Weather interpretation is one of the highest-leverage skills a pilot can develop. The goal isn't to memorize every symbol — it's to build a systematic mental model of the atmosphere before you climb in. Use this checklist in order on every preflight.
The 7-Question Weather Interpretation Checklist
1. Macro Level: What is happening along the route of flight?
Source: Prognostic Chart
Start big. Where are the fronts? Where are pressure systems? What is the general synoptic pattern for the next 12–24 hours? This gives you the strategic picture before you dive into local details.
2. Stability: Is the local air mass stable or unstable?
Sources: Winds Aloft, Radiosonde Sounding
Unstable air means convective activity is possible — thunderstorms, turbulence, rapidly changing conditions. Low Pressure Systems indicate unstable air. Use the Skew T Log P chart if available.
3. Moisture: Is the local air mass dry or moist?
Sources: Winds Aloft, Radiosonde Sounding
On the Skew T Log P (Radiosonde Sounding) chart: the red line is temperature, the green line is dewpoint. When they converge, expect cloud formation or fog. A tight spread means high relative humidity.
4. Current Local Weather: What is the weather at your airport right now?
Source: METAR
Read the METAR for your departure airport — but don't stop there. Check METARs in all directions from your airport. Conditions can deteriorate from any direction, and surrounding METARs tell you which way weather is moving.
5. Forecast Weather: What is the predicted weather?
Source: TAF
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts cover 24–30 hours for major airports. Compare the TAF to the actual METAR — is the forecast tracking well with reality? Large deviations suggest high forecast uncertainty.
6. Significant Threats: Are there hazards en route?
Sources: SIGMETs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, NOTAMs
SIGMETs cover severe turbulence, icing, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones — treat them as hard stops. AIRMETs (Sierra, Tango, Zulu) cover moderate icing, turbulence, and IFR conditions for general aviation. PIREPs are real-time pilot reports — the most current data available. NOTAMs may affect your route, departure, or destination.
7. Visual Confirmation: Does the sky agree with the data?
Step outside and look up. Does what you see match what you read? If the forecast said clear skies and you see a building cumulonimbus to the west, the data is stale. Trust your eyes as the final check.
Core Concepts to Know
- Low Pressure Systems — associated with unstable air, rising motion, clouds, and precipitation.
- Standard Lapse Rate — 3°C per 1,000 ft. Temperature decreases as altitude increases (on average).
- Radiosonde Sounding (Skew T Log P Chart) — red line = temperature, green line = dewpoint. Convergence of the lines = cloud layer.
- METAR surroundings rule — always check METARs in all directions from your airport, not just your home station.
- CFR 91.103 — requires pilots to become familiar with all available information before any flight. Weather is explicitly listed. This isn't optional.
Weather Briefer
For a standard weather briefing from a certified aviation weather specialist, call: (800) 992-7433. You can also file flight plans and get briefings through 1800wxbrief.com. Always brief — it's required by regulation and takes less time than you think.
Ready to Start Your Aviation Journey?
Parrish Aviation — FAA Part 141 Flight School at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD)