Weather Depiction Chart

Introduction to Weather Depiction Chart

A weather depiction chart is a computer generated (with human frontal analysis) from METAR reports
It gives a broad overview of observed flying category conditions
Test your understanding of Weather Depiction Chart by applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.

On This Page

Weather Depiction Chart Key Highlights
Issuance & Validity
Information
Sky Cover
Cloud Heights
Weather and Obstructions to Visibility
Visibility
Analysis
Weather Depiction Chart Interactive Scenario
Weather Depiction Chart-Related Airman Certification Standards
Weather Depiction Chart Conclusion
Weather Depiction Chart References

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart Key Highlights

Meteorological Impact Statements (MIS) provide aviation weather forecasters and air traffic managers with strategic weather impact information affecting air traffic operations.
MIS products summarize expected weather hazards such as thunderstorms, turbulence, icing, low ceilings, reduced visibility, and convective activity.
Air Route Traffic Control Centers and aviation weather units use MIS information to support traffic flow management and operational planning.
Meteorological Impact Statements help identify weather conditions likely to affect routing, delays, airport capacity, and airspace utilization.
MIS products are generally focused on large-scale operational impacts rather than tactical pilot weather decision-making.
Forecasters develop MIS guidance using weather models, radar imagery, satellite data, pilot reports, and forecast products.
Convective weather, winter storms, volcanic ash, and widespread IFR conditions commonly generate significant MIS operational concerns.
Pilots may encounter MIS-related weather impacts through reroutes, delays, ground stops, or airspace flow restrictions.
Weather conditions described in MIS products can evolve rapidly and should be monitored with current aviation weather information.
Understanding Meteorological Impact Statements improves weather awareness, operational planning knowledge, and overall aviation safety.

Weather Depiction Chart

Issuance & Validity

Issued every 3 hours
Information is about 1 hour old
Information is all observed data
Should be supplemented with current METAR reports

Weather Depiction Chart

Information

Weather Depiction Chart
Observation reported by both manual and automated observation. []
Right bracket (]) indicates the present weather information was obtained by an automated system only
The plotted data are total sky cover, ceilings, weather and visibility, and cloud height
A legend is printed on the chart
Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart

Sky Cover

Weather Depiction Chart

Cloud Heights

Cloud heights are AGL in hundreds of feet
Sky cover is entered as the lowest broken or overcast layer
Computers cannot differentiate between partial obscuration and a missing observation therefore the computer will enter an M and the user cannot tell which is present and must reference a METAR

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather and Obstructions to Visibility

Weather and obstructions to visibility are entered to the left of the station circle
Information is plotted if the weather is significant such as a thunderstorm

Weather Depiction Chart

Visibility

When visibility is 5 miles or less, it is entered to the left of the weather obstructions to vision symbol
Visibility is entered in statued miles and fractions of a mile

Weather Depiction Chart

Analysis

IFR: Ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visiblity less than 3 miles; hatched area outlined by a smooth line
MVFR: ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 feet inclusive and/or visibility 3 to 5 miles inclusive; non-hatched area outlined by a smooth line
VFR: No ceiling or ceiling greater than 3,000 feet and visibility greater than 5 miles; not outlined
Because space is limited, only about half the METAR reports are plotted on the chart

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart Interactive Scenario

The Discontinued Ceiling Chart in the Flight-School Binder

Interpret a legacy ceiling-and-visibility chart while building a current route-weather picture from supported products. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Instrument Flight Rules (IFR); marginal visual flight rules (MVFR); Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

4 DecisionsScenario-Based TrainingWeather Depiction ChartsConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief

Decision 1

0%

Scenario Complete

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart-Related Airman Certification Standards

Sport Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Practical Test Standards:

Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information.
References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-25; AC 00-6; AC 00-45; Aviation Weather Reports, Charts, and Forecasts.
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan.

Objective Elements 4 PTS Elements

SP.1:
Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to real-time weather information appropriate to the specific category/class aircraft by consulting weather reports, charts, and forecasts from aeronautical weather-reporting sources.
SP.2:
Makes a competent “go/no-go” decision based on available weather information.
SP.3:
Describes the importance of avoiding adverse weather and inadvertent entry into IMC.
SP.4:
Explains courses of action to safely exit from an inadvertent IMC encounter.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards:

Source: FAA-S-ACS-6C, Private Pilot - Airplane.
Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.
References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2; FAA-H-8083-3; FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-H-8083-28.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan.

Knowledge 4 ACS Elements

PA.I.C.K1:
Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service and Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
PA.I.C.K2:
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning and current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight, such as:
- PA.I.C.K2a:
  Airport observations (METAR and SPECI) and pilot observations (PIREP).
- PA.I.C.K2b:
  Surface Analysis Chart and Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA).
- PA.I.C.K2c:
  Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF).
- PA.I.C.K2d:
  Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA).
- PA.I.C.K2e:
  Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB).
- PA.I.C.K2f:
  Convective Outlook (AC).
- PA.I.C.K2g:
  Inflight aviation weather advisories, including Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET.
PA.I.C.K3:
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
- PA.I.C.K3a:
  Atmospheric composition and stability.
- PA.I.C.K3b:
  Wind (e.g., crosswind, tailwind, wind shear, and mountain wave).
- PA.I.C.K3c:
  Temperature and heat exchange.
- PA.I.C.K3d:
  Moisture and precipitation.
- PA.I.C.K3e:
  Weather-system formation, including air masses and fronts.
- PA.I.C.K3f:
  Clouds.
- PA.I.C.K3g:
  Turbulence.
- PA.I.C.K3h:
  Thunderstorms and microbursts.
- PA.I.C.K3i:
  Icing and freezing-level information.
- PA.I.C.K3j:
  Fog and mist.
- PA.I.C.K3k:
  Frost.
- PA.I.C.K3l:
  Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, and volcanic ash).
PA.I.C.K4:
Flight deck displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Risk Management 2 ACS Elements

PA.I.C.R1:
Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- PA.I.C.R1a:
  Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
- PA.I.C.R1b:
  Personal weather minimums.
- PA.I.C.R1c:
  Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft.
PA.I.C.R2:
Use and limitations of:
- PA.I.C.R2a:
  Installed onboard weather equipment.
- PA.I.C.R2b:
  Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
- PA.I.C.R2c:
  Inflight weather resources.

Skills 3 ACS Elements

PA.I.C.S1:
Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
PA.I.C.S2:
Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
PA.I.C.S3:
Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards:

Source: FAA-S-ACS-7B, Commercial Pilot - Airplane.
Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.
References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2; FAA-H-8083-3; FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-H-8083-28.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan.

Knowledge 4 ACS Elements

CA.I.C.K1:
Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service and Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
CA.I.C.K2:
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning and current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight, such as:
- CA.I.C.K2a:
  Airport observations (METAR and SPECI) and pilot observations (PIREP).
- CA.I.C.K2b:
  Surface Analysis Chart and Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA).
- CA.I.C.K2c:
  Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF).
- CA.I.C.K2d:
  Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA).
- CA.I.C.K2e:
  Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB).
- CA.I.C.K2f:
  Convective Outlook (AC).
- CA.I.C.K2g:
  Inflight aviation weather advisories, including Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET.
CA.I.C.K3:
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
- CA.I.C.K3a:
  Atmospheric composition and stability.
- CA.I.C.K3b:
  Wind (e.g., crosswind, tailwind, wind shear, and mountain wave).
- CA.I.C.K3c:
  Temperature and heat exchange.
- CA.I.C.K3d:
  Moisture and precipitation.
- CA.I.C.K3e:
  Weather-system formation, including air masses and fronts.
- CA.I.C.K3f:
  Clouds.
- CA.I.C.K3g:
  Turbulence.
- CA.I.C.K3h:
  Thunderstorms and microbursts.
- CA.I.C.K3i:
  Icing and freezing-level information.
- CA.I.C.K3j:
  Fog and mist.
- CA.I.C.K3k:
  Frost.
- CA.I.C.K3l:
  Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, and volcanic ash).
CA.I.C.K4:
Flight deck displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Risk Management 2 ACS Elements

CA.I.C.R1:
Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- CA.I.C.R1a:
  Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
- CA.I.C.R1b:
  Personal weather minimums.
- CA.I.C.R1c:
  Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft.
CA.I.C.R2:
Use and limitations of:
- CA.I.C.R2a:
  Installed onboard weather equipment.
- CA.I.C.R2b:
  Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
- CA.I.C.R2c:
  Inflight weather resources.

Skills 3 ACS Elements

CA.I.C.S1:
Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
CA.I.C.S2:
Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
CA.I.C.S3:
Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

Area of Operation I: Preflight Preparation.
Task C: Weather Information.
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.
Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
Note: If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Weather Information Lesson Plan.

Knowledge 4 ACS Elements

PH.I.C.K1:
Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
PH.I.C.K2:
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:
- PH.I.C.K2a:
  a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
- PH.I.C.K2b:
  b. Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
- PH.I.C.K2c:
  c. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
- PH.I.C.K2d:
  d. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
- PH.I.C.K2e:
  e. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
- PH.I.C.K2f:
  f. Convective Outlook (AC)
- PH.I.C.K2g:
  g. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
PH.I.C.K3:
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
- PH.I.C.K3a:
  a. Atmospheric composition and stability
- PH.I.C.K3b:
  b. Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
- PH.I.C.K3c:
  c. Temperature and heat exchange
- PH.I.C.K3d:
  d. Moisture/precipitation
- PH.I.C.K3e:
  e. Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts
- PH.I.C.K3f:
  f. Clouds
- PH.I.C.K3g:
  g. Turbulence
- PH.I.C.K3h:
  h. Thunderstorms and microbursts
- PH.I.C.K3i:
  i. Icing and freezing level information
- PH.I.C.K3j:
  j. Fog/mist
- PH.I.C.K3k:
  k. Frost
- PH.I.C.K3l:
  l. Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
PH.I.C.K4:
Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Risk Management 2 ACS Elements

PH.I.C.R1:
Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
- PH.I.C.R1a:
  a. Circumstances that would make diversion prudent
- PH.I.C.R1b:
  b. Personal weather minimums
- PH.I.C.R1c:
  c. Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
PH.I.C.R2:
Use and limitations of:
- PH.I.C.R2a:
  a. Installed onboard weather equipment
- PH.I.C.R2b:
  b. Aviation weather reports and forecasts
- PH.I.C.R2c:
  c. Inflight weather resources

Skills 3 ACS Elements

PH.I.C.S1:
Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
PH.I.C.S2:
Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
PH.I.C.S3:
Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

Instrument Rating (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with obtaining, understanding, and applying weather information for a flight under IFR.
Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
Note: If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
References: 14 CFR part 91, AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), FAA-H-8083-28 (Aviation Weather Handbook).
Instrument Rating (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan.

Knowledge 4 ACS Elements

IR.I.B.K1:
Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
IR.I.B.K2:
Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:.
- IR.I.B.K2a:
  Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP).
- IR.I.B.K2b:
  Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA).
- IR.I.B.K2c:
  Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF).
- IR.I.B.K2d:
  Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA).
- IR.I.B.K2e:
  Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB).
- IR.I.B.K2f:
  Convective Outlook (AC).
- IR.I.B.K2g:
  Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET.
IR.I.B.K3:
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination for flights conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to include expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:.
- IR.I.B.K3a:
  Atmospheric composition and stability.
- IR.I.B.K3b:
  Wind (e.g. crosswind, tailwind, wind shear, mountain wave, etc.).
- IR.I.B.K3c:
  Temperature and heat exchange.
- IR.I.B.K3d:
  Moisture/precipitation.
- IR.I.B.K3e:
  Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts.
- IR.I.B.K3f:
  Clouds.
- IR.I.B.K3g:
  Turbulence.
- IR.I.B.K3h:
  Thunderstorms and microbursts.
- IR.I.B.K3i:
  Icing and freezing level information.
- IR.I.B.K3j:
  Fog/mist.
- IR.I.B.K3k:
  Frost.
- IR.I.B.K3i:
  Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.).
IR.I.B.K4:
Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Risk Management 2 ACS Elements

IR.I.B.R1:
Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:.
- IR.I.B.R1a:
  Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
- IR.I.B.R1b:
  Personal weather minimums.
- IR.I.B.R1c:
  Hazardous weather conditions to include known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft.
IR.I.B.R2:
Use and limitations of:.
- IR.I.B.R2a:
  Installed onboard weather equipment.
- IR.I.B.R2b:
  Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
- IR.I.B.R2c:
  Inflight weather resources.

Skills 4 ACS Elements

IR.I.B.S1:
Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
IR.I.B.S2:
Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l above, using actual weather or weather conditions in a scenario provided by the evaluator.
IR.I.B.S3:
Correlate weather information to make a competent go/no-go decision.
IR.I.B.S4:
Determine whether an alternate airport is required, and, if required, whether the selected alternate airport meets regulatory requirements.

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart Conclusion

For more information, a paper copy of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-H-8083-28) Aviation Weather Handbook [Amazon] is available for purchase
- A digital copy of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-H-8083-28) Aviation Weather Handbook is available from the FAA's website
Always keep yourself current on atmospheric knowledge
Improve your weather skills with FAA provided (and WINGS credited) resources by going to https://www.faasafety.gov/ and type "weather" into the search bar
Still looking for something? Continue searching:

Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart

Introduction to Weather Depiction Chart

Weather Depiction Chart Key Highlights

Issuance & Validity

Information

Sky Cover

Cloud Heights

Weather and Obstructions to Visibility

Visibility

Analysis

Weather Depiction Chart Interactive Scenario

The Discontinued Ceiling Chart in the Flight-School Binder

Scenario Complete

Weather Depiction Chart-Related Airman Certification Standards

Weather Depiction Chart Conclusion

Weather Depiction Chart References