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Before a pilot even thinks about setting foot in an aircraft, it is important to answer these questions:

Is your meteorological training adequate?

Do you know what your capabilities are as a pilot?

Do you have knowledge of your aircraft's limitations?

Are you familiar with current weather products and sources?

How to Enhance Awareness:

Look at TAFs, METARs, NOTAMs, Prognostic Charts, Winds/Temperatures Aloft

Reflect on your own flight experiences

Discuss with other pilots about their flight experiences

Use relevant and available weather products

Aviation Resources:

https://aviationweather.gov

https://www.foreflight.com

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GS: How To Decode METARs and TAFs | Part 1 | The Simple Stuff

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Pilots must be able to gauge their capabilities & limitations.

Assessing Capabilities:

What certificates/ratings do you hold?

Are you able to identify the current weather conditions?

Are you capable to fly in the current weather conditions?

Are your weather knowledge/resources current?

Complete IMSAFE Checklist:

Illness - Are you healthy enough to complete a flight?

Medication - Did you take any medications with side effects?

Stress - Are you able to cope with difficult situations?

Alcohol - "8 hours from bottle to throttle"

Fatigue - Did you get a sufficient amount of rest?

Emotions - Are you healthy/comfortable to fly?

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A pilot must be able to understand an aircraft's performance capabilities & limitations in order to fully evaluate how the weather will impact the aircraft.

Understanding the Aircraft's Capabilities/Limitations:

Is your aircraft equipped properly?

Do you have access to the Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (AFM/POH)

Have you completed a pre-flight inspection?

Are you capable of flying in a wider range of weather conditions?

Review:

Weight and balance

Takeoff & landing distances

Rate of climb & descent

Wind, ceiling, and visibility limitations

Are there oxygen limitations?

Are you equipped with anti-icing equipment?

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Complete a Flight Description:
Focus preparation on the weather information that directly pertains to your flight.

How to Prepare a Flight Plan:

Use a flight plan form

Submit form FAA Form 7233-1 (domestic), FAA Form 7233-4 (international)

Locate point of departure & arrival

Estimated time of arrival

Find an appropriate route

What altitude will you be flying at?

Check weather forecasts

Weight & Balance

Indicated Airspeed

Fuel Quantities

Alternative aerodromes/routes

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Preparing for the Flight
Focusing on finding key weather information

1. Obtain standard/abbreviated weather briefing

2. Review TAFs, METARs, NOTAMs, Prognostic Charts, Winds/Temperatures Aloft

3. "Go" or "No-Go" decision

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Assess Weather In-Flight
Making your own continuous observations in-flight

Making Assessments:

Scan skies for significant weather changes

Identify changes in winds & temperature

Utilize in-flight weather services (EFAS, ATIS, ASOS)

Make informed decisions to continue flight, pick an alternative route, or redirect flight to alternative airport