AIM

8/15/19

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8

Meteorology

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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4b10(a).

(b)

Prohibited Areas P

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40, P

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49, P

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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

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1.

NOTAM information may be combined with current

conditions when the briefer believes it is logical to do so.

2.

Airway NOTAMs, procedural NOTAMs, and NOTAMs

that are general in nature and not tied to a specific
airport/facility (for example, flight advisories and
restrictions, open duration special security instructions,
and special flight rules areas) are briefed solely by pilot
request. NOTAMs, graphic notices, and other information
published in the NTAP are not included in pilot briefings
unless the pilot specifically requests a review of this
publication. For complete flight information, pilots are
urged to review the printed information in the NTAP and
the Chart Supplement U.S. 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

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related

airspace, except those listed in paragraph 7

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4b8.

NOTE

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1.

For the purpose of this paragraph, SUA and related

airspace includes the following types of airspace: alert
area, military operations area (MOA), warning area, and
air traffic control assigned airspace (ATCAA). MTR data
includes the following types of airspace: IFR training
routes (IR), VFR training routes (VR), and slow training
routes (SR).

2.

Pilots are encouraged to request updated information

from ATC facilities while in flight.