How do pilots use meteorology to plan flights?

1 Pre-flight briefing

Before every flight, pilots need to obtain a pre-flight briefing from a reliable source, such as an official aviation weather service or a flight service station. A pre-flight briefing provides pilots with information on the current and forecasted weather conditions along the planned route and at the departure and destination airports. It also alerts pilots to any significant weather hazards, such as thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, or low visibility. A pre-flight briefing helps pilots to decide whether to proceed with the flight, alter the route, or delay or cancel the flight.

2 Weather charts and reports

Pilots use various weather charts and reports to analyze the meteorological situation and plan the flight accordingly. Surface analysis charts display pressure, fronts, and weather systems over a large area at a given time. Upper air charts show the wind speed and direction, temperature, and pressure at different altitudes. Significant weather charts illustrate areas of adverse weather, such as thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, or low visibility. Terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF) provide a detailed forecast of the weather conditions at a specific airport for a specified period of time. Meteorological aerodrome reports (METAR) indicate the actual weather conditions at a specific airport at a given time. Airmen's meteorological information (AIRMET) is a bulletin of significant weather phenomena that may affect flight safety. Additionally, significant meteorological information (SIGMET) is a bulletin of severe or hazardous weather phenomena that may affect flight safety.

3 Flight plan

Based on the weather charts and reports, pilots prepare a flight plan that specifies the route, altitude, speed, fuel, and time of the flight. A flight plan also includes information on the alternate airports that pilots can divert to in case of an emergency or a change in weather conditions. Pilots submit their flight plans to the air traffic control (ATC) or the flight service station (FSS) for approval and clearance.

4 Weather radar and satellite

During the flight, pilots need to monitor the weather conditions and update their flight plans accordingly. One of the tools that pilots use to do this is the weather radar. A weather radar is a device that emits radio waves and detects the echoes from precipitation, clouds, or other objects in the atmosphere. A weather radar can help pilots to avoid thunderstorms, hail, or heavy rain that may cause damage or danger to the aircraft. Another tool that pilots use to monitor the weather is the satellite. A satellite is a device that orbits the Earth and transmits images of the cloud cover, temperature, and moisture over a large area. A satellite can help pilots to identify the location and movement of weather systems, fronts, and jet streams that may affect the flight.

5 Weather briefing and reports

During the flight, pilots also need to obtain weather briefings and reports from the ATC, the FSS, or other sources. A weather briefing is a summary of the current and forecasted weather conditions along the route and at the destination and alternate airports. A weather report is a statement of the actual weather conditions at a specific location and time. Weather briefings and reports help pilots to adjust their flight plans, change their route or altitude, or divert to another airport if necessary.

6 Pilot reports

Another way that pilots use meteorology to plan flights is by sharing their own observations and experiences with other pilots and weather services. Pilot reports, or PIREPs, are reports of the weather conditions encountered by pilots during the flight, such as visibility, cloud cover, precipitation, icing, turbulence, or wind shear. PIREPs help pilots to verify or update the weather information they receive from other sources, and to anticipate or avoid any weather hazards along the way.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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