How Do You Decode A Metar?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The first two digits are the date, the 16th of the month, and the last four digits are the time of the METAR, which is always given in coordinated universal time (UTC), otherwise known as Zulu time. A “Z” is appended to the end of the time to denote that the time is given in Zulu time (UTC) as opposed to local time.

What does 9999 mean in METAR?

The largest reportable metric value is. 9999. This value represents a visibility greater than 9000 . meters (7 SM or more) . The contraction CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) may be used when there is no significant weather, the visibility is 10 km or greater, and the ceilings are greater than 5,000 ft.

What are the random numbers at the end of a METAR?

The first three numbers, “ 350” indicate the wind direction it’s coming from. The next two numbers, “45” indicate the wind speed in knots. The number after the slash is the time after the hour. The “20” in this case means the peak wind happened at 20 past the hour.

What is the 8 * * * * Group on a METAR?

An 8-figure group which may be added to METAR from civil aerodromes.

How do I read a METAR code?

The first two digits are the date, the 16th of the month, and the last four digits are the time of the METAR, which is always given in coordinated universal time (UTC), otherwise known as Zulu time. A “Z” is appended to the end of the time to denote that the time is given in Zulu time (UTC) as opposed to local time.

What does V mean in METAR?

V – Varying . VIRGA – Virga. VRB – Variable. VRB VIS – Variable Visibility. VV – Vertical Visibility, indefinite ceiling.

What does P mean in METAR?

P. indicates greater than the highest reportable value . PCPN . precipitation . PL.

Are TAF Times in Zulu?

The date is formatted using two digits for the day of the month. ... A “Z” follows the date and time grouping to remind pilots that like other aviation times, the time listed in the TAF is in UTC , or “Zulu” time, not local time.

What distance does a METAR cover?

An automated METAR with no human supervision covers the conditions within approximately 6 inches of the weather station reporting it (for example, a badly positioned AWOS/ASOS station may be shielded from wind in some directions which affects what it reports).

Is METAR AGL or ASL?

Heights in METAR and TAF are always stated as height AGL . On the other hand, heights in graphic area forecasts (GFA) and PIREPs are normally stated as height ASL, since terrain heights are variable over the larger area covered.

What does Shra mean in a TAF?

METAR Code Description SHRA +SHRA Moderate to heavy rain showers -SHRASN Light rain and snow showers SHRASN +SHRASN Moderate to heavy rain and snow showers -SHSN Light snow showers

What does R88 mean?

Review Engagements . Self-employed (R88) Income Statement: The income statement serves to measure a company’s sales (or revenue), expenses and earnings over a specified duration of time. In many cases, this statement will usually be for a period of one year.

How long is an Airmet valid for?

AIRMETs are routinely issued for 6 hour periods beginning at 0245 UTC. AIRMETS are also amended as necessary due to changing weather conditions or issuance cancellation of a SIGMET

WHO issues SIGMETs?

NWS has four Meteorological Watch Offices which issue SIGMETs: the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Aviation Weather Cen- ter (AWC), Alaskan Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU), the Honolulu Forecast Office and the Guam Forecast Office.

What makes a Pirep urgent?

Urgent PIREPs describe weather phenomena that are potentially hazardous to flight operations , including: Tornadoes, funnel clouds, or waterspouts. Severe or extreme turbulence. Severe icing.

How much area does a TAF cover?

A TAF is a report valid for 5 statute mile radius around an airport. A TAF’s terminal area then extends out an additional 5 statute miles, so 10 statute miles total .

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.