Pituffik Space Base

BGTL / THU

Pituffik, GL

Current TAF Forecast

Raw TAF:
TAF AMD BGTL 031205Z 0312/0416 VRB06KT 9999 FEW020 QNH2980INS TX06/0318Z TN02/0405Z LAST NO AMDS AFT 0313 NEXT 1314

Detailed TAF Table

Parameter
Sat
12:00Z
+-1h
Sat
13:00Z
+0h
Sat
14:00Z
+1h
Wind Dir
VRB
VRB
VRB
Wind Speed
6 kt
6 kt
6 kt
Visibility
1.314 km
1.314 km
1.314 km
Weather
☀️ Clear
☀️ Clear
☀️ Clear
Clouds
FEW020
FEW020
FEW020
Ceiling
🌤️ Unlimited
🌤️ Unlimited
🌤️ Unlimited
Flight Rules LIFR LIFR LIFR
Day/Night
☀️
Day
☀️
Day
☀️
Day
Flight Rules
VFR: Visual Flight Rules
MVFR: Marginal VFR
IFR: Instrument Flight Rules
LIFR: Low IFR
Ceiling Colors
Red: < 500ft
Amber: 500-1000ft
Blue: 1000-3000ft
Green: > 3000ft
⛈️ TCU: Towering Cumulus
🌩️ CB: Cumulonimbus
+Nh: Hours from now%: Probability of occurrenceAGL: Above Ground Level

Forecast Periods

BASE
LIFR
Wind
VRB° at 6 kt
Visibility
1.314 km
Clouds
FEW020
📖 Plain English Explanation:

This is the base forecast condition. Winds will be variable in direction at 6 kt. Visibility will be poor at 1.314 km. Few clouds at 2000 feet. Low IFR conditions - challenging even for instrument operations.

📚 Understanding TAF Forecasts

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) provides detailed weather forecasts specifically for aviation operations. Our system translates complex meteorological codes into plain English to help pilots of all experience levels understand forecasted conditions.

What TAF Includes:

  • • Wind direction, speed, and gusts
  • • Visibility in statute miles or kilometers
  • • Weather phenomena (rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms)
  • • Cloud coverage types and altitudes
  • • Forecast changes with timing
  • • Flight rules categories (VFR/IFR)

Change Indicators Explained:

  • BASE - Main forecast conditions
  • FM - Permanent change from specific time
  • BECMG - Gradual change over 2-4 hours
  • TEMPO - Temporary changes (less than 1 hour)
  • PROB30/40 - 30% or 40% probability

🛩️ Flight Rules Categories

VFR

Visual Flight Rules

  • • Ceiling ≥ 3000 ft
  • • Visibility ≥ 5 miles
  • • Good for visual flying

MVFR

Marginal VFR

  • • Ceiling 1000-3000 ft
  • • Visibility 3-5 miles
  • • Caution for VFR

IFR

Instrument Flight Rules

  • • Ceiling 500-1000 ft
  • • Visibility 1-3 miles
  • • Instruments required

LIFR

Low IFR

  • • Ceiling < 500 ft
  • • Visibility < 1 mile
  • • Challenging conditions

💡 TAF Reading Tips

For Student Pilots:

  • • Focus on the plain English explanations above
  • • Pay attention to flight rules categories
  • • Look for wind direction relative to runway headings
  • • Check for temporary conditions (TEMPO)

For Experienced Pilots:

  • • Cross-reference with raw TAF for precise timing
  • • Consider probability forecasts for alternate planning
  • • Monitor BECMG periods for gradual changes
  • • Always check current METAR vs TAF forecast

Important: TAF forecasts should always be supplemented with current METAR observations, PIREPs, and other weather information for complete situational awareness. Weather can change rapidly, and forecasts have inherent limitations.