Prior to every flight, pilots should gather all information vital to the nature of the flight. This includes an appropriate weather briefing obtained from a specialist at a FSS, AFSS, or NWS.
For weather specialists to provide an appropriate weather briefing, they need to know which of the three types of briefings is needed—standard, abbreviated, or outlook. Other helpful information is whether the flight is visual flight rules (VFR) or IFR, aircraft identification and type, departure point, estimated time of departure (ETD), flight altitude, route of flight, destination, and estimated time en route (ETE).
This information is recorded in the flight plan system and a note is made regarding the type of weather briefing provided.
12.3.1 Standard Briefing #
A standard briefing is the most complete report and provides the overall weather picture. This type of briefing should be obtained prior to the departure of any flight and should be used during flight planning. A standard briefing provides the following information in sequential order if it is applicable to the route of flight: 1. Adverse conditions—information about adverse conditions that may influence a decision to cancel or alter the route of flight, such as significant weather (thunderstorms or aircraft icing) or airport closings. 2.
VFR flight not recommended—if the weather for the route of flight is below VFR minimums, or if it is doubtful the flight could be made under VFR conditions, the briefer may state that VFR is not recommended; it is the pilot’s decision whether to continue. 3.
Synopsis—an overview of the larger weather picture, including fronts and major weather systems. 4. Current conditions—current ceilings, visibility, winds, and temperatures (omitted if departure is more than 2 hours away). 5.
En route forecast—a summary of the weather forecast for the proposed route. 6. Destination forecast—the expected weather for the destination at the estimated time of arrival (ETA). 7. Winds and temperatures aloft (temperature provided only on request). 8.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)—information pertinent to the route not yet published; published NOTAMs are provided only when requested. 9. ATC delays. 10. Other information—at the end of the standard briefing, the FSS specialist provides the radio frequencies needed to open a flight plan and to contact EFAS, plus any additional information requested.
12.3.2 Abbreviated Briefing #
An abbreviated briefing is a shortened version of the standard briefing. It should be requested when a departure has been delayed or when weather information is needed to update the previous briefing. When this is the case, the weather specialist needs to know the time and source of the previous briefing so the necessary weather information will not be omitted inadvertently. It is always a good idea to update weather whenever a pilot has additional time.
12.3.3 Outlook Briefing #
An outlook briefing should be requested when a planned departure is 6 hours or more 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 prudent pilot requests a follow-up briefing prior to departure since an outlook briefing generally only contains information based on weather trends and existing weather in geographical areas at or near the departure airport. A standard briefing near the time of departure ensures that the pilot has the latest information available prior to their flight.
