PLT286: Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
What code PLT286 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Significant Weather Prognostic Chart before your checkride.
Recall information on a Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
What this means for your checkride
The low-level significant weather prognostic chart forecasts aviation weather hazards from the surface to FL240 for VFR flight planning. The panels depict forecast freezing levels, turbulence, and contoured areas of MVFR and IFR ceilings and visibility, plus fronts, pressure, and precipitation type and intensity on the enhanced surface panel. You read the valid time and the panels to picture where hazards are expected during your flight window.
The prog chart lets you anticipate icing levels, turbulence, and instrument conditions before they develop along your route.
Treating a forecast prog chart as current conditions; it is guidance and should be checked against current reports and local forecasts.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.