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www.nws.noaa.gov, the NOAA site at http://aviationweather. gov/adds/metars/ and Dr. Jack’s regional forecasts at http:// www.drjack.info/BLIP/RUC. 

## Interpreting Weather Charts, Reports, and Forecasts 

Knowing how and where to gather weather information is important but the ability to interpret and understand the information requires additional knowledge and practice. Weather charts and reports are merely records of observed atmospheric conditions at certain locations at specific times. Trained observers using electronic instruments, computers, and personal observations produce the weather products necessary for pilots to determine if a flight can be conducted safely. This same information can be used by soaring pilots to determine where they can find lift and how long the lift is usable for soaring flight. 

## Graphic Weather Charts 

Reports of observed weather are graphically depicted in a number of weather products. Among them are the surface analysis chart, radar summary chart, weather depiction chart, winds and temperature aloft chart, and the composite moisture stability chart. For detailed information about the surface analysis chart, weather depiction charts, and radar summary chart, refer to the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Advisory Circular 00-45G, “Aviation Weather Services.” 

## Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast 

The winds and temperatures aloft forecast (FB) is a 12- hour product that is issued at 0000Z and 1200Z daily. [Figure 9-34] It is used primarily to determine expected wind direction and velocity, and temperatures for the altitude of a planned cross-country flight. The forecast contains nine columns that correspond to forecast levels 3,000; 6,000; 9,000; 12,000; 18,000; 24,000; 30,000; 34,000; and 39,000 feet MSL. Soaring pilots planning to attempt proficiency for altitude should be aware that the levels below 18,000 feet are based on local altimeter settings. Above 18,000 feet, flight levels are based on standard altimeter setting of 29.92 "Hg. For example 19,000 feet is FL190. Wind direction is from true north. No winds are forecast within 1,500 feet of station elevation. Also, no temperatures are forecast for the 3,000 foot level or for any level within 2,500 feet of station elevation. Temperature is in whole degrees Celsius and assumed to be negative above 24,000 feet. Figure 9-34  shows an example winds aloft message as well as how to decode it. 

