Show Notes
The first time most student pilots see a METAR, it looks like a line of random letters and numbers that would take forever to decode. But experienced pilots read them in seconds. This episode walks you through exactly how to read a METAR and a TAF, piece by piece. We designed this so you can follow along just by listening. In This Episode: • What a METAR and a TAF actually are, and why they're not interchangeable. • How to read a METAR left to right: station, time, wind, visibility, sky condition, temp/dewpoint, altimeter, remarks. • The difference between FEW, SCT, BKN, and OVC, and which ones count as a ceiling. • Why checking the TAF at your departure airport matters just as much as your destination. • Variable wind direction. • Temperature-dewpoint spread and early morning fog risk. • How to read TAF change groups: FM, BECMG, and TEMPO.
Key Takeaways: • METARs follow the same structure every time; learn the pattern once, and you can read any of them. • Flashcards for the abbreviations work. It's like learning a language. Once the codes click, you can't unsee them. • Always check the weather for both ends of your flight, especially on solo cross-countries. • Watch the temp-dewpoint spread; within 3°C means fog risk • In TAFs, know FM, BECMG, and TEMPO, and check the window covering your entire flight. Sample METAR (referenced in episode): METAR KRAL 141953Z 28005KT 10SM FEW060 BKN180 22/08 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP122 T02170083
Sample TAF (referenced in episode): TAF KRAL 1418/1518 28006KT P6SM FEW060 BKN200 FM150200 VRB03KT P6SM SCT040 BKN120 BECMG 1508/1510 18008KT 5SM HZ BKN030 TEMPO 1512/1516 3SM TSRA BKN020CB
Resources: Free Private Pilot Study Sheet: https://hub.pilotinstitute.com/private-pilot-study-sheet-landing
Your Flight Controls is produced in association with Pilot Institute. New episodes drop weekly.
Got a question or a topic you want us to cover? Reach out to us!
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