ARFOR
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one issued for areas at or below FL200, and another for Ops above FL200
Comprise of a statement of general synoptic situation and the meteorological conditions expected to prevail in the designated area.
Aerodrome Forecasts – (TAF & TTF)
Statement of meteorological conditions expected for a specified period in the airspace within a radius of (5) nm of the centre of the aerodrome runway complex
TAF service provided is in accordance with the airfield category ie. Type and amount of traffic (refer AIP GEN 3.5-4)
TTF – Trend type forecast
Aerodrome weather report (METAR/SPECI) to which a statement of trend is appended. Relates to weather conditions expected to affect the aerodrome of origin for 3hrs following the time of the report
TTF supersedes the TAFPROV – Provisional Forecasts
Forecast prefixed by PROV when considered likely to be deficient in accuracy
TEMPO and INTER
Indicate significant variations of a temporary or intermittent nature in aerodrome forecasts.
TEMPO – expected to last period of less than 1hr
INTER – changes expected to occur frequently for periods of less than 30min duration
FM -
indicate changes significantly different to preceeding information in one or more of the elements: wind direction/speed, visibility, cloud, weather. Relates to improvements and deteriorations. “FM” will continue until the end of the TAF period or until replaced by another change
METEROLOGOICAL REPORTSRoutine Reports (METAR) – issued at fixed times, hourly or half hourly
Special Reports (SPECI) – issued whenever wether conditions fluctuate about or are at below specified criteria (Refer AIP for conditions for SPECI to be issued)
Approved Observer – Officers of the BOM, ATC or other persons on the ground approved for the purpose by the BOM and/or CASA