Weather
Beginner
4 minMarginal weather go/no-go
A METAR shows a low ceiling and gusts. Make the launch call and adjust in flight.
Decision 1 of 1
Reading the METAR
Nearest station reports wind 240 at 14 gusting 24 kt, visibility 4 SM in mist, broken at 900 ft. Your airframe is rated to 22 kt.
Wind
14G24 kt
Visibility
4 SM mist
Ceiling
BKN009
References & glossary
Rules and safety guidance
- 14 CFR 107.51(d)Minimum 3 statute miles visibility from the control station.
- 14 CFR 107.51(c)Stay 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds.
Terms in this step
- METAR
- Routine hourly aerodrome weather report.
- Gust spread
- Difference between steady wind and peak gust; a wide spread means turbulent air.
- Ceiling
- Height of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer.
Launch or not?