Handy Form for Weather Briefing: March 26, 2002

During my first standard briefing, I really got tongue-tied, then had trouble taking good organized notes. To keep on track, I devised this form. The sole source for the information is a handy pamphlet entitled, "How to Obtain a Good Weather Briefing" (FAA-P-8740-30 AFS-820, 1998) Please feel free to print and use it. Suggestions for improvement are always welcome! --Louise

Part One: What you Need to Tell the Briefer

Reminder..."I have national security information...." Yes. Now you must listen to a national security briefing before all else.

Qualifications (student pilot?)

Type of Flight (VFR or IFR)

Aircraft N-Number

Aircraft Type

Departure Point

Estimated TIME of Departure Z

Proposed Flight Altitudes

Route of Flight (specify any landings en route)

Destination

ETE (estimated time enroute)

Part Two: What the Briefer Will Tell You (Standard Briefing)

Adverse Conditions. Note: if this first information precludes a safe flight according to your capabilities, you "should consider terminating the briefing and your flight. This will free the briefer to handle other incoming calls". Examples include turbulence, low ceilings or visibility, thunderstorms, icing,

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Current Conditions Wx will be current if your proposed time of departure is within two hours. Includes a summary of current weather, PIREPS, radar information applicable.

-

En Route Forecast: Summary of forecast conditions

departure and climb-out

en route

descent

Destination Forecast Given for your ETA and should include any significant changes within one hour of your planned arrival.

-

Winds Aloft

You can request temperature information if needed.

 Surface or Station  3k  6k  9k  12k
         
         
         

NOTAMS

Note that you may need to request information about GPS, LORAN, MTR's MOA's and Published NOTAMS. Ask if the briefer has access to any and all information about military activities along your route, or if you need to contact another FSS along your route. Having specific information such as MTR numbers helps.

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Other Helpful Info or Tips

Double-check airport directory: are there any notes of interest such as notorious cross-winds or other local phenomenon?

Do you have any special concerns not covered by the briefer such as ground-fog formation at night or other unusual (and possibly local) weather.

Flight Watch: 122.0

FSS RCO's along your route

HIWAS along your route

Include frequencies on your NavLog: AWOS, ASOS, ATIS,