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What is the key difference between a TAF and a METAR?

Choices

  • ✓ A TAF is a forecast while a METAR is an observationcorrect

    A TAF predicts expected conditions; a METAR reports observed conditions.

  • A TAF covers only wind while a METAR covers only clouds

    Both products describe multiple weather elements.

  • A METAR is issued once a day and a TAF every hour

    This misstates their issuance; the essential difference is forecast versus observation.

  • A TAF is written in plain English and a METAR in code

    Both use a similar coded format.

Why

A TAF forecasts expected conditions within about five statute miles of an airport, whereas a METAR is an observation of current conditions at the station.

FAA source: AIM 7-1 / Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28browse the reference library →

This is taught in Reading METARs and TAFs — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

What is the key difference between a TAF and a METAR? · PPL Free Ground School