 |
|
If you have never called Flight Services before, here are some suggestions for info you should be ready to tell them:
- Tell the briefer what kind of pilot you are (Student, Ultralighter, GA, etc.)
Note: Often, when you tell them you are a student pilot, they talk slower and without all the "buzz words"
- Your tail number (if you have one) or your name
- Type of craft you are flying
- Departure point and estimated time of departure
- Destination and estimated time enroute
- Altitude you intend to use
In return, the briefer will give you the following type of info:
- Adverse Conditions - these will be major items you should know about based on your flight plan, such as runway closures, severe storms coming, temporary no-fly zones, etc.
- VFR Flight not recommended (and why) - for example, fog producing conditions exist, heavy clouds at your destination, etc.
- Synopsis - the general weather pattern and influences along your flight route
- Current Conditions - surface observations for departure and destination, any pilot reports for enroute they've received.
- Enroute Forecast - a complete summary for what you are likely to find weatherwise along your trip at the time you'll be traveling.
- Destination Forecast - the expected weather for your estimated time of arrival.
- Winds aloft - for the altitude closest to your proposed flight altitude.
- NOTAMS - Notice to Airmen that you need to be aware of (closures, no-fly zones, special air traffic warnings, etc.)
As you can see, FS weather briefers can give you a lot of very important information that you can't determine from looking at weather reports and computer radar yourself.
The links below can be used to find out some general weather information. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED YOU CALL 1-800-WXBRIEF BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY FLY ANYWHERE.
|
|
|
© 2006 Microlite Flyers of Wisconsin, Inc.
