What is the main purpose of a TAF?

The main purpose of a TAF, or Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, is to inform pilots of expected weather conditions at an airport for a specific time frame, typically covering a 24 to 30-hour period. TAFs provide critical information regarding weather phenomena that could affect flight operations, such as visibility, wind direction and speed, precipitation, and significant weather changes. This information enables pilots to make informed decisions regarding flight safety, route planning, and timing regarding takeoff and landing.

While other options mention various aspects of aviation, they do not align with the primary intention of a TAF. Long-range climate forecasts serve a different purpose, focusing more on general weather patterns over extended periods rather than immediate aviation needs. Assisting air traffic controllers, although important for flight safety, is not the principal function of TAFs. Similarly, assessing airport runway conditions falls under a different set of reporting, such as runway condition reports, and not the focus of TAFs, which are concerned primarily with weather phenomena that may influence flight.