Pre-Flight Weather Briefing Checklist
A systematic checklist for conducting a thorough weather briefing before every flight.
Why a Thorough Briefing Matters
Weather is a leading factor in general aviation accidents. A systematic pre-flight weather briefing ensures you have a complete picture of conditions along your entire route — not just at your departure airport.
The FAA requires pilots to obtain all available weather information before any flight under IFR or cross-country VFR. Even for local VFR flights, a weather check is a critical safety habit.
The Briefing Checklist
Adverse Conditions First
SIGMETs
Check for severe turbulence, severe icing, volcanic ash, tropical cyclones. These apply to all aircraft.
Convective SIGMETs
Thunderstorm activity, embedded thunderstorms, hail ≥3/4 inch, tornadoes.
AIRMETs
Sierra (IFR/mountain obscuration), Tango (turbulence/wind), Zulu (icing/freezing level).
TFRs
Temporary Flight Restrictions — check for VIP movement, disaster areas, sporting events.
Current Conditions
Departure METAR
Current conditions at your departure airport. Note wind, visibility, ceiling, temperature/dew point spread.
En-Route METARs
Current conditions at airports along your route for situational awareness.
Destination METAR
Current conditions at your destination. Compare with TAF to see if trending as forecast.
PIREPs
Pilot reports of actual conditions — turbulence, icing, cloud tops. Most current real-world data.
Forecast Conditions
Departure TAF
Weather forecast for your departure airport during your planned departure window.
Destination TAF
Forecast for your ETA window. Check for TEMPO or PROB groups that could affect landing.
Alternate TAF
If IFR, verify your alternate meets alternate minimums during the required time window.
Area Forecast (FA)
General forecast for clouds and weather over a large area. Useful for en-route planning.
Winds and Altitudes
Winds Aloft (FB)
Forecast winds and temperatures at various altitudes. Use to select optimal cruise altitude and estimate fuel burn.
Freezing Level
Check the freezing level forecast, especially if flying near or above it in IMC.
Mountain Wave
If flying near mountains, check for mountain wave activity and associated turbulence.
NOTAMs and Final Checks
Departure NOTAMs
Check for runway/taxiway closures, NAVAID outages, and construction at your departure airport.
En-Route NOTAMs
Check for NAVAID outages along your route, especially if IFR.
Destination NOTAMs
Runway availability, instrument approach availability, lighting status.
FDC NOTAMs
Regulatory changes — amended approach procedures, airspace changes, TFRs.
Where to Get Your Briefing
Real-time METAR, TAF, and airport frequency data for any airport worldwide.
Official NOAA source for METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, and more.
FAA-approved online weather briefing service. Required for official IFR briefings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard, abbreviated, and outlook briefing?
A standard briefing is a complete weather briefing for a flight not yet departed. An abbreviated briefing updates or supplements information you already have. An outlook briefing is used for flights 6 or more hours in the future and provides general forecast information without current conditions.
What is a SIGMET and when should a pilot be concerned?
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is issued for severe or extreme weather hazards: severe turbulence, severe icing, dust storms, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones. Convective SIGMETs cover thunderstorm activity. SIGMETs apply to all aircraft and should be taken very seriously — they indicate conditions that are hazardous to all aircraft.
What is an AIRMET and how does it differ from a SIGMET?
An AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information) is issued for conditions that may be hazardous to light aircraft and VFR flight, but less severe than SIGMET criteria. There are three types: AIRMET Sierra (IFR conditions, mountain obscuration), AIRMET Tango (turbulence, strong surface winds), and AIRMET Zulu (icing, freezing level).