Aeronautical Information Publication and Meteorology
AIP structure and updates
AIP New Zealand is the primary source for aerodromes, routes, airspace and procedures. It is organised into GEN, ENR and AD, with charts and textual pages. Changes are managed by AIRAC (28-day cycle), AIP Supplements, AIP Amendments and NOTAM. NOTAM covers temporary or short-notice changes; an AIP Supplement covers longer temporary changes. Always check the current AIP, charts, NOTAM and supplement for the route.
MET products
MetService provides NZ aviation forecasts. METAR is an observed aerodrome report; SPECI is a special report; TAF is an aerodrome forecast with validity, wind, visibility, weather, cloud and optional change groups. BECMG means a gradual change; TEMPO means temporary fluctuations; FM means a rapid change; PROB30/40 is a probability qualifier. SIGMET warns of significant en-route weather; AIRMET covers less severe hazards. Use QNH for altitude and flight levels; QFE is aerodrome pressure.
Worked example
TAF: 1206/1306 36010KT 9999 SCT030 BECMG 1210/1212 20015G25KT 6000 RA BKN012 TEMPO 1212/1218 3000 SHRA BKN008. The initial conditions are good VFR; after 10-12 UTC expect a wind change, rain and lower cloud; temporarily between 12-18 UTC expect 3 km visibility and low cloud. For IFR planning, note the deterioration and alternate requirement.
Traps
Do not use a TAF outside its validity. Do not read TEMPO as a permanent change. Do not confuse QNH and QFE. Do not rely on an old chart or ignore a NOTAM.