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METAR

A METAR is an official, standardized aviation weather report issued at airports worldwide. It provides real-time information about conditions such as wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, dew point, barometric pressure, and significant weather.

Pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers rely on METARs to make informed flight decisions—making it one of the most important tools in aviation safety.

METAR

Why METAR Reports Matter in Aviation

METAR reports play a crucial role in preflight planning and inflight decision-making. Here's why they’re essential:

1. Safety and Situational Awareness

Pilots use METAR data to determine whether conditions meet VFR (Visual Flight Rules) or IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) requirements. Accurate weather data helps avoid hazards such as fog, thunderstorms, or strong crosswinds.

2. Fuel and Route Planning

Wind direction, wind speed, and pressure settings affect fuel burn and flight efficiency. A METAR helps pilots choose the safest and most efficient route.

3. Airport Operations

Ground crews, ATC, and maintenance teams use METARs for:

Runway selection

De-icing decisions

Traffic flow management

4. Compliance with Regulations

Aviation authorities require pilots to review current weather reports before departure. METAR is often the first source they check.

How Often Are METAR Reports Issued?

METARs are typically released every 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the airport.

In case of rapidly changing weather, a SPECI report is issued—an unscheduled METAR update triggered by significant weather changes.

METAR Format: Understanding Each Section

One reason METARs are valuable is that they follow a globally standardized format. Below is a breakdown of each element using a typical example:

Example METAR:

METAR EGLL 150950Z 24012KT 9999 FEW020 15/09 Q1018

Let’s decode it step-by-step.

1. Report Type

METAR → Regular weather report

SPECI → Special weather update

2. Station Identifier

EGLL → London Heathrow Airport

Every station uses a four-letter ICAO code.

3. Date & Time (UTC)

150950Z → Report issued on the 15th at 09:50 Zulu (UTC)

4. Wind Information

24012KT

Direction: 240°

Speed: 12 knots

Additional wind elements may include:

G for gusts (e.g., 24012G20KT)

VRB for variable winds

00000KT for calm winds

5. Visibility

9999 → Visibility 10 km or more

Other values could include:

0500 (500 meters)

R23/1200 (runway visual range)

6. Weather Phenomena

Examples include:

RA → Rain

SN → Snow

BR → Mist

TS → Thunderstorm

FG → Fog

Intensity is shown as:

– light

+ heavy

No symbol = moderate

7. Cloud Layers

FEW020 → Few clouds at 2,000 ft

Other codes include:

SCT → Scattered

BKN → Broken

OVC → Overcast

Clouds like CB (Cumulonimbus) or TCU (Towering Cumulus) signal potential storm activity.

8. Temperature & Dew Point

15/09 → Temperature 15°C, dew point 9°C

If negative, an M prefix is used (e.g., M05/M10).

9. Altimeter / Pressure Setting

Q1018

QNH: 1018 hPa

Other regions may use A2992 (inHg for North America).

Why METAR Matters for Student Pilots

Student pilots rely heavily on METAR to:

Determine if it’s safe to fly

Understand how weather affects performance

Learn decision-making skills based on actual conditions

Mastering METAR interpretation is a key part of earning a pilot’s license.

Frequently Asked Questions About METAR

Is METAR always accurate?

METAR reports are observational but may not capture rapidly changing micro-weather. SPECI updates help improve accuracy.

Can I read METAR without being a pilot?

Yes! Meteorology students, drone operators, and aviation enthusiasts often interpret METARs.

Where can I find METAR reports?

Aviation apps

Flight planning software

Airport weather stations

Online METAR databases

How long is a METAR valid?

Typically valid until the next scheduled update, unless conditions change significantly.

Conclusion

METAR is one of the most important weather tools in aviation, providing pilots with precise, real-time atmospheric conditions. Understanding how to interpret METAR correctly enhances flight safety, situational awareness, and decision-making. Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, or aviation enthusiast, mastering METAR is essential to navigating the skies with confidence.

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