Deciphering the Code: Reading METARs



For aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts, understanding METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a fundamental skill. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of reading and interpreting METARs from airports within the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) countries, complete with an example to solidify your understanding.


1. What is a METAR?

  • A brief introduction to METARs and their role in providing timely weather information crucial for flight planning and safety.

2. Breaking Down a METAR:

  • Station Identifier: Typically a four-letter code indicating the location of the weather station. EASA airports follow ICAO airport codes.
  • Date and Time of Report: Given in UTC, showing the date and time the METAR was issued.
  • Wind: Stated in degrees and knots, indicating wind direction and speed.
  • Visibility: Measured in meters or kilometers.
  • Weather Phenomena: Symbols and codes describing current weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.).
  • Cloud Coverage: Details on cloud types and altitudes.
  • Temperature and Dew Point: Listed in Celsius.
  • Pressure: Reported in hectopascals (hPa), indicating atmospheric pressure.

3. Example METAR and Interpretation:

Example: "EGLL 121650Z 28015KT 9999 FEW025 SCT050 15/08 Q1013"

  • EGLL: London Heathrow Airport
  • 121650Z: 12th of the month at 1650 UTC
  • 28015KT: Wind from 280 degrees at 15 knots
  • 9999: Visibility 10 kilometers or more
  • FEW025 SCT050: Few clouds at 2500 feet, scattered clouds at 5000 feet
  • 15/08: Temperature 15°C, dew point 8°C
  • Q1013: Atmospheric pressure 1013 hPa.

4. Tips for Practicing METAR Reading:

  • Regularly check METARs from different EASA airports.
  • Use aviation apps or websites to compare your interpretation with decoded information.
  • Stay updated on meteorological symbols and codes.
  • Practice with METAR-TAF.com: An excellent resource for practicing is METAR-TAF.com, which provides real-time METARs from airports worldwide. This tool allows you to test your skills in interpreting METARs and see a decoded version for comparison, enhancing your learning process.

Reading METARs is like learning a new language. With practice and patience, it becomes an invaluable tool in your aviation journey. Keep practicing, and soon interpreting these reports will become second nature. 

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