DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

NEW YORK AUTOMATED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SERVICE STATION

150 ARRIVAL AVENUE

LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT

RONKONKOMA, NEW YORK 11779

 

 

FAA Warning/Disclaimer

 

PREFLIGHT BRIEFING CATEGORIES

 

Specialists will not read weather reports and forecasts verbatim unless specifically requested to do so by the pilot.  There are several types of briefings that the specialist can provide.  They are divided into three categories and are detailed in the AIM, paragraph 7-1-3, Preflight Briefing.

 

STANDARD BRIEFING

 

When proposed time of departure is within two hours - Full Standard Briefing.

When proposed time of departure is beyond two hours - Current Conditions are provided on pilot request only.

For a standard briefing, you may expect to receive the following information in the given order.

 
    1. Adverse conditions
    2. VFR Flight not recommended (if applicable)
    3. Synopsis (of existing weather systems pertinent to your proposed flight)
    4. Current conditions (including Surface Observations, PIREP's and weather radar, summarized)
    5. Enroute forecast (summarized)
    6. Destination forecast
    7. Winds aloft (Summarized forecast for proposed route)
    8. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
    9. ATC Delays (if applicable)
    10. Pilot request items

 

ABBREVIATED and OUTLOOK BRIEFINGS

 

Abbreviated Briefing

 
Information to supplement mass disseminated data
To update a previous briefing
When you need to request only one or two specific items (such as weather reports or forecasts).

 

Outlook Briefing

 
When proposed time of departure is six or more hours from the time of the briefing.  Get in the habit of asking for the type of briefing you want by name.  You will find the briefing is more understandable and can be completed in a more efficient and timely manner.  For example, "I am the pilot of N12345, I would like an abbreviated briefing to update a previous briefing.  I received a standard briefing three hours ago.  I will be flying VFR in a Cessna 152 from Sky Acres Airport ..."
When this pilot finishes giving the necessary background information, a more efficient briefing can be provided.

 

PILOT BRIEFING AIDS

 

As a guide, we have developed the following list to aid you in receiving a good Pilot Weather Briefing:

Briefing Checklist
Upon initial call up, make sure to provide all necessary background information to the briefer.
Reduce excess background noise, such as loud music, conversations, etc..  A noise free environment is always better.
If the briefer speaks too fast, simply ask them to slow down.
If you can wait, request specific or supplemental information at the end of a brief.  If you have received all of the information you need or want, you may stop the brief at any time.
When requesting an Outlook Briefing, remember that our forecasts only extend for the next 48 hours.
Remember, since an Automated Flight Service Station may receive calls from anywhere, the term "local flying" may not be specific enough.
If you are up-to-date on all hazardous advisories, inform the briefer of that fact and the time of your last briefing.  
When filing a flight plan, have all of the necessary information ready.
Never hesitate to request any kind of clarification on information that a briefer has given you.
Always specify the type of briefing required.  

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