We want you to look like a rockstar on your check ride - or any time you're out flying. Here's a way your Aviation Weather Products course can help you get there.

Forecasts - Valid And Expiration Times

Examiners love to ask when a forecast expires and when it's valid. This question trips up a lot of students - but the best part is that the times are written right on the forecast!

For example, look at a TAF, or Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. You'll use it to check the forecast weather for many of your destination airports. It's usually valid for 24 hours, but at some large airports, it may be valid for up to 36 hours. How do you know? The valid time appears on the first line of the forecast, in Zulu time. Take a look:

KDEN 171730Z 1718/1824 VRB05KT P6SM SCT220
FM172000 05007KT P6SM FEW140 SCT220
FM172300 12006KT P6SM FEW140 SCT220

If your airport doesn't have a TAF, or you're planning a cross country, you'll need to use an Area Forecast, or FA. These forecasts have several parts. The main forecast for clouds and weather is valid for 18 hours, and the FA also includes a 6 hour hour outlook. Again, the valid times appear in the forecast's header. Take a look:

FAUS45 KKCI 171045
FA5W
SLCC FA 171045
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLDS/WX
SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 180500
CLDS/WX VALID UNTIL 172300...OTLK VALID 172300-180500
ID MT WY NV UT CO AZ NM

Buy the Aviation Weather Products course for $24.99 and you'll quickly learn about each of these forecasts, including their valid periods. The course asks you the same kinds of questions your examiner will ask, so you'll be ready for your check ride. And, best of all, you'll feel comfortable using the forecasts each time you fly. That's definitely worth $24.99.