METAR
Meteorological Aerodrome Report
A standardized hourly weather observation report from an airport.
A METAR is the standard format for reporting current weather conditions at an airport. METARs are issued hourly (sometimes more frequently when weather is changing rapidly via SPECI reports) and include wind, visibility, weather phenomena, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, altimeter setting, and remarks.
METAR is part of every cross-country flight plan. DPEs ask applicants to interpret METARs as part of the practical test oral.
Format example: `KPAO 251747Z 30015KT 10SM FEW250 18/12 A3008` reads as KPAO airport, on the 25th day at 1747Z, wind 300 at 15 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 25,000, temperature 18°C, dew point 12°C, altimeter 30.08 inHg.
When it matters
METAR interpretation is a recurring DPE quiz topic. Flight schools that show METAR alongside reservations help pilots make weather decisions before they even open ForeFlight.