What type of information is primarily contained in a TAF?

The primary function of a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is to provide forecasted weather conditions for a specific airport or aerodrome over a designated period, typically covering the next 24 to 30 hours. TAFs are crucial for flight planning and operations because they include essential information such as expected wind direction and speed, visibility, significant weather events (like rain or snow), and cloud cover.

Forecasted weather conditions differ fundamentally from historical weather data, which reflects past weather patterns and is not useful for planning future flights. TAFs do not provide current temperature readings since temperature is just one aspect of weather that can affect flight operations; rather, they focus on predicting how various weather elements will change throughout the forecast period. Additionally, TAFs do not contain aviation regulations, which are separate from meteorological data and pertain to the rules governing air navigation and flight operations.

By concentrating on forecasted conditions, TAFs empower pilots and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions about safety and flight scheduling based on anticipated weather, ensuring smoother operations and enhanced safety in aviation.