Send us a text

Aviation Weather Services and Data | FAA Decoded Podcast #17

Welcome to Episode 17 of FAA Decoded! In this comprehensive 44-minute episode, we dive into the world of aviation weather services and data, a critical topic for every pilot. Drawing from Chapter 13 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, we’ll explore the multifaceted system that keeps pilots informed about the atmosphere. Learn how agencies collaborate to gather and share vital weather info, from surface reports (METARs) and upper air data to radar and satellite imagery, and how to interpret these observations for better decision-making.

We’ll also break down essential aviation weather forecasts like TAFs and area forecasts (FAs), plus hazardous weather advisories such as AIRMETs and SIGMETs, which are crucial for flight planning and staying safe in the skies. Finally, we’ll discuss the role of data link weather products in the cockpit—how they work, their limitations, and why it’s the pilot’s responsibility to use this information effectively. Whether you’re a student pilot, a seasoned aviator, or an aviation enthusiast, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to navigate weather challenges confidently.

Subscribe to stay updated, and leave a review to share your thoughts! Have you encountered tricky weather during a flight? Got questions about aviation weather tools? Send us a message—we’d love to hear from you!

AviationWeather, WeatherForecasts, METAR, AviationSafety, PilotTraining, FAAdecoded, AviationPodcast, FlightPlanning, AIRMET, SIGMET

Based on Chapter 13 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.