JPATS Weather - NETC

JPATS AVIATION WEATHER BOOKLET
Examples:
RADAT 63017
RADAT 91L028039061
RADAT 84H008025085/1
RADAT ZERO
RADAT MISG
RAICG 89MSL
Freezing level at 1700 feet MSL with 63% RH
Freezing levels at 2800, 3900, and 6100 feet MSL with 91%RH at
2800 feet
Freezing levels at 800, 2500, and 8500 feet MSL with 84% RH at
8500 feet, and one additional crossing
Freezing level at the surface
Unable to obtain, high winds, or equipment failure
Balloon iced up at 8900 feet MSL
THE TERMINAL AERODROME FORECAST (TAF)
TAF Use For Flight Planning
Any aviator planning a flight should know both the destination's existing and forecasted weather.
Previously we learned the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) provides existing
weather. Now, we will discuss the surface forecasted weather conditions by learning how to read
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs). This teletype information will also aid you in planning
for the type of flight (IFR/VFR), type of approach you require, determining if an alternate is
required, and selection of the best alternate.
Although there are many differences in TAF reporting between the military and civilian weather
offices, as well as throughout the world, we will focus this discussion on the U.S. military TAF
since the bulk of your training flights will commence from military bases. Once this has been
accomplished, it will be much easier to point out differences existing among the TAFs of the
U.S. military, civilian, and international communities.
TAF Sequence
It will become readily apparent that each line of the TAF forecast will follow the same basic
sequence: message heading or change group, time, wind, visibility, weather and obstructions to
vision, clouds, altimeter, and remarks. The only deviation that occurs is the addition of wind
shear, temperature, icing, and turbulence groups when applicable. Figure 6-14 shows an example
of a single line forecast with a breakdown of each group. Figure 6-15 shows an actual forecast
for Navy Whiting Field.
6-14 Version 3.2/Dec 08