Aviation Weather Learning Center
Master aviation weather with our comprehensive guides. From reading METARs to understanding density altitude, these resources will help you become a safer, more knowledgeable pilot.
Essential Weather Guides
How to Read METAR Reports
Complete guide to decoding METAR weather observations. Learn every element from wind and visibility to cloud layers, temperature, and remarks. Includes real examples and practice exercises.
How to Read TAF Forecasts
Master Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts for flight planning. Understand forecast periods, change groups (TEMPO, BECMG, PROB), and how to interpret weather predictions for your destination.
Flight Operations
VFR, MVFR, IFR, LIFR Explained
Understand flight category classifications, their criteria, and how they affect your go/no-go decisions.
Understanding Density Altitude
Learn how pressure, temperature, and humidity affect aircraft performance. Critical knowledge for hot and high operations.
Crosswind Landing Techniques
Master crab, sideslip, and combination techniques. Includes aircraft limitations and real-world scenarios.
Preflight Resources
How to Get a Weather Briefing
1,800+ wordsComplete guide to obtaining and understanding weather briefings. Covers 1800wxbrief, Leidos, online resources, and what to look for in each type of briefing.
Reading and Understanding NOTAMs
1,500+ wordsDecode the NOTAM format, understand priority levels, and learn which NOTAMs are critical for your flight. Includes the new ICAO format explanation.
Flight Planning & Performance
Focused guides on essential flight planning topics with answers to frequently asked questions.
Fuel Planning Guide
VFR/IFR reserve requirements, fuel exhaustion prevention, and professional planning techniques.
Performance Factors
Takeoff/landing safety margins, the 70% rule, and how conditions affect performance.
Navigation Basics
Great circle routes, rhumb lines, magnetic variation, and wind correction angles.
True Airspeed Explained
Understand IAS vs TAS, the 2% rule, and why it matters for flight planning.
Weight & Balance Basics
Center of gravity fundamentals, CG effects, and common loading mistakes to avoid.
International & European Operations
Essential guides for flying internationally and understanding European aviation systems.
European Weather Services
Complete guide to DFS AIS (Germany), SOFIA Briefing (Austria), EUROCONTROL, UK Met Office, and other national weather providers across Europe.
Flight Plan Filing Guide
When to file, how to file in different jurisdictions (US, Europe, Canada), and critically - how to close your flight plan at untowered airfields.
Reference
Aviation Weather Glossary
Complete A-Z reference of aviation weather terminology. From "AIRMET" to "Zulu time," find clear definitions with examples and related terms.
Calculator Tools
Put your knowledge into practice with our free aviation calculators.
Official Resources
For official regulations and additional training materials, visit these authoritative sources: