Meteorology

Accurate weather forecasts play a vital role in aviation activity. It is required by law that aircraft operators obtain all necessary weather information in order to plan and conduct a flight safely. Useful information is contained in the "Get Met" booklet, available from the Meteorological Office.

The Meteorological Office website includes weather services especially geared to aviation.

The following information is available on the NATS UK Aeronautical Information Service Website.

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)

NOTAMs contain information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

UK Aeronautical Information Package (AIP)

Updated every 28 days, this contains static information of a permanent nature, and is essential to air navigation. Details of any temporary changes are also available.

Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs)

AICs are notices relating to safety, navigation, technical, administrative or legal matters. The information they contain is split into five different categories, each printed on different coloured paper:

• White- administrative matters
• Yellow- operational matters, including ATS facilities and requirements
• Pink- safety-related topics
• Mauve- reserved for UK airspace restrictions
• Green- maps and charts