A flight weather forecast folder is normally requested by pilots whenever flights are scheduled to transit large continental or oceanic areas.

CONTENTS. As a minimum, the following products are included in the folder:

Upper winds chart for proposed flight level(s) products that may be requested and/or included are (1) a USN or USAF computer flight plan, (2) a ditch heading chart, (3) a predicted altimeter setting chart, and (4) any miscellaneous charts tailored for specific needs.

CHART PREPARATION. Use ONLY black or dark blue pens/pencils when preparing charts; pilots and flight crews have difficulty see-ing or reading other colors during nighttime flights. Also, use the symbology found on page 2 of the folder. Place the following legend on all charts in a conspicuous place:

FLIGHT FORECAST FOLDER NUMBER (sequential by month)

RECORDS. The issuing activity maintains a record of all flight forecast folders issued. The record is retained on board for 1 year in accordance with SECNAVINST 5212.5. Include the following information:

Month and sequential number of the folder Valid time and source of all charts included in the folder

Flimsy briefing number of the DD Form 175-1

HWD CHART. This chart is basically a strip chart containing operationally significant weather data. The basic chart, or charts, maybe prescribed by individual activities. Whenever possible, use the charts listed in Part I, Volume II, of the DMA Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products. See figure 5-2-2.

Size. The overall size of the chart should be kept to a minimum; normally, the width should not exceed 8 inches.

Valid Time. The valid time of HWD charts is dependent on a number of factors: (1) if HWDs are prepared in advance to meet everyday support requirements, use the 12-hour prognostic charts verifying at synoptic times, that is, 0000Z or 1200Z; (2) if a flight route requires a more tailored HWD, it should verify at the mid-time of the flight; and (3) if the request is short-fused (normally less than 2 hours preparation time), use of centrally prepared charts verifying at the synoptic time closest to the mid-time of the flight is acceptable.

Flight Level. Depict the atmospheric condi-tions from the surface to a minimum of 5,000 feet above the proposed flight level (higher if re-quested) along the entire route of flight.

Required Entries. The following are required entries on HWD charts:

1. Areas of five-eights or more cloudiness; coverage is in OKTAS (eights) and includes the bases and tops of all cloud areas/types.

2. All areas of CB and TCU; coverage is in eights, and bases and tops are included.

4. Fronts and pressure centers, including their direction and movement.

5. Significant weather and obstructions to vision.

7. Proposed route of flight. If the flight route is classified, the entire folder is classified accordingly.

Miscellaneous Entries. Miscellaneous chart entries are any additional entries deemed appropriate by the forecaster.

UPPER WIND CHART. Prepare this chart from forecast data verifying near the mid-time of the flight.

COMPUTER FLIGHT PLAN. When available, include a copy of the computer flight plan for the proposed route.

DITCH HEADING CHART. A plot of the point values of predicted ditch headings (degrees magnetic) is included for all overwater flights. Ensure the chart is clearly annotated to indicate magnetic headings, vice true headings.

PREDICTED ALTIMETER SETTING CHART. A plot of the point values of predicted altimeter settings is provided for all overwater flights operating at 1,500 feet or below, or when requested.

MISCELLANEOUS CHARTS. Any other charts deemed operationally important to the flight may be included in the folder. Such charts may include constant-pressure charts, streamline charts, SST charts, etc.

Learning Objective: Identify the criteria that must be met before an Aerographers Mate can work up flight weather briefing forms and conduct flight weather briefings.

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