A remote pilot has a 7 AM shoot tomorrow. The 00Z TAF reads in part: FM1200 18008KT P6SM FEW050 BKN120. What does this forecast predict for the 7 AM flight window, and how should the pilot plan?
Why →
TAF 'FM' (From) groups use Zulu time and mark the beginning of a forecast period. FM1200 means the forecast becomes effective at 1200Z. The pilot must identify which forecast group covers 7 AM local time and read that group's conditions, not a later group. TAFs are valid for 24 to 30 hours, so a TAF issued at 00Z will cover a 7 AM flight the next day in one of its groups.The trap →
Choice B lifts the values from the FM1200 group without checking whether 12Z covers the 7 AM flight time. The trap is reading the first wind value you see.SOURCE → FAA Aviation Weather Handbook, Terminal Aerodrome ForecastsCHECKED APR 21ACS III.A.K2MED