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METAR stands for METorological Aerodome Report. Depending on the reporting entity it is either automatically or manually filled out weather data for the purpose of aviation operations. This information is generally updated once per hour and reports only the weather at the time of recording. It does not forecast future weather.
TAF stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast is the forecasted weather conditions of an area, for the purposes of aviation operations.
Controlled airspace is a defined area where Air Traffic Control services are provided to manned aircraft, split into several categories (Class A, B, C, D, and E). When operating UAS in controlled airspace, necessary permissions (LAANC) must be approved. To determine if a site is in controlled airspace and needs approval, please check the FAA UAS Facilities map below.
Any site not contained in controlled airspace is considered Uncontrolled Airspace (Class G), and does not provide ATC services to pilots. UAS pilots are free to fly in uncontrolled airspace without special authorizations, assuming pilot is following all rules of 14 CFR Part 107.
A NOTAM is a notice containing information essential to personnel concerned with flight operations but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means. It states the abnormal status of a component of the National Airspace System (NAS) – not the normal status.
NOTAMs indicate the real-time and abnormal status of the NAS impacting every user.
NOTAMs concern the establishment, condition, or change of any facility, service, procedure or hazard in the NAS.
NOTAMs have a unique language using special contractions to make communication more efficient.
The FAA maintains the safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System. As with cars on the road, there are rules that cover aircraft in the sky to ensure safety. In special circumstances, the FAA may temporarily restrict access to certain designated areas of our airspace, much in the same way a city or state may block off access to a street when necessary .
These airspace restrictions are called Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and are communicated to pilots through Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). They restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time. You must always check NOTAMs prior to your flight.
TFRs are issued for safety or security purposes.
Reasons for issuing a TFR include:
Natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes
Emergency or national security situations
