Obtaining Wx Information

Question 1

What are some primary ways of obtaining a Wx briefing?

Answer 1

The FSS (flight service station) is the primary source for obtaining pre-flight briefings and in-flight wx information. The FAA provides the Flight Service program through FSS’s (1-800-WX-BRIEF) and via the internet through DUATS.

Question 2

What are some other sources of weather information?

Answer 2

• Telephone Info Briefing Service TIBS (FSS)
• Private industry sources
• DUATS

Question 3

You’re planning a cross country flight. Does the wx data provided by a commercial and/or third party vendor satisfy the preflight action required by 14 CFR 91.103?

Answer 3

Pilots should be aware that third party wx services may not meet FAA quality control standards. When in doubt, consult with an FAA Flight Service Specialist.

Question 4

What types of wx briefings are available from an AFSS/FSS briefer?

Answer 4

• Standard briefing - Request when you are planning a flight and have not received a previous briefing or have not received preliminary information through mass dissemination media.
• Abbreviated Briefing - Request when you are needing information to supplement mass disseminated data, update a previous briefing, or when you need only one r two items.
• Outlook Briefing - Request whenever your proposed time of departure is six or more hours from the time of the briefing; for planning purposed only.
• In-flight Briefing - Request when needed to update a pre-flight briefing.

Question 5

What pertinent info should a wx briefing include?

Answer 5

• Adverse conditions
• VFR Flight Not Recommended
• Synopsis
• Current Conditions
• Enroute Forecast
• Destination Forcast
• Winds aloft
• NOTAMS
• ATC Delay

Pilots may also obtain the following from a briefer: Special Use Airspace (SUA), alert areas, MOA (Military Operation Areas, warning areas, customs/immigration procedures

Question 6

What is HIWAS?

Answer 6

Hazardous In-Flight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS) is a continuous broadcast of in-flight wx advisories including summarized Aviation Wx Warnings, SIGMET’s, Convective SIGMET’s, AIRMET’s, urgent PIREPS. HIWAS is an additional source of hazardous weather info which makes this data available on a continuous basis.

Navaids with HIWAS capability are depicted on a sectional charts with an “H” in the upper right hand corner of the identification box.

Question 7

What is a “Flight information service”?

Answer 7

Flight Information Service - Broadcast (FIS-B) is a ground broadcast service provided through the Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) services network over 978 Mhz UAT data link.

Question 8

While en route, how can a pilot obtain updated wx information?

Answer 8

• FSS on 122.2 and appropriate RCO (remote communication outlet) frequencies
• ATIS broadcasts along your route of flight
• HIWAS
• Datalink Wx - Cockpit display of FIS-B info
• ATC (workload permitting)