The flight weather briefing is by far the most common type of briefing provided by AGs. At an average air station it is not uncommon for AGs to make 300 to 900 briefings per month. Because of the high number of briefings given at many stations and the variety of problems presented by different flight plans, briefers must impart all their weather data quickly and concisely.

The flight weather briefer is responsible for giving a pilot a complete description of existing and expected weather along a planned route of flight and at any terminals of interest. Definite statements must be made regarding cloud bases and tops, the freezing level, icing zones, turbulence, winds, thunderstorms, and fronts. Also, let pilots know of any possible variations in the weather so they can plan their flights accordingly. 

Since each flight presents its own peculiar problems in planning and weather briefing, it is not possible to establish a standard briefing procedure. However, there is a definite sequence of thought you should follow when briefing pilots.

1. Briefly discuss the synoptic situation as it relates to the planned route of flight, and give a brief description of the current weather along the route, using selected observations along or near the route.

2. Briefly state forecast trends of enroute weather; identify significant changes to current conditions and the time they are expected to occur. Emphasize those areas in which severe weather warnings are in effect or forecast.

3. Briefly state expected weather changes at each scheduled destination and "alternate" air-field, relating significant forecast changes and the expected time of their occurrence.

An "alternate" is an additional airfield selected by a pilot as a backup landing site when forecast weather conditions are such that landing at the primary landing field may be impossible.

4. Point out possible alternate routes, as may be appropriate, and discuss all possible changes in the weather along each planned route. Answer any specific questions posed by a pilot.

Experience has also provided us with a proven method of shortening the time spent in conducting many flight briefings: CON-SIDERABLE TIME CAN BE SAVED BY KNOWING THE CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS ALONG THOSE ROUTES COMMONLY FLOWN FROM YOUR STA-TION.

There are many aids that are used in briefing pilots on current and expected weather during their flights. Depending on the type of flight and briefing time constraints, any number of brief-ing aids might be used. The following are but a few:

Flight weather briefing form (DD Form 175-1)

Terminal forecasts for destinations alternates

Latest synoptic chart and Latest upper-air chart(s) for the applicable flight level(s)

Latest satellite picture over the area of flight

An OPARS flight plan aids enhance the overall effectiveness of flight weather briefings.

Learning Objective: Differentiate between the DD Form 175 and the DD Form 175-1.  

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