CA.I.C.K1FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge

Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight pla...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.

Bottom line

Before every flight, the PIC must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. Flight Service offers three basic briefing packages: Standard, Abbreviated, and Outlook, and third-party providers may offer them as well. The FAA considers that a self-briefing may be compliant with current Federal aviation regulations.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight pla...
NumberWhat it means
6 hours or more from briefing timeOutlook trigger

FAA references

  1. 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  2. AC 91-92, paras. 4.12, 4.16, 4.17, 4.19, 7.1, 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.3.1 — AC No: 91-92
  3. PHAK ch. 13 (p. 13-4) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
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