Weather Information (ATP)
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with obtaining, understanding, and applying weather information for a flight under IFR. Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements. Note: If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements. Note: See Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Bottom line
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. The FAA considers that a self-briefing may be compliant with current Federal aviation regulations.
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AC 91-92, paras. 4.19, 7.1, 7.4.1.2, 7.7 — AC No: 91-92
- AWH ch. 3 (p. 3-5) — FAA-H-8083-28A
Knowledge
- AA.I.C.K1: Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
- AA.I.C.K2: Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast
- AA.I.C.K2a: a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
- AA.I.C.K2b: b. Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
- AA.I.C.K2c: c. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
- AA.I.C.K2d: d. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
- AA.I.C.K2e: e. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
- AA.I.C.K2f: f. Convective Outlook (AC)
- AA.I.C.K2g: g. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGM
- AA.I.C.K3: Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination for flights conducted
- AA.I.C.K3a: a. Atmospheric composition and stability
- AA.I.C.K3b: b. Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
- AA.I.C.K3c: c. Temperature and heat exchange
- AA.I.C.K3d: d. Moisture/precipitation
- AA.I.C.K3e: e. Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts
- AA.I.C.K3f: f. Clouds
- AA.I.C.K3g: g. Turbulence
- AA.I.C.K3h: h. Thunderstorms and microbursts
- AA.I.C.K3i: i. Icing and freezing level information
- AA.I.C.K3j: j. Fog/mist
- AA.I.C.K3k: k. Frost
- AA.I.C.K3l: l. Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
- AA.I.C.K4: Flight deck displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, their use to navigate around weather, and equipment limitations.
- AA.I.C.K5: Low-visibility operations (e.g., surface movement, category II and III approaches). (ATP)(AMEL, AMES).
- AA.I.C.K6: Flight Risk Assessment Tools.
Risk management
- AA.I.C.R1: Weather conditions involved in departure and in-flight decision making, to include:
- AA.I.C.R1a: a. Circumstances requiring a change in course or destination
- AA.I.C.R1b: b. Known or forecast icing, winds or turbulence aloft, volcanic ash, destination weather, etc.
- AA.I.C.R1c: c. Personal weather minimums
- AA.I.C.R1d: d. Operator specified or aircraft operational limitations, if applicable
- AA.I.C.R2: Use and limitations of:
- AA.I.C.R2a: a. Installed onboard weather equipment
- AA.I.C.R2b: b. Aviation weather reports and forecasts
- AA.I.C.R2c: c. Inflight weather resources
Skills
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: Task bottom line
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal