AIM
4/3/14
7−1−6
Meteorology
airport closures, air traffic delays, etc. Pilots should
be especially alert for current or forecast weather
that could reduce flight minimums below VFR or
IFR conditions. Pilots should also be alert for any
reported or forecast icing if the aircraft is not certified
for operating in icing conditions. Flying into areas
of icing or weather below minimums could have
disastrous results.
2. VFR Flight Not Recommended.
When
VFR flight is proposed and sky conditions or
visibilities are present or forecast, surface or aloft,
that, in the briefer’s judgment, would make flight
under VFR doubtful, the briefer will describe the
conditions, describe the affected locations, and use
the phrase “VFR flight not recommended.” This
recommendation is advisory in nature. The final
decision as to whether the flight can be conducted
safely rests solely with the pilot. Upon receiving a
“VFR flight not recommended” statement, the
non−IFR rated pilot will need to make a “go or no go”
decision. This decision should be based on weighing
the current and forecast weather conditions against
the pilot’s experience and ratings. The aircraft’s
equipment, capabilities and limitations should also
be considered.
NOTE
−
Pilots flying into areas of minimal VFR weather could
encounter unforecasted lowering conditions that place the
aircraft outside the pilot’s ratings and experience level.
This could result in spatial disorientation and/or loss of
control of the aircraft.
3. Synopsis.
A brief statement describing the
type, location and movement of weather systems
and/or air masses which might affect the proposed
flight.
NOTE
−
These first 3 elements of a briefing may be combined in any
order when the briefer believes it will help to more clearly
describe conditions.
4. Current Conditions.
Reported weather
conditions applicable to the flight will be summarized
from all available sources; e.g., METARs/ SPECIs,
PIREPs, RAREPs. This element will be omitted if the
proposed time of departure is beyond 2 hours, unless
the information is specifically requested by the pilot.
5. En Route Forecast.
Forecast en route
conditions for the proposed route are summarized in
logical order; i.e., departure/climbout, en route, and
descent. (Heights are MSL, unless the contractions
“AGL” or “CIG” are denoted indicating that heights
are above ground.)
6. Destination Forecast.
The destination fore-
cast for the planned ETA. Any significant changes
within 1 hour before and after the planned arrival are
included.
7. Winds Aloft.
Forecast winds aloft will be
provided using degrees of the compass. The briefer
will interpolate wind directions and speeds between
levels and stations as necessary to provide expected
conditions at planned altitudes. (Heights are MSL.)
Temperature information will be provided on request.
8. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
(a)
Available NOTAM (D) information perti-
nent to the proposed flight, including special use
airspace (SUA) NOTAMs for restricted areas, aerial
refueling, and night vision goggles (NVG).
NOTE
−
Other SUA NOTAMs (D), such as military operations
area (MOA), military training route (MTR), and warning
area NOTAMs, are considered “upon request” briefing
items as indicated in paragraph 7
−1−4b10(a).
(b)
Prohibited Areas P−40, P−49, P−56,
and the special flight rules area (SFRA) for
Washington, DC.
(c)
FSS briefers do not provide FDC NOTAM
information for special instrument approach proce-
dures unless specifically asked. Pilots authorized by
the FAA to use special instrument approach
procedures must specifically request FDC NOTAM
information for these procedures.
NOTE
−
NOTAM information may be combined with current
conditions when the briefer believes it is logical to do so.
NOTE
−
NOTAM (D) information and FDC NOTAMs which have
been published in the Notices to Airmen Publication are
not included in pilot briefings unless a review of this
publication is specifically requested by the pilot. For
complete flight information you are urged to review the
printed NOTAMs in the Notices to Airmen Publication and
the A/FD in addition to obtaining a briefing.
9. ATC Delays.
Any known ATC delays and
flow control advisories which might affect the
proposed flight.
10. Pilots may obtain the following from
flight service station briefers upon request:
(a)
Information on SUA and SUA−related
airspace, except those listed in paragraph 7−1−4b8.