8.2 Decode Domestic Meteorological Reports and Forecasts

8.2.2 Demonstrate how to access aviation meteorological information for New Zealand through the gopreflight internet website.

New Zealand aviation meteorological information is available through PreFlight, accessed at:

www.gopreflight.co.nz

PreFlight provides a one-stop source of official aviation weather and aeronautical information for pre-flight planning. It combines information from MetService and Aeropath, including aviation forecasts, observations, NOTAMs, charts and graphical weather products.

Pilots should use PreFlight before flight to build a complete weather picture, not just look at one product in isolation.

Key products available include:

• NZ Situation Statement — overview of the current weather situation.
• Satellite imagery — cloud patterns and weather systems.
• Weather radar — precipitation location, movement and intensity.
• Surface analysis and forecast charts — pressure systems, fronts and isobars.
• GRAFOR — low-level graphical aviation forecast.
• AAW — aviation area winds and temperatures.
• GNZSIGWX — graphical New Zealand significant weather chart.
• SIGMET / GSM — significant hazardous weather information.
• VAA and VAG — volcanic ash advisory and graphic.
• TAF — terminal aerodrome forecast.
• METAR / SPECI / METAR AUTO — aerodrome weather observations.
• ATIS — aerodrome terminal information service.
• AWIB / AWOS / BWR — local aerodrome weather information where available.
• NOTAMs — operational information affecting flight.