Revised 1995

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

National Weather Service
Washington, D.C.
 

PREFACE

AC 00-45D, Aviation Weather Services, is published jointly by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service (NWS).

This document supplements the companion manual AC 00-6A, Aviation Weather that deals with weather theories and hazards.

Lee Harrison, National Weather Service Coordinator and Training Consultant at the FAA Academy, directed the preparation of AC 00-45D. Robert S. Hamilton, NWS Meteorology Instructor, and Lee Harrison, were the primary writers and organizers of the manual. Other NWS Meteorology Instructors who contributed material, comments, suggestions and quality control to the overall production of the manual include Bill Barlow, Kim Brabander, Dick Mitchem, Jon Osterberg, David Sandoval, and Stacy Stewart. The Aviation Services Branch of National Weather Service Headquarters, in particular, Dan Gudgel, contributed through review and suggested changes to the publication. Recognition is given to David Sandoval, who did the computer generated illustrations. A special thanks to Nadine Jewell for her help and interest in editing this manual.

Because of the rapid expansion of air transportation and increased aviation demands, it is necessary to move toward self briefings. As a result, pilots must become increasingly self-reliant in getting weather information.

This advisory circular, AC 00-45D, explains weather service in general and the details of interpreting and using coded weather reports, forecasts, and observed and prognostic weather charts. Many charts and tables apply directly to flight planning and in-flight decisions.

This advisory circular contains 15 sections of information needed by pilots. It can also be used as a source of study for pilot certification examinations.

Comments and suggestions for improving this publication are encouraged and should be directed to:

National Weather Service Coordinator, AMA - 9
Federal Aviation Administration
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

Advisory Circular, AC 00-45D, supersedes AC 00-45C, Aviation Weather Services, revised 1985.