TAF Decoding Practice | Speak, Fly, Pass

BRIEFING

Read the forecast as a sequence

TAF decoding becomes easier when you separate the example validity period, initial conditions and each change group. Read the day and hour together, especially when the end is on a different day; say the relevant time in UTC.

In these synthetic extracts, compare prevailing conditions with the stated temporary conditions, a transition window or a probability. Describe the conditions without turning an uncertain forecast into a certainty. Pictures suggest a weather type, not an exact measured visibility or cloud-base height.

Study the image or forecast extract and listen to the question.
Choose or type the requested detail and check the explanation.
Say a complete summary, preserving the time window and uncertainty.

PRACTICE

Work through the exercise

0 done

PRACTICE 01

Read the forecast

Choose the group that matches each picture, then interpret the example time and change groups.

Q1 Which forecast weather group fits the scene?

A runway disappears into thick fog beyond the nearest lights.

-SN FG -RA TSRA

Show answer and explanation

FG. The exercise group FG describes fog. The photo does not establish an exact visibility.

Q2 Which forecast weather group fits the scene?

Light rain falls across a wet airport apron.

TSRA FG -RA -SN

Q3 Which forecast weather group fits the scene?

Light snow falls over a parked aircraft at an airport.

-SN -RA FG TSRA

Q4 Which forecast weather group fits the scene?

Lightning appears below a dark thunderstorm beyond an airfield.

FG -SN -RA TSRA

Q5 Which cloud group fits the sky? Ignore cloud-base height.

An airport sits beneath a continuous grey cloud layer.

SCT015 OVC015 FEW015 NSC

Show answer and explanation

OVC015. OVC describes an overcast layer in this exercise; the height cannot be measured from the photo.

Q6 Read 1212/1318. What is the example validity period?

Day 12 at 12:00 to day 13 at 18:00 UTC Day 12 at 13:00 to day 12 at 18:00 UTC Day 13 at 12:00 to day 18 at 13:00 UTC Day 12 at 12:00 to day 13 at 08:00 UTC

Show answer and explanation

Day 12 at 12:00 to day 13 at 18:00 UTC. The first pair is the starting day and hour; the second is the ending day and hour, in this example.

Q7 Read TEMPO 1214/1218 3000 TSRA. When is the temporary period?

Day 12, 12:00–14:00 UTC Day 12, 14:00 to day 13, 18:00 UTC Day 12, 14:00–18:00 UTC Day 13, 14:00–18:00 UTC

Show answer and explanation

Day 12, 14:00–18:00 UTC. The temporary period in this exercise is from 14:00 to 18:00 UTC on day 12.

Q8 In TEMPO 1214/1218 3000 TSRA, what is temporary?

Only the time of issue The entire forecast validity A permanent wind shift Visibility 3,000 m with thunderstorm and rain

Show answer and explanation

Visibility 3,000 m with thunderstorm and rain. The TEMPO group describes the stated conditions during the specified temporary period, not throughout the whole forecast.

Q9 Read BECMG 1306/1308 26015KT. What does the time group describe?

A transition window on day 13 The time the previous report was observed A temporary period on day 6 A change taking place exactly at 06:00

Show answer and explanation

A transition window on day 13. In this example the change to the stated wind is expected during the window from 06:00 to 08:00 on day 13; its exact timing is not stated.

Q10 Read PROB30 TEMPO 1214/1218 3000 TSRA. What does PROB30 express?

A 30-knot wind A 30% probability of the stated temporary conditions Thirty minutes of certain thunderstorms Visibility of 300 metres

Show answer and explanation

A 30% probability of the stated temporary conditions. The example assigns a 30% probability to the specified temporary conditions; it does not make them certain.

Q11 Read 20010G20KT. Which forecast wind is correct?

From 020° at 10 kt, gusting 20 kt From 200° at 20 kt, gusting 10 kt From 200° at 10 kt, gusting 20 kt From 100° at 20 kt, gusting 200 kt

Show answer and explanation

From 200° at 10 kt, gusting 20 kt. The direction is 200°, the speed is 10 knots and the gust is 20 knots in this extract.

Q12 A forecast gives 9999 SCT025, then TEMPO 1214/1218 3000 TSRA. Which is the temporary visibility?

At least 10 km 2,500 feet Exactly 9,999 metres 3,000 metres

Show answer and explanation

3,000 metres. The TEMPO section contains 3000 TSRA. The 9999 visibility belongs to the initial conditions.

PRACTICE 02

Put forecast groups into words

Type a short answer and then speak the forecast detail aloud.

Check your answers and compare your speaking with the model, then see your practice debrief.

DEBRIEF

Your practice debrief

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FAQ

Common questions

How should I start TAF decoding practice?

Identify the validity period first. Then read the initial conditions and each time-limited change group, keeping the conditions attached to their own period.

How do I read a TAF period that crosses midnight?

In the exercise group 1212/1318, the period starts on day 12 at 12:00 UTC and ends on day 13 at 18:00 UTC.

What is the difference between TEMPO and BECMG here?

The TEMPO example gives temporary conditions within a stated period. The BECMG example gives a window during which the conditions change.

What does PROB30 mean in the example?

The exercise uses it for a 30% probability of the specified temporary conditions; it does not state that they are certain to occur.

Can a forecast picture show the exact cloud base?

No. The picture supports a description of the visible sky; use the coded example for the cloud-base value. These extracts are simplified language practice.

TAF Decoding Practice: Forecast Groups in Plain English

Read the forecast as a sequence

Work through the exercise

Read the forecast

Put forecast groups into words

Your practice debrief

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