Decode a METAR
Translate an aviation routine weather report into wind, visibility, weather, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and pressure.
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO
- 01Identify the rule, source, or principle behind this idea: A METAR identifies station, time in UTC, wind, visibility, weather, clouds, temperature/dew point, altimeter, and remarks.
- 02Explain the operational effect of this idea: Wind is reported relative to true north in METARs, with gusts shown separately.
- 03Apply the lesson to a new mission and defend a go, modify, or no-go decision.
01 / MISSION
Begin with the operating problem.
The nearest METAR reports gusty crosswind and a low broken layer while the site is fifteen miles away.
02 / CORE BRIEF
What the remote pilot needs to know.
A METAR identifies station, time in UTC, wind, visibility, weather, clouds, temperature/dew point, altimeter, and remarks.
Wind is reported relative to true north in METARs, with gusts shown separately.
ASOS and AWOS observations describe conditions at their sensor location; identify the system, report age, and limitations before applying the data to a different mission site.
03 / PILOT DECISION
Make the call.
Decode the report, check age and site difference, compare with observations and forecasts, and decline if visibility or cloud clearance lacks margin.
04 / FIELD CHECK
Put it into the flight plan.
Read every METAR aloud in plain language before using it in a mission brief.
05 / KNOWLEDGE CHECK
What does BKN represent in a METAR?
Reveal the debrief
A broken cloud layer, which is a ceiling layer for aviation reporting.
RELATED FAA REFERENCES
Verify before you fly.
- NOAA / FAA — Aviation Weather Center
- FAA — Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28B)
- FAA — Remote Pilot Airman Certification Standards
Educational summary only. Current regulation, FAA approval conditions, manufacturer instructions, and site-specific facts control the operation.