Private Pilot · Area I: Preflight Preparation
Task C. Weather Information
FAA-S-ACS-6C · Effective 2024-05-31
Knowledge
What you should understand and be able to explain.
- PA.I.C.K1Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
- PA.I.C.K2Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:
- PA.I.C.K2aAirport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
- PA.I.C.K2bSurface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
- PA.I.C.K2cTerminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
- PA.I.C.K2dGraphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
- PA.I.C.K2eWind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
- PA.I.C.K2fConvective Outlook (AC)
- PA.I.C.K2gInflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
- PA.I.C.K3Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
- PA.I.C.K3aAtmospheric composition and stability
- PA.I.C.K3bWind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
- PA.I.C.K3cTemperature and heat exchange
- PA.I.C.K3dMoisture/precipitation
- PA.I.C.K3eWeather system formation, including air masses and fronts
- PA.I.C.K3fClouds
- PA.I.C.K3gTurbulence
- PA.I.C.K3hThunderstorms and microbursts
- PA.I.C.K3iIcing and freezing level information
- PA.I.C.K3jFog/mist
- PA.I.C.K3kFrost
- PA.I.C.K3lObstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
- PA.I.C.K4Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
Risk management
Risks to recognize and decisions to consider.
- PA.I.C.R1Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- PA.I.C.R1aCircumstances that would make diversion prudent
- PA.I.C.R1bPersonal weather minimums
- PA.I.C.R1cHazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
- PA.I.C.R2Use and limitations of:
- PA.I.C.R2aInstalled onboard weather equipment
- PA.I.C.R2bAviation weather reports and forecasts
- PA.I.C.R2cInflight weather resources
Skill elements and task objectives
This page covers knowledge and risk management. For the complete task, including skill standards, open the FAA document (PDF).