Weather Information
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.
Bottom line
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. A self-briefing uses all means and sources of reporting, including automation, to provide a thorough evaluation of weather and aeronautical information in advance of flight.
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AC 91-92, paras. 4.19, 7.7 — AC No: 91-92
- AWH ch. 3 (pp. 3-5–3-6) — FAA-H-8083-28A
Knowledge
- IR.I.B.K1: Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
- IR.I.B.K2: Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast
- IR.I.B.K2a: a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
- IR.I.B.K2b: b. Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
- IR.I.B.K2c: c. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
- IR.I.B.K2d: d. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
- IR.I.B.K2e: e. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
- IR.I.B.K2f: f. Convective Outlook (AC)
- IR.I.B.K2g: g. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGM
- IR.I.B.K3: Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination for flights conducted
- IR.I.B.K3a: a. Atmospheric composition and stability
- IR.I.B.K3b: b. Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
- IR.I.B.K3c: c. Temperature and heat exchange
- IR.I.B.K3d: d. Moisture/precipitation
- IR.I.B.K3e: e. Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts
- IR.I.B.K3f: f. Clouds
- IR.I.B.K3g: g. Turbulence
- IR.I.B.K3h: h. Thunderstorms and microbursts
- IR.I.B.K3i: i. Icing and freezing level information
- IR.I.B.K3j: j. Fog/mist
- IR.I.B.K3k: k. Frost
- IR.I.B.K3l: l. Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
- IR.I.B.K4: Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
Risk management
- IR.I.B.R1: Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- IR.I.B.R1a: a. Circumstances that would make diversion prudent
- IR.I.B.R1b: b. Personal weather minimums
- IR.I.B.R1c: c. Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
- IR.I.B.R2: Use and limitations of:
- IR.I.B.R2a: a. Installed onboard weather equipment
- IR.I.B.R2b: b. Aviation weather reports and forecasts
- IR.I.B.R2c: c. Inflight weather resources
Skills
- IR.I.B.S1: Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
- IR.I.B.S2: Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided
- IR.I.B.S3: Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.
- IR.I.B.S4: Determine whether an alternate airport is required, and, if required, whether the selected alternate airport meets regulatory requirements.
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