FAA Safety Briefing Magazine

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Summer 2026 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine

A Pilot's Guide to Weather

The Summer 2026 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aviation weather and its critical effect on safe GA flying. Articles review some basic causes of weather activity, how certain conditions can affect pilot safety, and tools you can use to aid your weather...

Checklist: An Update to Your Forecasting

The Aviation Weather Handbook (AWH) was updated this spring. Just as pilots should routinely get updated forecasts before flight, it’s advisable to refresh your basic weather knowledge, too. The AWH also covers the theory behind weather systems and the atmospheric structure.

Cohl Pope: Program Manager, FAA’s Program Management Office

Originally from Vernal, Utah, Daniel Cohl Pope has a knack for taking things apart. His goal was always to fix it, whatever it was, broken or not. That hands-on mentality led Cohl to enlist in the Air Force in 1990 to repair and keep aircraft flying.

On Final: On the Winds of Change

Weather is an important and ever-present factor in aviation, influencing flight paths and how pilots shape their operational strategies. Its dynamic nature is a reminder that change is an integral part of a pilot’s environment. In that same vein, the FAA Safety Briefing magazine is currently embracing a few changes to better serve our community of aviators and technicians.

Vertically Speaking: Beware of the Green Dot Syndrome

A quick glance at the weather for a short night flight shows green dots at both the departure and destination — good to go right? The color categories are based on the lowest ceilings, not the lowest overall cloud layer. That means only broken or overcast layers are used to determine the ceiling and corresponding flight category — scattered and few layers do not count.

Nuts, Bolts & Electrons: A Guide to Post-Storm Airframe Integrity and Corrosion Risks

Atmospheric conditions are the primary drivers of aircraft structural degradation. After a severe weather event or prolonged exposure to coastal and/or polluted environments, a standard pre-flight check is insufficient. Instead, look for latent defects that compromise flight safety.

Drone Debrief: Eyes in the Sky – For Safety

It was August 2024 in Queens, New York, when a terrifying scenario unfolded. A trio of armed invaders forced their way into a home and held several residents against their will. Fortunately, one resident managed to call 911, and a unit responded with a special helper — in the sky.

Aeromedical Advisory: A Pilot’s Guide to Hypothermia and Hyperthermia

Since the topic of this issue is weather, a refresher on hypothermia (body temperature too low) and hyperthermia (body temperature too high) seems appropriate. Although the relative risk of one versus the other certainly varies with the season, both are potential year-round concerns.

Jumpseat: Sharpening Your Summer Safety Weather Skills: ‘A Pilot’s Guide to Weather’ Magazine Issue

Summer flying is upon us, and with it, the skies grow even busier. As pilots prepare their aircraft and plan their flights, we highlight the importance of weather awareness and its critical role in ensuring a safe flight.

The Weather Plan You Never Write Down: Understanding Flight Plans, Flight Following, and Search-and-Rescue Services

Most pilots are great at planning the flight they intend to fly. Pilots look at the weather, choose a route and altitude that make sense, pick a reasonable departure time … and sometimes file a flight plan. But sometimes they don’t. If the weather looks marginal, pilots will glance through alternates and maybe even write down a few airport codes. Even if all looks good, they still check for the usual trouble spots — TAFs (terminal aerodrome forecasts), radar, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), etc. It...

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FAA Safety Briefing Magazine

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