Back in the old days of aviation weather, surface and upper-air charts were complicated things left to the forecasters. As a pilot, you made a phone call and copied down takeoff and destination weather, the flight weather conditions, and any hazards along the way. Today’s pilots are more sophisticated, well versed in electronic devices, and likely interested in the cutting edge of technology.
As we move into this new decade, let’s look at the surface chart that plots METAR observations in graphical format and learn how to use the information. The NOAA Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website (www.aviationweather. gov) offers a slick weather map interface under the “Observations, METARs” menu. This lets you view the same maps used by operational forecasters. The map interface is easy to use, and in seconds you can see an informationpacked display of weather along your route.
