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CAA NZ CPL Meteorology study materials
CAA NZ CPL Meteorology study resources

CAA NZ CPL Meteorology: Interpreting Aviation Weather Information (CAA NZ CPL Meteorology)

CAA NZ CPL Meteorology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Interpreting Aviation Weather Information (CAA NZ CPL Meteorology)

Interpreting aviation weather information

This domain tests decoding accuracy and, more importantly, integration: turning METAR, TAF, SIGMET, charts and forecasts into a defensible go/no-go decision.

Decoding rules

  • Read groups in the published order and attach units correctly: wind degrees/kt, visibility metres, cloud feet AGL, temperature °C, QNH hPa.
  • Distinguish prevailing from conditional: TEMPO and PROB groups do not replace the main forecast; BECMG describes a change that becomes established.
  • Time is UTC in coded products. NZ local time is UTC+12 (NZST) or UTC+13 (NZDT); convert before comparing a TAF window with your ETA.
  • Use forecast charts for the big picture: MSLP and fronts for synoptic change, wind/temperature aloft for levels, and SIGWX for hazards. Then use aerodrome products for terminal detail.
  • Cross-check observation against forecast. A METAR trend, a SPECI, or a SIGMET can invalidate a TAF that is still technically current.

Worked example

NZWN 051200Z 18025G40KT 5000 -SHRA BKN015 12/10 Q1002. Decode: surface wind 180° true at 25 kt gusting 40 kt; visibility 5,000 m; light rain showers; broken cloud at 1,500 ft AGL; temperature 12°C, dewpoint 10°C; QNH 1002 hPa. Reason: the 15 kt gust spread and 2°C temperature/dewpoint spread indicate turbulent, moist air; 5,000 m and BKN015 are below CAVOK and may affect VFR minima. Compare with the TAF and alternate requirement rather than assuming the TAF's 9999 still applies.

Traps

Mixing magnetic and true wind; using local time for a UTC TAF; reading BKN as "no ceiling"; ignoring gust spread; and treating a PROB40 as a guarantee of either outcome.