CHAPTER 6

Chapter 28
Section 28.2 Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA)
GFA
This thing got a massive makeover when aviation weather.gov was updated
Let’s take a look at what it used to look like first

https://aviationweather-cprk.ncep.noaa.gov/gfa

Graphical Forecast for Aviation
The GFA is designed to give a complete picture
A one-stop-shop as it were
Updated continuously
The GFA shows
Forecasts
Observational data
Warnings
Thunderstorms
Wind
Icing
Turbulence

Graphical Forecast for Aviation
Covers surface to FL480
The time slider allows a look at current observations or forecast data out to 14 hrs
Radar loop uses 5 previous images
AIRMETS can be overlayed for your viewing pleasure

Graphical Forecast for Aviation
Strengths
One-stop shop for multiple data fields.
Focused on low-altitude flights common to GA community.
Simplified display for non-meteorologist users.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Updated continuously.
Resolution of 2.2 km.
Available 6 hours in the past up to 15 hours in the future.
Limitations
Configuration can be complicated
Make sure what you want to see is selected in the menus

Graphical Forecast for Aviation
The new format
https://aviationweather.gov/gfa/#cigvis

Chapter 28
Section 28.3 FAA Flight Service’s Interactive Map

Overview
It provides users with interactive graphical capabilities to view a variety of weather and aeronautical information
Overlay data includes the following and can be displayed simultaneously:
Winds aloft,
METARs,
TAFs,
PIREPs,
SIGMETs,
AIRMETs,
CWAs, and
NWS’ severe weather watches and warnings.
Weather imagery includes the following and can only be displayed one product at a time:
Radar (NEXRAD precipitation),
Satellite,
CIP/FIP, and
GTG

Chapter 28
28.4 Heckamaclopter Emergency Medical Services Tool (HEMS)

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Tool
Provides wx info for short distance, low altitude flights like the ones we make
Includes:
Ceiling
Vis
Flight category
winds
Relative humidity
Temp
Icing satellite
Radar
AIRMETs SIGMETs
METAR
TAF
PIREP
NWS hazards
Center Weather Advisories
https://aviationweather.gov/gfa/#obs