The wx24 Pilot aviation weather app has added prognosis and significant weather charts, which help fill in the details and provide context to Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), according to developers. They also help complete the picture of enroute weather, including IFR and MVFR conditions, turbulence, and icing, which helps pilots make their go or no go […]
Weather
New quiz tests weather safety knowledge
Analyzing weather data can be a chore for general aviation pilots — and weather changes quickly, so pilots need to analyze a significant amount of data to make good safety choices before and during flights. The Wx24Pilot app focuses completely on aviation weather and represents a different way at looking at weather, according to its […]
Graphical forecasts to replace text-based forecasts Oct. 10
The transition to graphical forecasts for aviation (GFAs) for the continental U.S. is set to be complete Oct. 10, 2017, when the current textual area forecasts (FAs) will be discontinued. The move, in a transition phase since July, is expected to result in improved weather information from forecasters with the National Weather Service Aviation Weather […]
Summer weather hazards
By ED BROTAK With many people vacationing, summer is typically a busy time for aviation. Typically, flying weather is better in summer — if you avoid the thunderstorms I talked about in my last article. There are fewer “big” storms and fronts with widespread clouds, precipitation, and strong winds. But summer also brings a different […]
User-friendly graphical forecast goes live
In April 2017, the National Weather Service transitioned the Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) from experimental to a live, operational product. The GFA should make interpreting the information easier, improving safety and efficiency, said John Kosak, weather project manager at the National Business Aviation Association’s Air Traffic Services. The expectation is that the GFA will replace the […]
The Thunderstorm Threat
By ED BROTAK With the onset of warmer weather, pilots face the increased risk of encountering thunderstorms. Although more common in the warmer months, thunderstorms can occur even in the winter, especially in the southern states. It’s estimated that 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year. Some locations in southwest Florida have 100 storms […]
Latest edition of Aviation Weather Services released
FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-45H Aviation Weather Services explains the many U.S. aviation weather products and services available to pilots. This new edition brings the pilot up-to-date on cutting-edge and evolving weather facilities and capabilities for planning a safe and efficient flight, along with descriptions of the traditional weather products available, according to ASA officials. […]
Shelter activates hurricane response plan
FBO chain Sheltair has activated its Hurricane Response Plan at aviation facilities threatened by Hurricane Matthew. While forecasters can’t predict the exact track of the storm, Sheltair officials are anticipating the temporary suspension of its FBO operations at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) Pompano Beach, (PMP), Orlando (ORL), Daytona Beach (DAB), Jacksonville (JAX) and Savannah (SAV) starting Thursday, […]
Aviation community readies for winter weather
As winter approaches, U.S. airports, pilots, air traffic controllers, and manufacturers will begin using new Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA) methods to improve safety at U.S. airports. The FAA has launched a TALPA website with key information the aviation community needs to know to prepare for the TALPA changes, which are already in effect. […]