TO 65 KTS
POSS ND PTN
Convective Significant Meteoroidal Information
Issued for severe thunderstorms with surface winds greater than 50 knots
Hail at surface greater than 3/4” in diameter
Tornados
Thunderstorms with heavy or greater precipitation that covers more then 40% or more of a 3000 square mile region
Issued for the Eastern (E), Western (W), and Central (C) USA
Issued 55 past the hour, special SIGMET can be issued at any time
Numbered sequentially from beginning at 0000Z
Even if no hazardous weather exists one is still issued as “NONE”

29. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Weather Charts
Graphic charts that depict current or forecast weather
Should be used in beginning stages of flight planning
Typically show movement of major weather systems and fronts
Surface analysis, weather depiction, and significant weather prognostic charts are sources of current weather information
Surface Analysis Chart
Depicts an analysis of the current surface weather
Transmitted every 3 hours showing the lower 48 and surrounding areas
Shows
Areas of high and low pressure
Fronts
Temps
Dew point
Wind directions and speed
Local weather
Visual obstructions

30. Module 2 – Aviation Weather Services
2.3 – Aviation Forecasts
Surface Analysis Chart
Each reporting point is illustrated as a station model
Station models include:
Sky cover – clear, scattered, broken overcast, or obscured / partially obscured
Sea-level pressure – 3 digit number to the nearest tenth of a millibar (mb), if more then 1000 millibar prefix with 10, less than 1000 prefix with 9
Pressure change/tendency – in tenth of a millibar over the last 3 hours, directly below the sea-level pressure
Dew point – in degrees Fahrenheit
Present weather – over 100 different symbols can be used to describe current weather
Temperature –in degrees Fahrenheit
Wind – true direction given by wind pointer line, indicating the direction wind is coming from, short barb 5 knots, long barb 10 knots, pennant 50 knots
Weather Depiction Chart
Details surface conditions as derived from METAR and other surface observations.
Prepared and transmitted every 3 hours beginning at 0100Z
Designed to be used for flight planning
Provides graphic display of IFR, VFR and marginal VFR
Modified station model – provides sky condition, cover, ceiling height, weather, obstruction to visibility