CA.I.C.K2aFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as: a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
Bottom line
A METAR is an observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format. Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| at any time between routine METAR reports | SPECI timing |
| 15 to 20 minutes old by the time displayed in a cockpit | NEXRAD age |
| requested when a planned departure is 6 hours or more away | Outlook briefing |
| significant changes within 1 hour before and after the ETA | Destination forecast |
| may be omitted if the proposed time of departure is beyond 2 hours | Current conditions |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 13 (pp. 13-5–13-6) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AC 91-92, paras. 7.4.1.2, 7.4.1.9, 7.7 — AC No: 91-92
- PHAK ch. 13 (p. 13-2) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AWH ch. 3 (pp. 3-4–3-5) — FAA-H-8083-28A
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