METARs & TAFs — Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Why You Need to Read Weather Reports

The FAA expects you to check weather before every flight. Aviation weather reports (METARs) and forecasts (TAFs) are the standard format. The exam tests your ability to decode them.

METAR — Current Weather

METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It’s a snapshot of current weather conditions at an airport.

METAR Format

METAR KPHX 261755Z 27010KT 10SM FEW050 SCT100 BKN250 30/15 A2992

Here’s how to read it, piece by piece:

Section	Example	Meaning
Type	METAR	Routine report (SPECI = special/unscheduled)
Station	KPHX	Phoenix Sky Harbor (ICAO code)
Date/Time	261755Z	26th day, 17:55 Zulu (UTC)
Wind	27010KT	From 270 degrees at 10 knots
Visibility	10SM	10 statute miles
Clouds	FEW050 SCT100 BKN250	Few at 5,000 ft, Scattered at 10,000 ft, Broken at 25,000 ft
Temp/Dewpoint	30/15	30 degrees C temperature, 15 degrees C dewpoint
Altimeter	A2992	29.92 inHg

METAR reports

Wind Coding

27010KT = from 270 degrees at 10 knots
27010G20KT = from 270 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots
VRB05KT = variable at 5 knots (no specific direction)
00000KT = calm (no wind)

“G” means gusting. “VRB” means variable direction. Wind is always reported as the direction the wind is coming FROM, referenced to true north (not magnetic).

Visibility Coding

10SM = 10 statute miles
3SM = 3 statute miles (the Part 107 minimum)
1/2SM = half a statute mile
P6SM = greater than 6 statute miles

Cloud Coverage

Abbreviation	Meaning	Coverage
SKC or CLR	Clear	0/8
FEW	Few	1/8 to 2/8
SCT	Scattered	3/8 to 4/8
BKN	Broken	5/8 to 7/8
OVC	Overcast	8/8 (full coverage)

The number after the coverage abbreviation is the cloud base height in hundreds of feet AGL:

FEW050 = few clouds at 5,000 ft AGL
BKN030 = broken clouds at 3,000 ft AGL
OVC010 = overcast at 1,000 ft AGL

Cloud heights in METARs are AGL, not MSL. Sectional charts use MSL. The exam will try to trip you up on this distinction.

Weather Phenomena

Common codes you’ll see in METARs:

Code	Meaning
BR	Mist (visibility 5/8 SM to 6 SM)
FG	Fog (visibility less than 5/8 SM)
HZ	Haze
RA	Rain
SHRA	Rain showers
TSRA	Thunderstorm with rain
SN	Snow
-RA	Light rain
+RA	Heavy rain

METAR examples

TAF — Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

TAF stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. It covers the area around an airport and is valid for 24 to 30 hours.

TAF Format

TAF KPHX 261700Z 2618/2718 27010KT P6SM SCT100

![TAF  Terminal Aerodrome Forecast](/images/courses/part-107/16-metars-tafs-ctx.jpeg)


![TAF  Terminal Aerodrome Forecast](/images/courses/part-107/16-metars-tafs-ctx.jpeg)

     TEMPO 2618/2622 27015G25KT 5SM TSRA BKN030CB

Same format as METAR for basic conditions
TEMPO = temporary (expected for less than 1 hour at a time)
BECMG = becoming (transition to new conditions)
FM = from (new time period with different conditions)
PROB30/PROB40 = probability (30% or 40% chance)

TEMPO means the condition is temporary, lasting less than 1 hour. The FAA tests whether you know the difference between TEMPO and BECMG.

Quick Check

Q: In a METAR, what does BKN030 mean? A: Broken clouds (5/8 to 7/8 coverage) at 3,000 ft AGL.

Q: Wind is reported as 27010G20KT. What does this mean? A: Wind from 270 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Q: What does TEMPO mean in a TAF? A: Temporary. The condition is expected to last less than 1 hour at a time.

What’s Next?

Now let’s learn where to get weather briefings and how to interpret the bigger picture: SIGMETs, AIRMETs, and official weather sources.

This free course covers the essential knowledge, but if you want video walkthroughs, practice exams, and instructor support, Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course is the most comprehensive option available.