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Aviation Weather Handbook

FAA-H-8083-28B Version 2026
All Library Documents FAA Source

Chapter 3

Overview of Aviation Weather Information

The information is entered into a flight plan form. When using the route brief feature in the Flight Service Pilot Web Portal (see Appendix G) or speaking to an FSS specialist, the type of weather briefing is recorded. If necessary, the information can be referenced later to file or amend a flight plan. It can also be used when an aircraft is overdue or is reported missing. All briefings provided by Flight Service (online or voice) are time-stamped and archived for 45 days.

Pilots can make a final weather check immediately before departure using online weather apps, when possible.

3.3.1.1 Standard Briefing

A standard briefing provides a complete weather picture and is the most detailed of all briefings. It includes conditions and significant weather information that may influence the pilot in planning, altering, or cancelling a proposed route or flight. A standard briefing provides the following information (if applicable to the route of flight) in sequential order. However, the adverse conditions, VNR, and synopsis elements may be combined and presented in any order when it helps to better describe the conditions:

  • Adverse Conditions. This includes significant weather and/or aeronautical information about adverse conditions that may influence a decision to cancel or alter the route of flight (e.g., hazardous weather conditions, airport closures, or air traffic delays). 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.
  • VFR Flight Not Recommended (VNR). 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. This advisory is not provided via the internet.
  • Synopsis. A brief statement describing the type, location, and movement of weather systems and/or air masses that might affect the proposed flight.
  • Current (Latest) Conditions. This portion of the briefing contains the current (latest reported or received) surface weather summarized from all available resources, including observations, PIREPs, and satellite and radar data along the route of flight. If the departure time is more than two hours away, current conditions will not be included in the briefing unless the pilot specifically requests the information.
  • En Route Forecast. Forecast en route conditions for the proposed route are summarized in logical order (i.e., departure/climb out, en route, and descent). Heights are above mean sea level (MSL), unless the contractions “AGL” or “CIG” are denoted, indicating that heights are above ground.
  • Destination Forecast. The destination forecast for the planned estimated time of arrival (ETA). Any significant changes within 1 hour before and after the planned arrival are included.
  • Winds and Temperatures Aloft. Forecast winds aloft will be provided in knots and tens of degrees and referenced to true north. 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.
  • Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), ATC Delays, and Other Information. Refer to the AIM Chapter 7, Section 1, Paragraph 7-1-5, Preflight Briefing, subparagraphs b8 through b10 for a complete description of this part of the briefing. Also refer to the AIM Chapter 5, Section 1, Paragraph 5-1- 3, Notice to Airmen System, for a complete description of all NOTAM types.

3.3.1.2 Abbreviated Briefing

An abbreviated briefing is a shortened version of the standard briefing. It can be requested when a departure has been delayed or when specific weather information is needed to update a previous standard briefing. Pilots who prefer to contact Flight Service are encouraged to conduct a self-briefing prior to calling. Conducting a self-briefing before contacting Flight Service provides familiarity of weather conditions applicable to the route of flight and promotes a better understanding of weather information. When contacting Flight Service by phone, the FSS specialist will ask for the time and source of the previous briefing, so the specialist does not inadvertently omit the necessary weather information.

3.3.1.3 Outlook Briefing

An outlook briefing may be requested when a planned departure is six or more hours away. It provides initial forecast information that is limited in scope due to the timeframe of the planned flight. This type of briefing is a good source of flight planning information that can influence decisions regarding route of flight, altitude, and ultimately the “go, no-go” decision. A follow-up standard or abbreviated briefing prior to departure is advisable, since an outlook briefing generally only contains information based on weather trends and existing weather in geographical areas at or near the departure airport.

3.3.2 Telephone

3.3.2.1 Flight Service

For flights within the CONUS, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, call 1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433). For flights in Alaska, call 1-833-AK-BRIEF (1-833-252-7433).

Additionally, for flights within Alaska, individual FSS telephone numbers are listed in the FAA Chart Supplement for Alaska, Section 4, Associated Data.

FSS specialists are qualified and certified as Pilot Weather Briefers by the FAA. They are not authorized to make original forecasts but are certified to translate and interpret available weather information directly into terms describing the weather conditions that can be expected at the departure, along the route of flight, and at the destination.

The FSS’ purpose is to serve the aviation community. Pilots can ask questions and discuss factors they do not fully understand. The briefing is considered complete when the pilot has a clear picture of what weather to expect.

3.3.2.2 Airport Weather

The latest weather reports from airport automated observing systems (e.g., AWOS and ASOS) may be accessed from the phone. Phone numbers can be found in FAA Chart Supplements.

3.3.3 Self-Briefing

Preflight decision making using online weather information continues to offer more options for the pilot. The advent of interactive online aviation weather has allowed pilots to assemble aviation weather information into a better decision-making process.

Pilots may receive a regulatory compliant briefing through online weather resources. Pilots that prefer to contact an FSS are encouraged to use the online weather resources prior to calling. Some online weather sources do not provide Flight Information Services (FIS), such as NOTAMs and temporary flight restrictions (TFR). However, this information may also be found online through other websites. Another example is the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) briefing tool for pilots in Alaska. This can be found at https://www.weather.gov/aawu.