What are METARs and TAFs, and how do ATCs use them?

• A. METARs are forecasts; TAFs are current observations.
• B. METARs are current weather observations; TAFs are forecasts.
• C. METARs and TAFs are not used by ATC.
• D. METARs are altitude reports; TAFs are wind reports.

Answer: (B)

METARs and TAFs are the weather data ATC relies on to understand and plan for conditions at the airport. METARs are the current weather observations reported for the aerodrome and include wind, visibility, present weather, sky condition and height of ceilings, temperature, dew point, and the altimeter setting. They tell ATC what the weather is right now, which is essential for deciding runway usage, approach and departure feasibility, and immediate traffic sequencing.

TAFs are the terminal aerodrome forecasts for the same airport, issued for the next 24 to 30 hours. They project expected wind, visibility, cloud ceilings, weather, and prevailing conditions in time blocks, helping ATC anticipate changes and manage staffing, runway configurations, and potential hotspots for delays or disruptions.

ATC uses METARs to respond to current conditions and adjust operations accordingly, and relies on TAFs to plan ahead for upcoming weather trends. The other statements mix up observations and forecasts or misstate what each product contains, which doesn’t align with how these tools inform safe and efficient air traffic control.