Describe ATC weather services.

Description should include

• PIREPS (pilot reports)
• METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report)
• TAF (Terminal Area Forecast)
• SIGMETS (inflight weather advisories for significant meteorological hazards)
• AIRMETS (Airman’s Meteorological Information)
• LAWRS (Limited Aviation Weather Reporting Station)
• National Weather Service (NWS) pre-duty weather briefing.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the role of a certified weather observer?
• During which meteorological conditions must ATC use PIREPS?
• Why is it important that some weather resources are text-based while others are graphic?