CFI Instrument Practical Test Standards,
FAA-S-8081-9B, June 2001
III. Preflight Preparation
A. Weather Information
2. Weather reports and forecasts-
c. Surface analysis, weather depiction and radar summary charts
- Sky cover and cloud types
- Wind
- Temperature and dew point temperature
- Sea level pressure and 3-hour change
- Present weather
- 6-hour precipitation amount
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1) Surface analysis chart
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a) Depicts weather data actually observed in the contiguous 48 states at the time stated on the chart
b) Elements
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i) Pressure systems
ii) Fronts
iii) Isobars
iv) Station models
d) Transmitted every 3 hours
e) Provides ready means of locating pressure systems and fronts present at chart time
f) Surface analysis type charts available on the internet
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a) Computer-prepared, with frontal analysis by a forecaster, from METARs
b) Depicts broad overview of weather conditions observed at chart valid time; e.g., areas of VFR, MVFR and IFR conditions
c) Issued each day first at 0100Z, and transimitted every 3 hours thereafter
d) Data plotted from the latest manual and automated (denoted by ]) station observations
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i) Total sky cover
ii) Cloud height
iii) Weather and obstructions to visibility
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i) IFR = ceiling < 1,000 FT and/or visibility < 3 SM
ii) MVFR = ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 FT and/or visibility 3 to 5 SM
iii) VFR = ceiling > 3,000 FT and visibility > 5 SM
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i) Gives bird's-eye view of areas of VFR and IFR weather
ii) Update with current METARs
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a) Computer-generated graphical display of SDs
b) Displays and describes areas of precipitation and severe weater watches
c) Available hourly at H + 35 minutes (35 minutes past the hours)
d) Elements
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i) Precipitation type
ii) Intensity
iii) Configuration and coverage
v) Cell movement
vi) Severe weather watch areas
f) Update airborne (FSS Flight Watch)
g) Radar summary type charts online
