Aviation Weather Services

Figure 13-21. Graphical METAR legend display. provides the pilot with a powerful resource for enhanced • Significant Meteorological Conditions (SIGMET) and situational awareness at any time. Due to continuous data link Convective SIGMET broadcasts, pilots can obtain a weather briefing by looking at • Status of Special Use Airspace (SUA) a display screen. Pilots have a choice between FAA-certified • Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) devices or portable receivers as a source of weather data. • Winds and Temperatures Aloft. Data Link Weather Products • Pilot Reports (PIREPS) Flight Information Service- Broadcast (FIS-B) • TIS-B service status Flight Information Service–Broadcast (FIS-B) is a ground broadcast service provided through the Automatic Dependent The weather products provided by FIS-B are for information Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Services network over only. Therefore, these products do not meet the safety and the 978 MHz UAT data link. The FAA FIS-B system regulatory requirements of official weather products. The provides pilots and flight crews of properly-equipped aircraft weather products displayed on FIS-B should not be used with a flightdeck display of certain aviation weather and as primary weather products (i.e., aviation weather to meet aeronautical information which are listed below. operational and safety requirements). Each aircraft system is • Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs) different and some of the data that is rendered can be up to • Special Aviation Reports (SPECIs) 20 or 30 minutes old and not current. Pilots should consult the individual equipment manuals for specific delay times. • Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs) and their amendments • NEXRAD (regional and CONUS) precipitation maps • Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Distant and Flight Data Center • Airmen’s Meteorological Conditions (AIRMET) 13-23