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Non-Towered IFR

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The traditional "area forecast" was discontinued in 2017; the Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) and modern aviation apps are now the recommended, superior tools for detailed weather planning.
  • Pilots often hesitate to declare emergencies due to embarrassment, fear of investigation, and overconfidence, despite the availability and benefits of seeking ground assistance.
  • Comprehensive pre-flight weather briefings, utilizing modern graphical tools like the GFA and weathercams, are crucial and leave no excuse for inadequate preparation.
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In discussing how to determine if an alternate is required for an airport that does not have a TAF (“Non-Towered IFR,” July 2021), Mr. Motte advises we consider the “oft-forgotten area forecasts.”

Not only were they oft-forgotten in the past, the NWS decided that rather than have pilots forget them, it was simply better to discontinue that specific product. The current recommended tool is the Graphic Forecast for Aviation.

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