Anatomy of a METAR Observation
Breaking down airport weather code into actionable pilot data
A METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) provides current surface weather observations recorded by automated weather stations (AWOS/ASOS) and certified human observers. Every pilot must interpret them in seconds before departure.
Consider the line: "KJFK 021851Z 31015G24KT 10SM BKN040 OVC080 18/09 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP131". Breaking this down reveals: New York JFK airport at 18:51 UTC, winds from 310° true at 15 knots gusting to 24 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, broken cloud ceiling at 4,000 feet, overcast at 8,000 feet, temperature 18°C, dew point 9°C, altimeter setting 29.92 inHg.
Severe Convective Hazards
Microbursts, wind shear, and structural icing
Convective activity can induce extreme localized downbursts called microbursts. An approaching aircraft encounters a sudden intense headwind (increasing indicated airspeed), followed immediately by strong downdrafts and severe tailwinds (abrupt loss of airspeed and lift).
Modern airline flight decks rely on predictive wind shear radar and reactive wind shear guidance. However, for general aviation pilots, the primary defense is proactive avoidance: never fly within 20 nautical miles of a severe thunderstorm cell.
Capt. Jonathan Brooks
Former airline check airman and veteran flight instructor specializing in multi-engine aerodynamics and advanced instrument flight procedures.
