AWH 3-6

Chapter 3, Overview of Aviation Weather Information 3-6 3.3.3.3 AviationWeather.gov The website https://aviationweather.gov is operated by the NWS AWC in Kansas City, MO. It is a major aviation weather website for obtaining text and graphical preflight weather information and products. 3.3.3.3.1 Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) Tool The Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) Tool is a set of web-based displays that provide the necessary aviation weather information to give users a complete picture of the weather that may impact flights in the CONUS, Gulf of America, the Caribbean, portions of the Atlantic Ocean, and portions of the Pacific Ocean, including the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. See Chapter 28 for additional information. 3.3.3.4 Weather.gov The National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) is a suite of gridded forecasts of sensible weather elements (e.g., cloud cover, maximum temperature). NWS field offices working in collaboration with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) are combined in the NDFD to create a seamless mosaic of digital forecasts. Weather elements necessary for aviation are included in the NDFD. However, be aware that the NDFD may provide different forecast information for the same location and time than the GFA. For further information about NDFD, please contact National Weather Service - Graphical Forecast 3.3.3.5 Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) Pilots can receive a regulatory compliant briefing through online weather resources that can be used in conjunction with the Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) products. See Section 3.3.4.1 for information on FIS-B. 3.3.3.6 Commercial Services There are several commercial aviation weather providers that offer aviation weather and flight information suitable for tablets and EFBs. These have a subscription fee for the service. 3.3.3.7 Weather Applications (Apps) There are an increasing number of weather apps that allow pilots to access a wide range of weather reports and forecasts from their phone, tablet, and computer. Some apps include flight planning services, in-flight updates, NOTAMs, and TFRs. Details on these weather apps and other online weather services can be found in the information from the service provider. 3.3.4 In-Flight Updates 3.3.4.1 Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) FIS-B over Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) datalink service provides aeronautical information and meteorological information to the flight deck for aircraft operating in the NAS. These products are broadcast over the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) UAT link so that pilots have timely information of regional weather and NAS status/changes that might affect flight. FIS-B aeronautical information and meteorological information products provide strategic information to the flight deck that enhances a preflight briefing. FIS-B products do not include all NOTAMs. Advisory Circular (AC) 00-63, Use of Flight Deck Displays of Digital Weather and Aeronautical Information, contains detailed information concerning FIS-B meteorological products. The AIM Chapter 3, Airspace; Chapter 4, Air Traffic Control; and Chapter 5, Air Traffic Procedures, contain information on Special Use Airspace (SUA), TFR, and NOTAM products.