Final answer:
For preflight planning and during flight phases, pilots rely on METARs, TAFs, SIGWX charts, wind and temperature forecasts, NOTAMS, weather radar, satellite images, and PIREPs to monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions for safe and efficient flight operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, and for evaluating current and forecast weather for the departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight include:
- Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs).
- Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs).
- Significant Weather (SIGWX) charts.
- Wind and Temperature aloft forecasts.
- NOTAMS, which may provide information on weather-related airport conditions.
- Weather radar information for observing current precipitation and storms.
- Satellite images for cloud cover and weather system tracking.
- Pilot Reports (PIREPs) for real-time conditions reported by other pilots.
These products are typically provided by government and industry sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Weather Channel, and avionics within the aircraft itself. The use of these resources allows for informed decision-making regarding flight planning and management to ensure safety and efficiency in aviation operations.