Readback: May 2019

The number is (650) 446-6777. Just text the word METAR or TAF followed by the ICAO airport identifier of interest and youll quickly get a reply with the requested information. Even international airports are available. If you want to get hourly updates, you can subscribe (for free) by putting SUB first in your text message. Thus, to get hourly METARS, for instance, for Walla Walla, WA, (KALW) youd text SUB METAR KALW until you no longer wanted them and sent STOP METAR KALW.

Editorial Staff

Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

WXbyTXT.com offers a free text-message service for obtaining METAR/TAF weather data, including options for hourly updates to an ICAO airport identifier.
Pilots can cancel IFR and proceed VFR for landing when in visual conditions, which simplifies approach procedures, and "VFR On Top" clearances remain a valid option for IFR pilots to operate above clouds.
The Garmin GTN VNAV system is complex, with specific meanings for different altitude displays (e.g., cyan for constraints vs. white for calculated values), necessitating thorough practice and instructor guidance.
Specialized simulator training, such as that offered by SIMPRO for Cirrus aircraft, is highly beneficial for recurrency and practicing abnormal or emergency procedures.

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This One Is Free

I just read the Readback comments from Mr. McIrvin and Mr. Colton in the March 2019 issue regarding subscription fees for weather by text message. I glossed over the December 2018 Readback item because I’ve usedWXbyTXT.com. for years and it’s always been free.

The number is (650) 446-6777. Just text the word “METAR” or “TAF” followed by the ICAO airport identifier of interest and you’ll quickly get a reply with the requested information. Even international airports are available. If you want to get hourly updates, you can “subscribe” (for free) by putting “SUB” first in your text message. Thus, to get hourly METARS, for instance, for Walla Walla, WA, (KALW) you’d text “SUB METAR KALW” until you no longer wanted them and sent “STOP METAR KALW.”