Glossary
Air Traffic Control
METAR
Definition
A standardized format for reporting current weather conditions at an airport, including wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, and pressure. Updated every 30-60 minutes.
Related Terms
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
A weather forecast specific to an airport area, covering expected conditions for a 24-30 hour period. Includes predicted wind, visibility, clouds, and significant weather changes.
ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control airport information including weather, active runways, and NOTAMs. Updated hourly and identified by a phonetic alphabet letter.
NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions)
A notice distributed by telecommunication containing information about hazards, changes, or conditions at an airport or along a flight route that pilots need to be aware of.