GEN 0.

6 - 12 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

GEN 3.5 METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES ..........:cceeeeeeee GEN 3.5 -1

1. METEOROLOGICAL AUTHORITY. ........::::ceeececeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 1
1.2 Area of Responsibility ........... ccc eeeeeeeesteeteeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 1
2. METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES ...00..... cece GEN 3.5 - 1
2.4 ATS Meteorological Information Service.................. GEN 3.5 - 3
3. AVIATION FORECASTS 0.0... .cccceeecceeeceeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeaaeeeee GEN 3.5 - 3
3.1 Interpretation and Use of Forecasts... GEN 3.5 - 3
3.2 Graphical Area Forecasts (GAF) for
Operations Surface to 10,O000FT..........00:::cceeeeeeeeee GEN 3.5 -3
3.3 Forecasts for Operations Above 10,000FT............... GEN 3.5 - 4
3.4 Aerodrome Forecast ........0:cccccceceeeeeseeeeeeeeieeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 5
3.5 Airport Weather Briefings (AWB).............::::0:ccceeee GEN 3.5 - 6
3.6 Trend Forecast (TTF) .......::::::cccecceeeeeeseseeeseceeeaeeeeeees GEN 3.5 -6
3.7 Forecast Abbreviations and Terms...........:::ccceeee GEN 3.5 - 7
3.8 Cloud Height Datum ...........:.c:cccecceeeeeeeseeeeteteeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 -9
3.9 Forecast AMendmMent...........:cecccecceeeetieeeeeeeteeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 9
3.10 Wind Shear Warning Service...............::::::ceeeeees GEN 3.5 -9
4. METEOROLOGICAL REPORTG........0.::::ccceeeeeteeeeees GEN 3.5 - 10
4.1 Aerodrome Weather Reports .............::::ceeeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 10
4.2 Routine Reports (METAR).........:::cccceceeeseeseeseeeeees GEN 3.5 - 10
4.3 Special Reports (SPECI) ............::cecceeeeeseeeeeseeeeees GEN 3.5 - 10
4.4 Takeoff and Landing Reports .............::::cceceeee GEN 3.5 - 11
4.5 Approved ObDServelrs ...........cccceeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 12
4.6 Observing Point ............ cece eeeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeeeeeeteeeeees GEN 3.5 - 12
4.7 Aircraft Weather Reports ..............::::::scceeeeeeeeeeeeee GEN 3.5 - 13
5. METEOROLOGICAL ADVICES 0.0.00... ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5- 13
5.1 SIGMET 00... ee eece cece ee eeeeeeeeeecaaeeeeeeeeeetaeeeeaeeeeaes GEN 3.5 - 13
5.2 SIGMET Format... ccceeeecneeeeeeescaeeeeeeeseeeeeeeaaes GEN 3.5 - 16
5.3 AIRMET 0.0... cece cece eceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecaaeeeeeeeesecaeeeseneeeeaas GEN 3.5 - 21
5.4 Volcanic Activity 00.0.0... cccceeccceeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee GEN 3.5 - 26
6. HAZARDOUS WEATHER .........::::ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeteneeeees GEN 3.5 - 28
6.1 Responsibility........... cee ceeeeeeeecneceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseaaees GEN 3.5 - 28
6.2 Wind Shear - Pilot Reporting ..............::::eeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 29
7. AUTOMATIC METEOROLOGICAL
BROADCASTS ......ccccccecceeeeeeeeceeeeeeee
cease eeeeeeetaeeeeeneeees GEN 3.5 - 29
7.2 Automatic En Route Information Service
(AERIS)........ccccececeeeeeeeee
cece eesaaeeseeeeeesaaaeseeeeeesaeeseenees GEN 3.5 - 30
7.3 VOLMET 0. eee ee sees eeeaee sees eeneaeenenees GEN 3.5 - 30
AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 0.6 - 13
7.4 Aerodrome Weather Information Service
(AWIS) and Weather and Terminal Information
Reciter (WATIR) .......::ccccceesseceeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesaeeeeenees GEN 3.5 - 31
8. METEOROLOGICAL BRIEFING ........0::ccccceeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 32
9. AVAILABILITY OF METEOROLOGICAL
DOCUMENTATION ....00....ccccceeecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseneeeesaeeees GEN 3.5 - 32
10. NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FROM
OPERATORS ......eeeccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeetaeeeeeaeeee GEN 3.5 - 33
10.1 For International Operations ..........0. cee GEN 3.5 - 33
10.2 For Domestic Operations...............:cc:cccecceteeeeeeeeee GEN 3.5 - 33
10.3 Forecasts for Flights - Valid Graphical
Area Forecasts (GAFs) not Available ........0..00...2: GEN 3.5 - 33
11. AIREP 00... eee cece eect e eects eeeeee teas eteeeeeeeaeeeteeeeeee GEN 3.5 - 34
11.1 AIREP Special ........ cc cccceeeeeeecseeeeteeeeeeseeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 34
11.2 Short AIREP...0.....c eee eee cee eeceeeeeeeeeeseaeeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 34
11.3 AIREP Section 3 Required from
Operators 00... .. cc cee ee cece eeeeeceeee cee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaeaaeeeeeeeeeeenes GEN 3.5 - 35
12. AERODROME WEATHER AND FORECAST
DECODE ......eccccececececeeeeceeeeeeaeeeseeeeeeaeeeeaaeeseceeeseaaeeneaes GEN 3.5 - 35
12.1 Identifier 2.0... cece cece cece eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeaeaeeees GEN 3.5 - 35
12.2 LOCATION 00.2... eee e cece ee eeeeeetee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeesnnaeaeeees GEN 3.5 - 35
12.3 Origination Time. ..............:c:ccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeesteeteaeeees GEN 3.5 - 36
12.4 Validity Period .0..........cceeecceeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeaaeees GEN 3.5 - 36
12.5 AUTO wo. ceeecccccce cette eeeneeeeeaeeeeeeeeecaaeeseeeeeetaeeeneneees GEN 3.5 - 36
12.6 WIN... eee eeeeeeeeene ee ceaeeceeeeeeeeaeeseeeeeetsaeeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 36
12.7 Visibility 2.00. ccc cce ee ceeeeeeeeeeeecaeeeeeeeeetaeeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 37
12.8 Automatic Visibility Information ...............::0ce GEN 3.5 - 37
12.9 Runway Visual Range (RVR)...........::::ccsseeeees GEN 3.5 - 38
12.10 Present Weather..............::c:cccceceeeeeeeeeeeeseeeteaeeees GEN 3.5 - 39
12.11 Automatic Present Weather Information............ GEN 3.5 - 39
12.12 ClOUL.. eee eeceeeecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecaeeeeeeeeetaeeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 39
12.13 CAVOK 00. ceccccecee eects ee eeeeceeeeeeeaeesteeeeetaeeeteneees GEN 3.5 - 40
12.14 Automatic Weather Stations with Cloud
INFOPMALION «0... cece e cece eee eeeeeeeteaeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeestnaeaeeees GEN 3.5 - 41
12.15 Significant Variation ..........c
cc cceceeeeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 41
12.16 Temperature .0........ cee cece ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeneeaaeees GEN 3.5 - 42
12.17 QNH occ
ener ee eene nae eeeeeeaaeeeeeenaeeeeeneaaees GEN 3.5 - 42
12.18 Supplementary Information.............:::eeeees GEN 3.5 - 43
GEN 0.6 - 14 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia
12.19 Remarks Section............cccccccccsssssseeeeeeesseeseeeeeaees GEN 3.5 - 43
12.20 Elements Not Available.................ccccccsssseeeeeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 43
12.21 Trend Forecast (TTF).........::::ccccceceeeceeseeseeteeeeees GEN 3.5 - 43
12.22 Examples .0...0....cccccccceeceeeceecceeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeesnnseaeeees GEN 3.5 - 44
13. WEATHER CODE AND TRANSLATION...............06 GEN 3.5 - 46
14. METAR/SPECI (AERODROME WEATHER
REPORT) FORMAT ..........:::ccccccsesseceeeseseeeeeesssneeeeeseeaaes GEN 3.5 - 47
15. TAF - AERODROME FORECAST .............:0:000000000eees GEN 3.5 - 48
16. AERODROMES AND CATEGORIES FOR
WHICH TAF WILL BE AVAILABLE .................:ccssseeeeees GEN 3.5 - 49
17. TTF - TREND FORECASTS ........ccccccccccccececeseeeeeeeaeaes GEN 3.5 - 52
18. GRAPHICAL AREA FORECASTS (GAF) FOR
OPERATIONS AT AND BELOW 10,000FT.................. GEN 3.5 - 53
18.2 Preparation and Issue TiMeS...........0:::ccceeceeeees GEN 3.5 - 53
18.3 Approved Abbreviations Used in Graphical
Area Forecasts (GAF).........2..:::c::cceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneaeees GEN 3.5 - 53
18.4 Sections of the Graphical Area Forecast
(GAF) .....ccccccccesseccceceecsneceececseeeeeesseeeeeeesseneaeeesseeseaeess GEN 3.5 - 54
18.5 Changes to GAFs and Corrected GAF ................ GEN 3.5 - 54
19. FORECASTS FOR OPERATIONS ABOVE
5 0) 0)0)0) ol eee GEN 3.5 - 55
20. SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHARTS ...........c.cccceeeeeees GEN 3.5 - 56
21. GRID POINT WIND AND TEMPERATURE
(GPWT) FORECAST S.........ccccccccessseceeeeesssteeeeeessneeeeenens GEN 3.5 - 57
22. ROUTE SECTOR WINDS AND
TEMPERATURES ...........:cccccssscssscscscscssecscscsesssesssessrees GEN 3.5 - 59
23. SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHARTS -
cS) AN) | 510) ee GEN 3.5 - 61
24.EXAMPLES. ...........ccccccseseseseeecececeecececeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeess GEN 3.5 - 62
24.1 Significant Weather Prognosis..............::c0ccee GEN 3.5 - 62
24.2 Wind and Temperature Charts ..............:::ceeees GEN 3.5 - 64
24.3 Volcanic Ash AdVISOFY ...........:2::c:cceeeeeeeeeeeeeeseaeees GEN 3.5 - 66
AIP Australia 09 NOV 2017 GEN 3.5 - 1

GEN 3.5 METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

1. METEOROLOGICAL AUTHORITY
1.1 Meteorological services for civil aviation in Australia and its
territories are provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
(BoM).
Postal Address:
Director of Meteorology
GPO Box 1289
MELBOURNE
VICTORIA Australia 3001
Telegraph Address: METAUST MELBOURNE
Telex Address: AA 30664
Ph: 03 9669 4000
Fax: 03 9669 4699
1.2 Area of Responsibility
The area of responsibility of the Australian BoM covers the
Australian FIRs and Australian external territories in other FIRs.
Meteorological watch for an area or a route is carried out by
officers of the BoM by surveillance of all reports for an area or
route, with the object of amendment of forecasts and/or the
issue of SIGMET and AIRMET advices. Meteorological watch
service is provided to the pilot in command through ATS units.
2. METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES
2.1 Meteorological services are provided by officers of the BoM
within the types of meteorological offices listed below:
a. Aviation Weather Centre (AWC). AWC is located within the
Bureau National Operations Centre (BNOC) at Melbourne
and originates forecasts and warnings for operations above
A100 on domestic air routes and for international operations
within the Australian region.
b. Regional Forecasting Centre (RFC). RFCs are located at
State Capital cities. For aviation requirements, RFCs
originate and obtain warnings, forecasts and other relevant
information for flights with which they are concerned and
maintain a meteorological watch over the aerodromes for
which they are responsible.

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GEN 3.5 - 2 09 NOV 2017 AIP Australia

c. Defence Weather Service Office (DWSO). DWSOs provide

forecasts and warnings for at least the local aerodrome. They
also supply and display meteorological information and
provide briefing and documentation for military aircrew.
d. Meteorological Watch Office (MWO). MWOs are located
within all RFCs. They maintain watch over meteorological
conditions affecting flight operations in assigned areas and
prepare and disseminate SIGMET information relating to
these areas.
e. Meteorological Office (MO). MOs provide a range of
observing and forecasting functions. In particular, local
aviation forecasting services are offered at Cairns and
Canberra. The primary role of other Meteorological offices is
the taking, recording and transmission of surface and upper
air observations. They do not provide meteorological briefing
services to pilots, but may assist, if required, in explaining the
meaning of terms used in forecasts. With prior notice, some
of these offices may be able to assist in arranging to have
documentation available.
f. Airport Meteorological Unit (AMU). Currently, the only AMU
in Australia is located at Sydney Airport. Its main function is
to provide meteorological services for Sydney Airport and
support for air traffic services, and users of Sydney Airport. It
provides a telephone briefing service only.
g. Meteorological Support for the Network Coordination
Centre (NCC). This unit is located within Airservices’ NCC to
provide meteorological support to the centre.
2.2 Meteorological information is available by telephone and
electronic briefing systems from the Network Coordination
Centre (NCC) Pilot Briefing Office, located in Canberra. Contact
details are:
Airservices Pilot Briefing Office
GPO Box 367
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Ph: +61 2 6268 5062
Fax: +61 2 6268 5033

93
AIP Australia 09 NOV 2017 GEN 3.5 - 3
2.3 METAR, SPECI, TTF and TAF will generally be encoded using
the international weather code listed at Section 13. When these
messages are passed to pilots verbally, limited plain language
will be used. See Section 12. for other details relating to the
decoding of aerodrome weather forecasts.
2.4 ATS Meteorological Information Service
The ATS meteorological information service is contained within
the Flight Information Service (FIS) described in GEN 3.3
Section 2.
3. AVIATION FORECASTS
3.1 Interpretation and Use of Forecasts
The specific value of any of the meteorological elements given in
a forecast shall be understood to vary due to the limitations of
forecasting techniques and limitations caused by the definition of
some of the elements. The recipient shall understand that any
specific element in a forecast will be the probably value which
the element is likely to assume during the period of the forecast.
Similarly, when the time of occurrence or change of an element
is given in a forecast, this time shall be understood to be the
probably time which is likely during the period of the forecast.
3.2 Graphical Area Forecasts (GAF) for Operations Surface to
10,000FT
3.2.1 These domestic forecasts are issued for aircraft operations at or
below 10,000FT. They comprise of an image and supporting text
detailing the meteorological conditions. More details are
provided in Section 18. GAFs are prepared and issued for the 10
areas as detailed on AUS PCA and shown on the following
page, at times covering periods set out in para 18.2, using
abbreviations detailed in para 18.3.
D

93
GEN 3.5 - 4 09 NOV 2017 AIP Australia

Forecasts for critical locations are included in some GAFs.

These are Bowral (BWL - NSW-E), Mt Victoria (MVI - NSW-E),
Murrurundi (MUI - NSW-E) and Kilmore Gap (KMG - VIC).
Aerodrome Weather Reports (AWRs), i.e. METAR/SPECI and
AWIS, are only available for MUI and KMG. However, AWRs
from Moss Vale (MSV) and Mount Boyce (MTB) typically provide
representative observations for BWL and MVI respectively.
A Flight Forecast (text based forecasts) may be issued for any
part of a flight for which a routine GAF is not prepared.
3.2.2 These forecasts are available from the ATS automated briefing
systems and briefing offices listed in ERSA GEN.
3.3 Forecasts for Operations Above 10,000FT
3.3.1 These forecasts are issued in chart form for aircraft operations
above 10,000FT. They are issued for the area and at times
covering the periods set out in Section 19. and utilise symbols
and abbreviations to depict significant meteorological conditions,
and grid-point winds and temperatures as detailed in para 21.
3.3.2 They are available from the ATS automated briefing systems
NAIPS-AVFAX or charts, ATS briefing offices by telephone or
facsimile, and MET offices.

93
AIP Australia 09 NOV 2017 GEN 3.5 - 5
3.3.3 The following upper-air charts and data are issued:
a. significant weather (SIGWX) charts (refer section 20.)
b. grid point forecasts (refer section 21.)
c. route sector winds and temperatures (refer section 22.)
d. wind and temperature charts (refer section 24.2).
3.4 Aerodrome Forecasts
3.4.1 Aerodrome forecasts (TAF) are a statement of meteorological
conditions expected for a specified period in the airspace within
a radius of 5NM of the ARP.
3.4.2 The TAF service is typically provided in accordance with the
aerodrome’s TAF category, the category being determined by
the aerodrome type (refer to para 3.4.3).
3.4.3 Category description and routine TAF service are as follows:
Category Aerodrome Type Routine TAF Service
A International. Issued 6 hourly, valid for 24 or 30
hours.
Commencement times 00, 06, 12
and 18 UTC.
B Large: Issued 6 hourly, valid for 12 or 18
Passengers > 150 000 hours.
or Commencement times 00, 06, 12
Movements > 75,000 and 18 UTC.
C Medium: Issued 6 hourly, typically valid for 12
Passengers > 50,000 hours.
or Commencement times are 02, 08, 14
Movements > 10,000 and/or 20 UTC, except in Western
Australia where commencement
times are 04, 10, 16 and/or 22 UTC.
D Small: Issued 6 or 12 hourly, valid for up to
Aerodromes meeting 12 hours.
passenger and move- Commencement times are typically
ment thresholds, or 20 and/or 02 UTC, except in Western
other operational crite- Australia where commencement
ria. times are typically 22 and/or 04 UTC.
Note 1: Commencement times for C and D TAFs will be one hour
earlier in States using Daylight Saving.

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GEN 3.5 - 6 09 NOV 2017 AIP Australia

Note 2: TAF will be provided upon request for other locations in

support of SAR and emergency flights.
Note 3: The content of TAF, and locations for which TAF are
issued and their categories, are given in section 15. and 16.
3.5 Airport Weather Briefings (AWB)
3.5.1 Airport Weather Briefings (AWB) are provided for Brisbane
(YBBN), Melbourne (YMML), Adelaide (YPAD), Perth (YPPH)
and Sydney (YSSY) aerodromes only. The AWB is provided to
expand on the information provided in the TAF. Once issued, it is
not amended or updated.
3.5.2 AWBs are issued as follows. For YSSY, the AWB is issued after
each routine TAF issuance, i.e. they are issued four times per
day. For the other locations, the AWBs are issued only after
issuance of the 18Z and 06Z TAFs, i.e. they are issued twice a
day.
3.5.3 The Thunderstorm Potential section gives the probability of
thunderstorms occurring within the Terminal Area of major
airports. The Outlook section gives a brief description of the
weather for the following two or three days based on the Public
Weather forecasts. The Other Possibilities section of the AWB
includes comments on possibilities, other than thunderstorms,
that may occur during the validity of the TAF.
This will particularly include low probabilities of fog. It can
include conditions that have a less than 30% chance of
occurring, or if there is uncertainty as to the timing of the event.
3.6 Trend Forecast (TTF)
3.6.1 TTFs are prepared for the following locations:
Adelaide, Amberley, Brisbane, Darwin, Cairns, Canberra, East
Sale, Melbourne, Nowra, Oakey, Pearce, Perth, Sydney, Tindal,
Townsville and Williamtown.
Note: The provision of TTF at some aerodromes is limited to
routine flights only. METAR/SPECI is normally available outside
these hours.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 7
3.6.2 TTF is defined as an aerodrome weather report (METAR/
SPECI) to which a statement of trend is appended. The TTF
relates to weather conditions expected to affect the aerodrome
of origin for the validity period of the forecast. The validity period
is normally three hours, commencing at the time of observation.
However, where the TTF service is not a 24 hour service, the
validity period will be less than three hours during the last three
hours of service. The end time of this shortened validity period
will be indicated in the remarks section, e.g. USE TAF FOR
ARRIVAL AFTER 0800Z.
3.6.3 The TTF supersedes the TAF for its validity period and is the
current forecast for pilots of aircraft whose arrival time falls within
the validity period. It should be noted that PROB is not used in
TTF (but is included in TAF). For aerodromes where the TTF
service is not a 24 hour service, the TAF will become the valid
forecast from the time indicated in the remarks section of the
TTF, e.g. USE TAF FOR ARRIVAL AFTER 0800Z. For pilots
whose arrival time falls outside the TTF validity period, the TAF
is the current forecast.
3.6.4 Where applicable, TTF replaces TAF and present weather in
VOLMET broadcasts.
3.7 Forecast Abbreviations and Terms
3.7.1 In reports, forecasts and Graphical Area Forecasts, the amount
of cloud will be indicated by the following abbreviations:
D
FEW = 1 TO 2 OKTAS
SCT = 3 TO 4 OKTAS
BKN = 5 TO 7 OKTAS
OVC = 8 OKTAS
NSC and CAVOK = NIL SIGNIFICANT CLOUD
3.7.2 The only cloud types that are included in aeronautical code
format are towering cumulus (TCU) and cumulonimbus (CB).
Forecasts such as GAFs will also include cloud types other than
CB and TCU when appropriate.
3.7.3 In the case of CB and TCU cloud, the amount will be indicated in
“non-aerodrome” type forecasts as follows:

99
GEN 3.5 - 8 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

ISOL – ISOLATED – for individual CB and/or TCU over an

area with a maximum spatial coverage of
up to 50%
OCNL – OCCASIONAL – for well-separated CBs and/or TCUs
over an area with spatial coverage of
50-75%
FRQ – FREQUENT – for CBs and/or TCUs with little or no
separation over an area with spatial
coverage greater than 75%

3.7.4 >10KM is used in the visibility section of GAFs to indicate a

visibility greater than or equal to 10KM over the entire area.
When weather elements are forecast to reduce the visibility
below 10KM, the weather and associated visibilities are given.
Note that the visibility remains greater than or equal to 10KM in
parts of the area unaffected by those elements.
3.7.5 TEMPO and INTER indicate significant variations, from the
previously given mean conditions, of a temporary or intermittent
nature, expected during the period which is given in the TAF
format ddhh/ddhh, e.g. 0108/0114 (from 08 until 14 UTC on the
1st), or the TTF format hhmm/hhmm, e.g. 0630/0900 (from 0630
until 0900 hours UTC).
TEMPO is used when variations from the forecast mean
conditions are expected to last for periods of 30 minutes or more
but less than 60 minutes in each instance, and which in the
aggregate are not expected to cover more than half the given
period, i.e: the variations take place sufficiently infrequently such
that the mean conditions remain those of the preceding part of
the forecast.
INTER is used when variations from the forecast mean
conditions are expected to last for periods less than 30 minutes
in each instance and which, in the aggregate, are not expected
to cover more than half the given period, i.e: the variations take
place throughout the period sufficiently infrequently such that the
mean conditions remain those of the preceding part of the
forecast.

99
AIP Australia 09 NOV 2017 GEN 3.5 - 9
3.7.6 The change groups FM (from) and BECMG (becoming) are used
to specify significant changes (both deteriorations and
improvements) from the preceding information that are more
lasting in nature. FM is used when rapid changes are expected
at the specified time, and is given in the TAF format FMddhhmm,
e.g. FM301000 (from 1000 UTC on the 30th), or the TTF format
FMhhmm, e.g. FM1815 (from 1815 UTC). BECMG is given only
in TAF and is used when the changes are expected to develop
at a regular or irregular rate during the specified time period, and
is given in the format BECMG ddhh/ddhh, e.g. BECMG 3010/
3011 (between 10 and 11 UTC on the 30th). In both cases, the
new conditions will continue until the end of the validity period of
the TAF/TTF, or until replaced by another FM or BECMG.
3.7.7 PROB% is used in TAF to indicate an expected 30 or 40%
probability of occurrence. PROB is not used in TTF.
3.8 Cloud Height Datum
3.8.1 In aerodrome and trend forecasts, cloud heights are given above
aerodrome elevations. In other forecasts, heights are expressed:
a. as a flight level; or
b. with reference to mean sea level.
3.9 Forecast Amendments
3.9.1 Amendments to forecasts are issued as necessary when
changes are expected during the period of validity of a given
forecast.
3.10 Wind Shear Warning Service
3.10.1 Aircraft reports of wind shear encountered during climb and
descent are the primary means of detecting wind shear. The
MET forecasting office provides advice, when possible, on the
likely duration of the event and forecast low level winds.
3.10.2 Where wind shear has been observed and reported, or when
from a consideration of the meteorological situation it is
assessed as a risk, then a WIND SHEAR WARNING is issued.
Wind Shear Warnings for an event will specify a validity period,
and sequence numbers will be assigned to each warning
associated with an event. A Wind Shear Warning will be
cancelled when wind shear is no longer expected. This service is
provided at Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,
Darwin, Perth, Hobart and some Defence locations.

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 GEN 3.5 - 10 09 NOV 2017 AIP Australia

3.10.3 When wind shear is forecast or reported by pilots at an intensity

greater than “light”, this information, together with a forecast low
level wind, will be included on the ATIS at any of the above
aerodromes.
4. METEOROLOGICAL REPORTS
4.1 Aerodrome Weather Reports
Are reports of observations of meteorological conditions at an
aerodrome. The reports are generated by electronic recording
devices called Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and may
have manual input by approved observers. Manual input of
visibility, weather and cloud is for an area within a radius of
approximately 5NM of the ARP.
4.1.1 Owing to the variability of meteorological elements in space and
time, to limitations of observing techniques and to limitations
caused by the definitions of some of the elements, the specific
value of any of the elements given in a report shall be
understood by the recipient to be the best approximation to the
actual conditions at the time of observation.
4.2 Routine Reports (METAR)
Are issued at fixed times, hourly or half hourly, and are made
available at preflight briefing or on request to aircraft in flight
(METAR/SPECI composition is detailed in para 12.).
D
4.3 Special Reports (SPECI)
Aerodrome weather reports are issued whenever weather
conditions fluctuate about or are below specified criteria.
4.3.1 At staffed stations, SPECI reports are issued when either of the
following conditions are present:
a. when there is BKN or OVC cloud covering the celestial dome
below an aerodrome’s highest alternate minimum cloud base
or 1,500FT, whichever is higher; or
b. when the visibility is below an aerodrome’s highest alternate
minimum visibility or 5,000M, whichever is greater.
At non-staffed stations with cloud and visibility sensors, SPECI
for cloud and visibility based on output from these sensors may
also be issued.

93
AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 11
4.3.2 SPECI may also be issued under the following conditions:
a. wind:
(1) when mean direction changes by 30° or more, the mean
speed before or after the change being 20KT or more;
or
(2) when the mean speed changes by 10KT or more, the
mean speed before or after the change being 30KT or
more; or
(3) when gusts vary by 10KT or more from a mean speed of
15KT or more; or
(4) when a gust exceeds the last reported gust by 10KT or
more.
b. other conditions:
(1) when any of the following begins, ends or changes in
intensity - thunderstorm, moderate or heavy
precipitation, freezing precipitation, duststorm,
sandstorm, funnel cloud (tornado or waterspout), low
drifting or blowing dust, sand or snow, freezing fog;
(2) at the incidence of any other phenomena likely to be
significant to the operation of an aircraft;
(3) when the QNH altimeter setting changes by 2HPA or
more;
(4) when the temperature changes by 5°C or more.
(5) when the 10MIN mean RVR is less than 800M, and the
weather causing the obscuration is fog or mist.
4.4 Takeoff and Landing Reports
Are provided at aerodromes where a control tower is
established. This service may also be provided by a CA/GRS or
UNICOM, details of which can be obtained in ERSA.
4.4.1 Takeoff and landing reports are included on ATIS, where
available, or passed to aircraft reporting taxiing or inbound.
Takeoff and landing reports contain, as available, the following:
a. wind velocity, with direction in degrees magnetic;
b. altimeter setting;
c. air temperature (if appropriate to the type of aircraft);
d. low cloud, if significant;

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GEN 3.5 - 12 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

e. visibility, if significant - in metres up to and including 5,000M,

above this value in KM. A visibility greater than 10KM is given
as “VISIBILITY GREATER THAN 10KM”;
f. additional items, i.e. extent of cloud below the main ceiling,
disposition and intensity of rain, reported turbulence area,
presence of freezing fog, etc;
g. CAVOK - when the following conditions are observed to occur
simultaneously:
(1) visibility of 10KM or more;
(2) Nil significant cloud, i.e: no cloud below 5,000 FT or
below the highest 25NM minimum sector altitude,
whichever is greater, and no cumulonimbus or towering
cumulus at any height; and
(3) Nil significant weather, i.e: none of the weathers listed at
section 13.
When the term CAVOK is used, the elements d, e and f
will not be advised.
4.4.2 The meteorological information provided by Air Traffic
Controllers may be obtained by observation of the whole horizon
or only the area that will contain the probable flight path of an
aircraft. Reports based on AWS data will be limited to wind
direction and velocity, QNH and temperature, except when a
qualified observer at the aerodrome provides visually observed
information.
4.5 Approved Observers
4.5.1 “Approved Observers” are officers of the BoM, Air Traffic
Controllers, and other persons on the ground approved for the
purpose by the BoM and/or the CASA.
4.5.2 For the purpose of observing visibility for takeoff and landing at
an aerodrome, the pilot in command shall be deemed an
approved observer for that flight.
4.6 Observing Point
4.6.1 The location of the observing point for the aerodrome weather
reports is such that the meteorological conditions observed
within visual range, or interpreted from instruments at that point,
are representative of conditions at the aerodrome.

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AIP Australia 08 NOV 2018 GEN 3.5 - 13
4.7 Aircraft Weather Reports
4.7.1 The pilot in command of an aircraft is required to observe and
report en route meteorological conditions as prescribed in
para 6.1.4 and, for aircraft equipped with AMDAR, Section 11.3.
For this purpose, he/she is deemed an approved observer.
4.7.2 In addition to requirements for special AIREP reports concerning
MET conditions likely to affect the safety of other aircraft, pilots
in command of flights, in areas where ground meteorological
reports are scanty, are encouraged to report observations of
MET conditions which they consider will assist in the provision of
meteorological services.
5. METEOROLOGICAL ADVICES
5.1 SIGMET
5.1.1 SIGMET is a concise description of the occurrence or expected
occurrence, in an area over which area meteorological watch is
maintained, of specified phenomena which may affect the safety
of aircraft operations. They are issued for the following
phenomena:

Phenomenon Code Used

Obscured thunderstorms OBSC TS
Embedded thunderstorms EMBD TS
Frequent thunderstorms FRQ TS
Squall line thunderstorms SQL TS
Obscured thunderstorms with hail OBSC TSGR
Embedded thunderstorms with hail EMBD TSGR
Frequent thunderstorms with hail FRQ TSGR
Squall line thunderstorms with hail SQL TSGR
Tropical Cyclone TC
Severe turbulence SEV TURB
Severe icing SEV ICE
Severe icing due to freezing rain SEV ICE (FZRA)
Severe mountain wave SEV MTW
Heavy duststorm HVY DS
Heavy sandstorm HVY SS

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GEN 3.5 - 14 08 NOV 2018 AIP Australia

Phenomenon Code Used

Volcanic ash VA
Radioactive cloud RDOACT CLD

5.1.2 SIGMET for thunderstorms are only issued when the

thunderstorms are:
a) obscured (OBSC) by haze or smoke and cannot be
readily seen;
b) embedded (EMBD) within cloud layers and cannot be
readily recognised. The area affected would be of the
order of at least 3,0002NM over areas that currently
receive a GAF and at least 7,2002NM over remaining
areas;
c) frequent (FRQ) with little or no separation between
adjacent storms and covering more than 75% of the
area affected. The area affected would be of the order of
at least 3,0002NM over areas that currently receive a
GAF and at least 7,2002NM over remaining areas; or
d) squall line (SQL) thunderstorms, i.e: thunderstorms
along a line of about 100NM or more in length with little
or no separation between clouds.
5.1.3 SIGMETs for thunderstorms do not include reference to
cumulonimbus clouds or associated icing and turbulence as their
presence is implied.
5.1.4 SIGMETs for tropical cyclones include reference to the height of
cumulonimbus tops but no reference is made to thunderstorms
and associated icing and turbulence as their presence is implied.
5.1.5 SIGMETs for mountain waves are issued when accompanying
downdrafts of 600FT/MIN or more are estimated.
5.1.6 SIGMET for turbulence refers to low-level turbulence associated
with strong surface winds, to rotor streaming or to turbulence
near jet streams.
5.1.7 Pilots in command of aircraft encountering any of the above
phenomena for which a SIGMET has not been issued must
report details of the phenomenon in an AIREP SPECIAL.

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AIP Australia 08 NOV 2018 GEN 3.5 - 15
5.1.8 SIGMETs are issued by MET forecasters and disseminated by
ATS as an element of ATC initiated FIS to aircraft operating on
routes or in areas likely to be affected. This information will
normally relate the phenomenon reported to designated
reporting points, and where possible will indicate the area in
which the phenomenon exists.
5.1.9 SIGMET for volcanic ash cloud and tropical cyclones is issued
for the whole of Melbourne and Brisbane FIRs (YMMM and
YBBB).
5.1.10 SIGMET for turbulence or icing above 10,000FT are issued for
the whole of YBBB, and for YMMM to 50°S, extending
throughout YMMM south of 50°S upon request (See diagram
below for Australia FIRs).
5.1.11 SIGMET for thunderstorms are issues for the whole of YBBB,
and YMMM to 50°S.
5.1.12 SIGMET for phenomena at and below 10,000FT (other than
thunderstorms, tropical cyclones and volcanic ash) are issued
for the shaded area shown below and the remainder (including
south of 50°S) upon request.

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GEN 3.5 - 16 08 NOV 2018 AIP Australia

5.2 SIGMET Format

5.2.1 The format for SIGMET is shown below:

5.2.2 FIR gives the abbreviation of the Flight Information Region

(YMMM or YBBB) for which the SIGMET is issued.
5.2.3 The message identifier is SIGMET.
5.2.4 The three character sequence number (e.g. A01) consists of:
a. A single alpha character that will be assigned to the SIGMET
event (e.g. severe icing). This character will be used for any
subsequent SIGMETs issued for that event within the FIR.
There can be two Australian SIGMETs current with the same
alpha character simultaneously, one for each FIR (refer
examples at 5.2.13).
b. A two digit number, being a sequential count of the number of
SIGMETs issued for the event within the FIR.
5.2.5 The validity period is given in the format DDHHMM/DDHHMM
where DD is the day of the month and HHMM is the time in
hours and minutes UTC. The period of validity should not be
more than six hours for VA and TC SIGMET, and not more than
four hours for other phenomena.
5.2.6 The originating office gives the ICAO location indicator for the
BoM off issuing the SIGMET, i.e. one of the following:
YPRM Adelaide
YPRF Perth
YBRF Brisbane
YSRF Sydney
YPDM Darwin
YMRF Melbourne

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AIP Australia 28 FEB 2019 GEN 3.5 - 17
YMHF Hobart
YMMC Aviation Weather Centre Melbourne
5.2.7 FIR gives the code and full name of the Flight Information
Region for which the SIGMET is issued.
5.2.8 The meteorological information provides the following:
a) type of phenomenon
b) phenomenon observed or forecast
c) location, both horizontal and vertical extent
d) movement or expected movement
e) expected change in intensity
f) forecast position at the end of the validity period or at
the OBS + 6HR position (only for VA).
Note 1: the polygon given is the geographic position of the
phenomenon at the beginning of the validity period.
Note 2: the first point of a polygon may not be repeated when
describing the horizontal extent of an event.
Note 3: the vertical extent of an event will be given in feet AMSL
for levels at and below 10,000 feet (e.g. 9,000FT); and in flight
levels for levels above 10,000 feet (e.g. FL110).
Note 4: when an event straddles the boundary of the FIRs a
SIGMET for each FIR will be issued, and the horizontal extent of
the event given in each SIGMET will be the same.
5.2.9 If during the validity period of a SIGMET, the phenomenon is no
longer occurring or is no longer expected, the SIGMET is
cancelled by issuing a SIGMET with the abbreviation CNL,
followed by the sequence number and validity of the SIGMET
being cancelled, in lieu of meteorological information.
Cancellation SIGMET can be issued for a commencement time
in the future.
5.2.10 The Remarks (RMK) line includes the following information:
a) a two letter location designator to provide a quick
reference on the general location of the phenomenon
b) reference to any SIGMET in adjoining FIR (YMMM or
YBBB) that is current for the same event.

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GEN 3.5 - 18 28 FEB 2019 AIP Australia

5.2.11 The two letter location designator will be one of the following:
BN for events in YBBB north of 30° south
BS for events in YBBB south of 30° south
BB for events in YBBB that cross 30° south
MW for events in YMMM to the west of 130° east
ME for events in YMMM east of 130° east
MM for events in YMMM that cross 130° east
The areas covered by these designators are also shown in the
following diagram:

5.2.12 Reference to another SIGMET cancels a current SIGMET.

SIGMET current for the same event in the adjoining Melbourne
or Brisbane FIR (i.e: when the event straddles the boundary of
YMMM and YBBB).
5.2.13 Examples
The first example is a SIGMET for a turbulence event which is
initially confined to YBBB. The second and third SIGMETs are
subsequently issued because the extent of the turbulence is
expected to move south and straddle the boundary of YMMM
and YBBB. Note that the description of the horizontal extent of
the event is the same in both SIGMETs. The fourth and fifth
SIGMETs cancel C02 and C01 as the intensity of the turbulence
has weakened and no longer requires a SIGMET.
Example of a SIGMET for turbulence which is initially confined to
YBBB.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 19
1. YBBB SIGMET C01 VALID 100800/101200 YBRF-
YBBB BRISBANE FIR SEV TURB FCST WI YMNY - YJAK -
YEUO - YTHY SFC/9000FT MOV S 15KT NC
RMK: BN=
Examples of SIGMETs issued when the turbulence straddles the
boundary of YMMM and YBBB.
2. YBBB SIGMET C02 VALID 101200/101600 YBRF-
YBBB BRISBANE FIR SEV TURB FCST WI YARY - YTIB -
YWAG - YEMG 2000/9000FT MOV S 15KT WKN
RMK: BN SEE ALSO YMMM C01=
3. YMMM SIGMET C01 VALID 101200/101600 YSRF -
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR SEV TURB FCST WI YARY -
YTIB - YWAG - YEMG 2000/10000FT MOV S 15KT WKN
RMK: ME SEE ALSO YBBB C02=
Examples of cancelling SIGMETs
4. YBBB SIGMET C03 VALID 101500/101600 YBRF-
YBBB BRISBANE FIR CNL SIGMET C02 101200/101600
RMK: BN=
5. YMMM SIGMET C02 VALID 101500/1600 YSRF -
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR CNL SIGMET C01 101200/
101600
RMK: ME=
5.2.14 Graphical representations of text SIGMETs are also available in
NAIPS Flight Briefing. The polygon shown is the geographical
position of the phenomenon at the beginning of the validity
period. This product is intended for situational awareness, and
the text SIGMET should be used for flight planning purposes.
Coverage of this product is limited to those areas in the
Australian FIRs given in sections 5.1.9, 5.1.10 and 5.1.11.
5.2.14.1 The following three graphics will be automatically generated and
issued every 10 minutes and when a text SIGMET is issued:
a) Low level SIGMETs (affecting airspace below FL100);
b) High level SIGMETs (affecting airspace above FL100);
and
c) All SIGMETs
When the vertical extent of a phenomenon crosses FL100, the
SIGMET will be shown in all three graphics. The graphics will be
issued even if there are no text SIGMETs current.

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GEN 3.5 - 20 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

5.2.14.2 A graphical example is given below. The associated text

SIGMETs are also given.

1. YMMM SIGMET B01 VALID 240040/240440 YMHF –

YMMM MELBOURNE FIR SEV TURB FCST WI LRP –
LKEC – S4300 E14900 –SEC – YMSY SFC/8000FT STNR
INTSF
RMK: ME=
2. YMMM SIGMET J06 VALID 232145/240145 YPRF –
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR EMBD TS FCST WI S2500
E12400 – S2350 E11840 – S2100 E11600 – S1958 E12100
– S2130 E12820 TOP FL450 STNR NC
RMK: MW SEE ALSO YBBB I06=
3. YBBB SIGMET I06 VALID 232145/240145 YPRF –
YBBB BRISBANE FIR EMBD TS FCST WI S2500 E12400 –
S2350 E11840 – S2100 E11600 – S1958 E12100 – S2130
E12820 TOP FL450 STNR NC
RMK: BN SEE ALSO YMMM J06=

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 21
5.2.14.3 A decode of the information in the western-most box given in the
graphic above as follows:
Symbol Description
450 Upper limit of SIGMET (FL450)
Phenomenon symbol (Thunderstorm)

SFC Lower Limit of SIGMET (Surface)

EMBD Thunderstorm descriptor (Embedded)
J06 SIGMET number
232145/240145 SIGMET validity
NC Expected change in intensity
(No change)

5.2.14.4 A full decode of the phenomenon symbols used in these images

can be found at section 23.
5.2.14.5 There will be multiple SIGMETs displayed for the one
phenomenon when an extended (EXTD) SIGMET is first issued
and the previous SIGMET (for the same phenomenon) is yet to
expire; when a NEW SIGMET is first issued in response to a
significant change to an event given in a previous SIGMET, and
the previous SIGMET is yet to be cancelled; and when a
SIGMET includes a second forecast location.
5.2.14.6 If a text SIGMET cannot be rendered graphically, it will be
displayed in text format on the graphic.
5.3 AIRMET
5.3.1 AIRMET information concerns the occurrence or expected
occurrence, in an area over which meteorological watch is being
maintained, of one or more of the following phenomena when
the phenomena have not been included in a current GAF.

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GEN 3.5 - 22 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

Weather Element/ Criteria

Phenomenon
Visibility – Widespread areas of visibility of less
than 8,000M over an area of at least
3,000NM2; or
– Visibility of less than 5,000M in areas
of high traffic density
Cloud – Widespread areas of cloud coverage
of BKN or OVC below 1,500FT AGL
over an area of at least 3,000NM2; or
– Cloud coverage of BKN or OVC
below 1,000FT AGL in areas of high
traffic density; or
– Any cumulonimbus or towering
cumulus cloud
Weather – Isolated and occasional
thunderstorms (with and/or without
hail); or
– Moderate icing (not issued separately
when icing occurs in convective
clouds); or
– Moderate turbulence (not issued
separately when turbulence occurs in
convective clouds); or
– Moderate mountain waves
Freezing Level – Significant change in freezing level
(change of 2,000FT or more)

5.3.2 AIRMET information, which concerns phenomena of a lesser

degree of severity than SIGMET information, is given to aircraft
operating at or below 10,000FT.
5.3.3 AIRMET information is issued by MET forecasters and
disseminated by ATS as an element of ATC initiated FIS, to
aircraft operating on routes or in areas likely to be affected. It will
indicate the locality or area in which the phenomena exist or are
expected to exist.
5.3.4 Pilots in command who encounter any of the above phenomena,
which have not been notified by a forecast or an AIRMET
advice, should report the details by SHORT AIREP.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 23
Note: AIRMET information is additional to SIGMET information,
which is issued to all aircraft types.
5.3.5 AIRMET Format
The coding format of an AIRMET will mostly follow the ICAO
Annex 3 format, including the following specifics:
(1) two digit number providing sequential count of the
number of AIRMET issued per FIR since 0001UTC in
the day concerned
(2) The validity period of an AIRMET shall not exceed 4
hours; and
(3) Inclusion of a remark ('RMK') line, to list the identifiers of
GAFs that are impacted by the AIRMET. In addition,
‘SEE ALSO YXXX will be included when cross-
referencing of AIRMET messages is required to any
matching AIRMET in the other FIR.
5.3.6 AIRMET Structure
The structure of an Australian AIRMET is shown as follows:

5.3.6.1 Location Indicator

ICAO location indicator of the Australian Flight Information
Region (YMMM or YBBB) for which AIRMET is issued.
5.3.6.2 Message ID
The message identifier is “AIRMET”
5.3.6.3 Sequence Number
A two-digit sequence number corresponding to the number of
AIRMET messages issued within a FIR since the last 0001UTC,
commencing at 01.
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GEN 3.5 - 24 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

5.3.6.4 Validity period

The validity period is given in the format DDHHMM/DDHHMM,
where DD is the day of the month and HHMM is the time in
hours and minutes in UTC.
5.3.6.5 Issuing Office
The issuing office gives the ICAO indicator for the BoM office
issuing the AIRMET, i.e. one of:
YPRM Adelaide
YMRF Melbourne
YBRF Brisbane
YPDM Darwin
YPRF Perth
YMHF Hobart
YSRF Sydney
5.3.6.6 FIR
The abbreviation and full name of the Flight Information Region
for which the AIRMET is issued.
5.3.6.7 Phenomenon
The description of the phenomenon consists of a qualifier and a
phenomenon abbreviation.
5.3.6.8 Observed/Forecast
Indication of the element Observed or Forecast OBS [AT
<GGggZ>] or FCST
5.3.6.9 Location
The location of the phenomenon can be depicted as a single
location, where <CCCC> is an approved PCA location or it can
be depicted as an area bounded by a series of PCA locations or
geographical coordinates.
5.3.6.10 Level
The vertical extent of the phenomenon.
5.3.6.11 Movement
Movement or expected movement, where the direction is given
with reference to one of the 16 compass radials and speed is
given in knots (KT). The abbreviation STNR (stationary) is used
if no significant movement is expected.

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AIP Australia 24 MAY 2018 GEN 3.5 - 25
5.3.6.12 Intensity Change
The expected evolution of the phenomenon’s intensity is
indicated by one of the following abbreviations:
INTSF: intensifying
WKN: weakening
NC: no change
5.3.6.13 Remark
The remark (RMK) line includes additional information regarding
an AIRMET message, such as:
– list of GAF identifiers the AIRMET message applies to;
and/or
– cross-referencing AIRMET messages when a
phenomenon straddles the FIR boundary;
– any additional information deemed necessary.
5.3.6.14 In addition to the above, AIRMETs have the following
procedural/format requirements:
(i) AIRMETs will not be issued to notify of improvements to
weather in GAFs (corrected GAFs can be issued);
(ii) AIRMETs can be issued per GAF or per phenomena
(Note: when crossing FIR boundary a separate AIRMET
is issued for each FIR) at the forecaster’s discretion; and
(iii)An AIRMET will be cancelled when the phenomenon for
which the AIRMET has been issued is included in the
valid GAF(s) even if the commencement of the AIRMET
is in the future.
(iv)If during the validity period of an AIRMET, the
phenomenon is no longer occurring or is no longer
expected, the AIRMET is cancelled by issuing an
AIRMET with the abbreviation CNL, followed by the
sequence number and validity of the AIRMET being
cancelled. Cancellation AIRMET can be issued for a
commencement time in the future.

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GEN 3.5 - 26 24 MAY 2018 AIP Australia

5.3.7 AIRMET EXAMPLES

a) AIRMET for fog
YMMM AIRMET 01 VALID 231400/231800 YSRF –
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR SFC VIS 0300M (FG) FCST WI
YORG – KIAN – YBOM – YSCN SFC/0600FT STNR NC
RMK: GAF NSW-E
b) AIRMET for thunderstorms
YMMM AIRMET 02 VALID 190530/190930 YPRM –
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR ISOL TS OBS AT 0525Z WI YCFH -
YMRE - YCBP - YALA TOP ABV 10000FT MOV S 05KT NC
RMK: GAF SA
c) AIRMET for Melbourne FIR:
YMMM AIRMET 06 VALID 230800/231200 YSRF –
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR MOD TURB FCST WI YCTM – YBIA
– YGFN – YSNW SFC/8000FT MOV E 05KT NC
RMK: GAF NSW-E SEE ALSO YBBB 10
d) AIRMET for Brisbane FIR:
YBBB AIRMET 10 VALID 230800/231200 YSRF –
YBBB BRISBANE FIR MOD TURB FCST WI YCTM – YBIA –
YGFN – YSNW SFC/8000FT MOV E 05KT NC
RMK: GAF NSW-E SEE ALSO YMMM 06
e) AIRMET for change to freezing level
WAAU21 ASRF 030638
YBBB AIRMET 03 VALID 030656/031056 YSRF-
YBBB BRISBANE FIR FZ LVL OBS WI YBOM - YSWG - YSDU
- YSCO
8000FT STNR NC
RMK: GAF NSW-E
f) Cancel AIRMET for Example b)
YMMM AIRMET 07 VALID 190830/190930 YPRM –
YMMM MELBOURNE FIR CNL AIRMET 02 190530/190930
RMK: GAF SA
5.4 Volcanic Activity
5.4.1 General. Many volcanoes to the North and East of Australia are
active. This activity is monitored by local authorities, pilots and
by the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) operated
by the Bureau of Meteorology. During reported activity, the
following procedures will be adopted (pilots should be aware that
a volcano can erupt without notice):

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 27
5.4.2 Notification of Airborne Volcanic Ash Clouds. During flight
planning, pilots of aircraft proceeding towards known areas of
volcanic activity will be issued current NOTAM and SIGMET
information. The Darwin VAAC will issue a “Volcanic Ash
Advisory” message containing the following information:
(1) VA ADVISORY
(2) DTG (UTC year/month/day/time of issue)
(3) VAAC (name of issuing centre)
(4) VOLCANO (volcano name and IAVCEI reference
number)
(5) PSN (geographical coordinates of volcano in degrees
and minutes)
(6) AREA (State or region of ash)
(7) SUMMIT ELEVATION (AMSL in metres or feet)
(8) ADVISORY NR (year and incrementing number for
volcano)
(9) INFO SOURCE (free text, e.g. AIREP)
(10) AVIATION COLOUR CODE (red, orange, yellow, green,
unknown or nil)
(11) ERUPTION DETAILS (summary of the eruption)
(12) OBS VA DGT (UTC day & time of observation of ash)
(13) OBS VA CLD (horizontal & vertical extent of observed or
estimated ash cloud; and direction and speed of
movement of ash cloud)
(14) FCST VA CLD +6HR (Day/Time UTC of forecast;
horizontal & vertical extent of forecast ash cloud)
(15) FCST VA CLD +12HR (Day/Time UTC of forecast;
horizontal & vertical extent of forecast ash cloud)
(16) FCST VA CLD +18HR (Day/Time UTC of forecast;
horizontal & vertical extent of forecast ash cloud)
(17) RMK (NIL or free text)
(18) NXT ADVISORY (Date and Time UTC)
An example of this message is shown at Section 24.

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GEN 3.5 - 28 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

5.4.3 Prolonged Volcanic Activity. In conjunction with neighbouring

States, temporary airspace and airways will be established to
avoid hazardous areas, and notified by NOTAM.
5.4.4 Pilot Reports. Pilots of aircraft crossing or intending to cross
countries in SE Asia and the SW Pacific which promulgate active
volcano NOTAM, SIGMET or ADVICES should refer to
APPENDIX 1 to this Section.
6. HAZARDOUS WEATHER
6.1 Responsibility
6.1.1 Pilots, meteorologists and ATS cooperate to ensure accurate
information is promulgated to assist pilots in the avoidance of
hazardous weather, particularly volcanic ash cloud and
phenomena associated with thunderstorms.
6.1.2 Meteorologists are responsible for the observation of weather
phenomena and forecasting their occurrence, development and
movement, in terms applicable to aircraft operations.
6.1.3 ATS is responsible for distributing reports of hazardous
meteorological conditions to pilots as a part of the Flight
Information Service. ATS also makes visual and limited radar
weather observations for the information of meteorologists and
pilots, and is responsible for relaying pilot weather reports to the
BoM. At some locations, ATS may supplement weather advice
with weather radar data. Details are given at GEN 3.3
Section 2.13.
6.1.4 The pilot must advise ATS promptly of any hazardous weather
encountered, or observed either visually or by radar. When
practicable, observations should include as much detail as
possible, including location and severity. Hazardous weather
includes, in particular, thunderstorms, severe turbulence, hail,
icing, line squalls, and volcanic ash cloud.
6.1.5 Pilots are responsible for the safety of their own aircraft using
advices and clearances passed by ATS and information
obtained from their own visual or airborne radar observations.
Outside controlled airspace all hazardous weather avoidance
action is the sole responsibility of the pilot.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 29
6.2 Wind Shear - Pilot Reporting
6.2.1 Wind shear encountered by aircraft must be reported by pilots to
ATS as aircraft following may not have the performance required
to recover from the same wind shear encounter. The wind shear
may also be increasing in intensity, making flight through the
wind shear more dangerous for following traffic.
6.2.1.1 Due to cockpit workload, reports may be initially reported as
WIND SHEAR ESCAPE and a full report provided when
workload allows.
6.2.1.2 The full report must include:
a. an assessment of the intensity as follows:
(1) light - shear causing minor excursions from flight path
and/or airspeed;
(2) moderate - shear causing significant effect on control of
the aircraft;
(3) strong - shear causing difficulty in keeping the aircraft to
desired flight path and/or airspeed; or
(4) severe - shear causing hazardous effects to aircraft
controllability; and
b. a factual plain language report regarding airspeed/ground
speed changes (gain or loss) or undershoot/overshoot
effects; and
c. the altitude or altitude band at which the adverse effect was
experienced; and
d. where practicable, other relevant information such as
significant changes in wind direction and/or speed may be
included.
6.2.2 At non-controlled aerodromes, the report should also be
broadcast to all aircraft on the CTAF and should include the
name of the aerodrome.
6.2.3 The responsibility to continue an approach to land, or to takeoff,
following notification of low level wind shear rests with the pilot in
command.
7. AUTOMATIC METEOROLOGICAL BROADCASTS
7.1 Routine broadcasts of selected operational meteorological
information for use by aircraft in flight are made from suitable
locations using discrete ground-to-air frequencies.

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GEN 3.5 - 30 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

7.2 Automatic En Route Information Service (AERIS)

7.2.1 The AERIS continuously broadcasts METAR/SPECI and TTF
(where available) from a network of VHF transmitters installed
around Australia. Details of transmitter sites, frequencies and
locations for which meteorological information is provided are at
ERSA GEN-FIS.
7.3 VOLMET
7.3.1 VOLMET broadcasts are prefixed by the designator “VOLMET”
and may contain:
a. METAR/SPECI or Trend Forecast (TTF) when available, and
b. advice regarding the availability of SIGMET.
7.3.2 Individual VOLMET broadcasts will not exceed five (5) minutes
duration.
7.3.3 Cloud types, excepting cumulonimbus, will not be included in
VOLMET broadcasts.
7.3.4 Reference to the need to amend the current aerodrome
forecasts is not included in VOLMET broadcasts of trend
forecasts. Specific information regarding VOLMET broadcasts is
detailed in the following table:
Location Callsign FREQ Sequence Form Contents Remarks
Hours (kHz) (Note)
(UTC)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Alice Australian 6676 00 - 05 TTF Sydney Plain
Springs 11387 and TTF Brisbane language
H24 30 - 35 TTF Cairns
TTF Townsville
TTF Melbourne
TTF Adelaide
TTF Darwin
TTF Perth
Note: If time permits, additional information will include the
availability of SIGMET. Should time not permit transmission of all
content, deletions will be in reverse order of transmission.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 31
7.4 Aerodrome Weather Information Service (AWIS) and
Weather and Terminal Information Reciter (WATIR)
7.4.1 AWIS and WATIR provide actual weather conditions via
telephone and, at specified locations, broadcast. Most
broadcasts are continuous (updated every minute) but some (as
indicated in ERSA) must be activated by a press-to-talk (PTT)
pulse. AWIS provides information from the AWS. WATIR
combines the AWS information with additional terminal
information from the airport operator.
7.4.2 Basic AWSs provide wind direction and speed, temperature,
humidity, pressure setting and rainfall. Advanced AWSs provide
automated cloud and visibility and some AWSs also provide
additional present weather fields (for example FG and TS).
7.4.3 AWIS will provide some of the following information:
a. Message identifier e.g. “AWS AERODROME WEATHER” OR
“AUTOMATED WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE”.
b. station identifier as a plain language station name,
c. wind direction in degrees Magnetic and speed in Knots,
d. altimeter setting (QNH),
e. temperature in whole degrees Celsius,
f. cloud below 10,000FT*,
g. visibility*,
h. dew point in whole degrees Celsius,
i. RH,
j. RVR at selected locations ^,
k. rainfall over the previous 10 minutes, and
l. present weather information*.
*See sub-sections 12.8, 12.13 and 12.14 for information on
automated visibility, weather and cloud output.
^See ERSA FAC for aerodrome specific details.

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GEN 3.5 - 32 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

7.4.4 AWIS and WATIR information is considered to be automated

“real time” data. When information is not available from an
installed sensor, either because of invalid data or an inoperative
sensor, the relevant element of the broadcast will be identified
as “[ELEMENT NAME] CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE”; e.g.
“TEMPERATURE CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE”. When the
information from the AWIS is determined as being corrupt,
incomplete, or not available, a NOTAM will be issued.
7.4.5 The integrity of the barometric system in BoM-accepted AWSs is
such that they are an approved source of QNH. Therefore, QNH
from these AWSs may be used in accordance with ENR 1.5
section 5.3.
7.4.6 When AWIS information is available after hours (AH), and the
aerodrome is uncontrolled, reference will be made to its
availability in ATIS ZULU.
7.4.7 The availability of AWIS and WATIR is contained in ERSA FAC
and ERSA MET.
8. METEOROLOGICAL BRIEFING
8.1 A limited elaborative briefing service is available from Regional
Forecasting Centres (RFCs) and Meteorological Offices (MOs)
on the following telephone numbers (briefing may not be
available 24/7):
Adelaide 08 8366 2617 Hobart 03 6221 2026
Canberra 02 6249 6579 Melbourne 03 9669 4850
Cairns 07 4034 9437 Perth 08 9263 2255
Brisbane 07 3229 1854 Sydney 02 9296 1527
Darwin 08 8920 3814
Note: Conversations on these briefing services are recorded.
9. AVAILABILITY OF METEOROLOGICAL DOCUMENTATION
Available documents include the following:
a. surface synoptic charts,
b. forecast medium and upper level charts,
c. satellite imagery,
d. grid point winds and temperatures,
e. route sector winds and temperatures,

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 33
f. significant weather charts, and
g. Graphical Area Forecasts (GAFs), and
h. TAFs and TTFs.
10. NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FROM OPERATORS
10.1 For International Operations
Forecast Required Availability Notice
Required
a)Preliminary operational 3 - 24 hours before 8 hours
planning (to assist in the EOBT
general planning of the
following day’s operations)
b)Preflight At least 3 8 hours
hours before EOBT
c)En route As arranged

10.2 For Domestic Operations

10.2.1 All meteorological information issued on a routine basis and held
by the briefing office concerned is available without prior notice.
Eight (8) hours notice is required for non-routine forecasts
unless stated otherwise in 10.3.
10.3 Forecasts for Flights - Valid Graphical Area Forecasts
(GAFs) not Available
10.3.1 Flight Forecasts required for flights for which valid GAFs are not
available will be supplied subject to the request being received
three (3) days prior to departure and forecaster capacity to
provide the service.
Note: Every effort will be made to expedite MET documentation
for Mercy and SAR flights.
10.3.2 Notification should include part or all of the following information
as applicable:
a. departure aerodrome and EOBT;
b. destination and ETA;
c. route;
d. ETAs and EOBTs for intermediate stopping places;
e. heights for upper winds and temperatures;
f. time documentation required

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GEN 3.5 - 34 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

11. AIREP
11.1 AIREP Special
11.1.1 A pilot in command should make a special AIREP report when
requested, or as soon as practicable after encountering any
SIGMET phenomenon (refer para 5.1.1), or any other MET
condition which is likely to affect the safety or markedly affect the
efficiency of other aircraft.
11.1.2 The estimate of next position may be omitted from an AIREP
SPECIAL report except where the report is made at a planned
position reporting point.
11.1.3 In the climb-out and approach phases, a pilot in command must
report meteorological conditions, not previously advised, which
are likely to affect the safety of aircraft operations.
11.2 Short AIREP
11.2.1 Short AIREP should be provided by pilots when requested.
ATS should be advised when a pilot encounters:
a. Cloud - unexpected significant variations to amount, base or
tops (by reference to QNH);
b. Visibility - reduced due fog, mist, hail, rain, snow or dust, or
improvement observed;
c. Wind - significant variation to forecast;
d. Other Phenomena - incidence of severe or moderate
turbulence, thunderstorms, moderate or severe icing, hail,
line squalls, standing waves or winds of 40KT or more within
2,000FT of ground level.
11.2.2 The report comprises:
a. callsign of the ground station;
b. callsign of the aircraft;
c. Short AIREP;
d. position and time; or
e. EN ROUTE (departure point) TO (destination);
f. weather report.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 35
11.3 AIREP Section 3 Required from Operators
11.3.1 AIREP meteorological information reporting points are indicated
by the symbols and on en route charts (ERC-L and ERC -
H). Meteorological information, if required, is provided by
AMDAR equipped aircraft at these reporting points by the
inclusion of AIREP Section 3 (see GEN 3.4 APPENDIX 2).
Additionally, whenever conditions experienced are significantly
above or below those forecast, AIREP including Section 3
should be submitted by AMDAR equipped aircraft. (See also
Section 4.7 and ENR 1.1 para 2.10.3.1).
11.3.2 All AMDAR equipped flights are required to transmit
meteorological information from MET reporting points shown on
charts which are used in lieu of Australian AIP aeronautical
charts.
D
12. AERODROME WEATHER AND FORECAST DECODE
12.1 Identifier
12.1.1 METAR is used to identify routine observations (hourly or half
hourly) when conditions are at or above specified levels. SPECI
is used to identify special observations; i.e: observations when
conditions are below specified criteria, or when there have been
significant changes since the previous report. SPECI is also
used to identify observations reported 10 minutes following an
improvement to above SPECI conditions.
12.1.2 TTF METAR or TTF SPECI is used to identify METAR or SPECI
to which a trend forecast is appended (see also para 3.6.2). The
use of this identifier is restricted to those locations that issue
Trend Forecasts.
12.1.3 TAF, TAF AMD, TAF COR, TAF... CNL, TAF... and NIL are used
to identify Aerodrome Forecast, Amended Aerodrome Forecast,
Corrected Aerodrome Forecast, Cancelled Aerodrome Forecast
and Nil Aerodrome Forecast.
Note: Message formats can be found at Section 14. for METAR/
SPECI, Section 15. for TAF, and Section 17. for TTF.
12.2 Location
12.2.1 The location is indicated by the ICAO location indicator, the
place name, or the approved abbreviation.

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GEN 3.5 - 36 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

12.3 Origination Time

12.3.1 The origination date/time of TAF and METAR/SPECI is given in
UTC using a six figure group followed by the abbreviation Z.
12.4 Validity Period
12.4.1 The validity period of a TAF is given in UTC in the format ddhh/
ddhh, where ddhh is the day of month and hour, e.g: 0100/0206
is a validity period from 00 UTC on the 1st until 0600 UTC on the
2nd.
12.5 AUTO
12.5.1 This group will be included when the METAR/SPECI contains
only automated observations, which may include visibility,
present weather, and cloud.
12.5.2 When the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) includes sensors
for horizontal visibility, present weather and cloud, the AUTO
report will include the parameters from these sensors in the
“body of the message” (where previously only manually
observed visibility, present weather and cloud data were
included).
Note: Pilots should exercise caution when interpreting
automated visibility, present weather and cloud information as
data from these instruments may not be equivalent to human
observations.
12.6 Wind
12.6.1 Wind direction is rounded to the nearest 10 degrees and is given
in three (3) figures relating to True North.
12.6.2 Wind speeds are given in two (2) figures.
12.6.3 When the wind is calm, the group is encoded as 00000KT.
12.6.4 A variable wind direction is given as VRB and is used when the
reporting or forecasting of a mean wind direction is not possible,
such as in the following conditions:
a. Light winds (3KT or less).
b. When forecasting a single direction is not possible; e.g. with a
tropical cyclone, or with the passage of a thunderstorm, in
which case the forecast wind might be, for example,
VRB60KT.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 37
12.6.5 Maximum wind speed is given only when it is 10KT or more
greater than the mean wind speed. It is indicated by the letter G
which is followed by the maximum wind speed; e.g. 280°, mean
speed 20KT, maximum speed 35KT, is given as 28020G35KT
12.6.6 At some aerodromes, an additional wind group will be given in
METAR/SPECI when the direction varies by 60° or more during
the sampling period (normally 10 minutes). The group gives the
extreme range of directions in clockwise order, e.g. 360V090.
12.7 Visibility
12.7.1 In TAF, the prevailing visibility (the greatest visibility covering
more than half the aerodrome) is always given.
12.7.2 In METAR/SPECI, if the visibility is not the same in different
directions and:
a. the minimum visibility is the prevailing visibility, or
b. if the visibility is fluctuating rapidly, then the minimum visibility
is the only information provided.
12.7.3 When the minimum visibility is not the prevailing visibility and the
minimum visibility is less than 5,000M, both the prevailing
visibility and the minimum visibility will be given. In this case the
prevailing visibility is reported first, followed by the minimum
visibility including an indicator to show the general direction of
the minimum visibility in relation to the observing point (the
meteorological station), e.g. the visibility groups 9000 0600N
indicate a prevailing visibility of 9,000M and a minimum visibility
of 600M to the north.
12.7.4 A visibility of 10KM or more is given by 9999.
12.8 Automatic Visibility Information
12.8.1 A report from an AWS with a visibility sensor will include data
from this sensor in the body of the report if the report is fully
automated (in which case the abbreviation AUTO is also
included in the message).
Note: Pilots should exercise caution when interpreting
automated visibility information as it may not be equivalent to a
human observation. The information is reported as a 10 minute
average; and, as it is sourced from a single instrument sampling
only a very small parcel of the atmosphere, it may not be
representative of the entire airport.

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GEN 3.5 - 38 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

12.8.2 AWS may issue special reports (SPECI) for visibility using data
from visibility sensors (where previously only manual
observations of visibility could initiate a visibility SPECI).
12.9 Runway Visual Range (RVR)
12.9.1 RVR may be reported in SPECI messages from aerodromes
with RVR instrumentation.
12.9.2 RVR will be reported in the format RDD/VVVVi or
RDD/VVVVVVVVVi where:
a. R and V are fixed
b. DD gives the runway indicator, e.g. 36
c. VVVV gives the RVR value
d. i gives any distinct upward or downward tendency of the RVR
over the averaging period, where i will be either U (upward),
D (downward) or N (nil) e.g. R36/0900U
12.9.3 When RDD/VVVVi is reported, VVVV is the average RVR. The
averaging period is normally the preceding 10 minutes.
12.9.4 RDD/VVVVVVVVVi is reported when the RVR has varied
significantly during the averaging period. VVVVVVVVV gives the
one-minute mean minimum RVR followed by V followed by the
one-minute mean maximum RVR during the averaging period,
e.g: R16/0500V1100.
12.9.5 Parallel runways will be distinguished by appending to DD the
letter L, C or R indicating the left, centre or right runway,
respectively, e.g: R32L/0900.
12.9.6 When the RVR is greater than the maximum value which can be
assessed by the system in use, the group VVVV will be
preceded by the indicator P, and VVVV will give the highest
value which can be assessed, e.g. R32L/P1900.
12.9.7 When the RVR value is assessed to be greater than 2,000
metres, the group VVVV will be reported as P2000, e.g.
R32L/P2000.
12.9.8 When the RVR is less than the minimum value which can be
assessed by the system in use, the group VVVV will be
preceded by the indicator M, and VVVV will give the lowest
value which can be assessed, e.g. R32L/M0100.
12.9.9 When the RVR value is assessed to be less than 50 metres, the
group VVVV will be reported as M0050 e.g. R32L/M0050.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 39
12.10 Present Weather
12.10.1 Present Weather is reported using the codes listed at
Section 13.
12.10.2 Appropriate intensity indicators and letter abbreviations will be
combined in groups of two (2) to nine (9) characters to indicate
present weather at, or in the vicinity of, the aerodrome. If more
than one form of precipitation is observed, the appropriate letter
abbreviations shall be combined in a single group with the first
reported being the dominant type of precipitation. In such a
group, the intensity shall refer to the total precipitation.
12.10.3 Up to three (3) groups may be used to report present weather.
12.10.4 The intensity of precipitation, blowing dust, sand or snow, dust
storm and sand storm will be indicated by the prefix (-) for light,
(+) for heavy, and no prefix for moderate.
12.10.5 The qualifier VC will be used to report certain significant weather
phenomena in the vicinity (between approximately 8 and 16KM
of the ARP) of the aerodrome.
12.11 Automatic Present Weather Information
12.11.1 A report from an AWS with a present weather sensor will include
data from this sensor in the “body of the report” if the report is
fully automated, in which case the abbreviation AUTO is also
included in the message. Pilots should exercise caution when
interpreting automated present weather information, as it may
not be equivalent to a human observation.
Note: Pilots should exercise caution when interpreting
automated present weather information, as it may not be
equivalent to a human observation.
12.12 Cloud
12.12.1 Cloud height is reported in hundreds of feet using three figures;
e.g: 700FT is reported as 007.
12.12.2 Cloud amount is reported using the following abbreviations:
FEW = few = 1 to 2 OKTAS
SCT = scattered = 3 to 4 OKTAS
BKN = broken = 5 to 7 OKTAS
OVC = overcast = 8 OKTAS
12.12.3 Cloud information is not included in a forecast if the sky is clear.

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12.12.4 Cloud information is reported from the lowest to the highest layer
or mass in accordance with the following:
a. The lowest layer or mass, regardless of amount.
b. The next layer or mass, covering more than 2 OKTAS.
c. The next higher layer or mass, covering more than 4 OKTAS.
d. Cumulonimbus and/or towering cumulus clouds, whenever
observed and not reported in a, b or c above.
12.12.5 Type of cloud is identified only for cumulonimbus and towering
cumulus observed at or near the aerodrome. These will be given
as CB and TCU respectively. When an individual layer or mass
of cloud is composed of cumulonimbus and towering cumulus
with a common cloud base, the type of cloud is reported as
cumulonimbus only, and the amount shall be reported as the
sum of the CB and TCU amounts.
12.12.6 Whenever cumulonimbus cloud is forecast, the degree of
associated thunderstorm activity or probability of occurrence is
included.
D
12.13 CAVOK
12.13.1 CAVOK is included in the report (from staffed stations only) or
forecast when the following conditions are observed, or forecast
to occur, simultaneously:
a. visibility of 10KM or more;
b. Nil significant cloud, i.e. no cloud below 5,000 FT or below
the highest 25NM minimum sector altitude, whichever is
greater, and no cumulonimbus or towering cumulus at any
height; and
c. Nil significant weather, i.e. none of the weathers listed at
Section 13.
When the term CAVOK is given, the elements visibility, weather
and cloud will not be given.
12.13.2 In METAR/SPECI, whenever a total of BKN or more low or
middle-level cloud is at or above 5,000FT, and CAVOK has been
reported, the cloud amount and base will be given after the RMK
indicator.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 41
12.13.3 In TAF/TTF, when no cloud of operational significance is
forecast and CAVOK is not appropriate, the cloud group is
replaced by NSC (nil significant cloud). The cloud group is not
included if the term CAVOK is appropriate.
12.14 Automatic Weather Stations with Cloud Information
12.14.1 A report from an AWS with a cloud sensor will include data from
this sensor in the body of the report if the report is fully
automated (in which case the abbreviation AUTO is also
included in the message). The data will be in the same form as
manual reports except that:
a. NCD will be reported if no cloud is detected, and
b. there will be no indication of cumulonimbus or towering
cumulus.
Note: Pilots should exercise caution when interpreting
automated cloud information as it may not be equivalent to a
human observation. The information is reported as a 30 minute
average (with double weighting given to the last 10 minutes);
and, as it is sourced from a single ceilometer sampling only the
sky directly overhead, it may not be representative of the skyline.
12.14.2 AWS may issue special reports (SPECI) for cloud using data
from cloud sensors (where previously only manual observations
of cloud could initiate a cloud SPECI).
12.15 Significant Variation
12.15.1 Aerodrome forecasts will include significant changes or
variations (indicated by FM, BECMG, INTER and TEMPO) to the
previously given conditions when the relevant criteria are met.
These relate to improvements as well as deteriorations
12.15.2 The variation groups TEMPO and INTER are used to indicate
significant variations of a temporary or intermittent nature. The
change groups FM and BECMG are used to specify changes
that are more lasting in nature. The indicators are the beginning
of a self-contained forecast, except that wind is not included
after INTER/TEMPO if it has not significantly changed.

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12.15.3 When thunderstorms or reduced visibility due to fog, mist, dust,

smoke or sand is forecast, but the probability is assessed at
between 30% and 40%, the terms PROB30 or PROB40 are
used respectively. INTER and TEMPO may also be used with a
PROB for thunderstorms. If greater than or equal to 50%
probability is forecast, reference is made to the phenomenon in
the forecast itself not by the addition of a PROB statement.
12.15.4 Following FM or BECMG, where CAVOK is not appropriate, the
weather group NSW (nil significant weather) or cloud group NSC
(nil significant cloud) may be included to indicate weather or
cloud of operational significance is no longer expected.
12.15.5 If a TAF or TTF includes a forecast of turbulence, its
commencement will be indicated by the abbreviation FM, and its
cessation within the forecast coverage will be indicated by the
abbreviation TL. Start and finish times are given in the format
ddhhmm (day of month, hour, minute). Turbulence associated
with cumulonimbus (CB) and towering cumulus (TCU) clouds is
not included in forecast.
D
12.16 Temperature
12.16.1 Aerodrome weather reports contain both air temperature and
dewpoint.
12.16.2 Up to four forecast values of air temperature are given, for the
times HH,HH+3hours,HH+6hours and HH+9hours, where HH is
the time of commencement of the TAF validity period. Users
should use linear interpolation to determine the forecast value
between these points. The temperature forecasts are prefixed by
the letter “T”.
12.16.3 Negative values are indicated by the letter M before the numeral.
12.17 QNH
12.17.1 QNH is given in whole hectopascals using four (4) figures.
12.17.2 Observed intermediate values are rounded down. QNH is
always given, prefixed by the letter Q; e.g: Q0997.
12.17.3 Up to four forecast values of QNH are given, for the times HH,
HH+3 hours, HH+6 hours and HH+9 hours, where HH is the time
of commencement of the TAF validity period. Users should use
linear interpolation to determine the forecast value between
these points. The QNH forecasts are prefixed by the letter “Q”.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 43
12.18 Supplementary Information
12.18.1 In METAR/SPECI, supplementary information is used to report
the following:
a. recent weather (RE) of operational significance, and
b. wind shear (WS) information on a takeoff or landing runway.
12.19 Remarks Section
12.19.1 Rainfall. The remarks section of the report will include rainfall
recorded by an automatic rain gauge. The information is in the
form RF##.#/###.# where the first three (3) digits after the
indicator RF will report the rainfall recorded in the 10 minutes
prior to the observation time, and the next four (4) digits report
the total rainfall recorded since 0900 local time. Both amounts
are expressed in millimetres to the nearest 0.2MM.
Note: In situations of fine droplet precipitation, such as very light
drizzle or fine mist situations, there may not be sufficient
precipitation recorded to indicate any rainfall in the last 10
minutes. Therefore, pilots should regard automated reports of
rainfall as guidance material.
12.19.2 Lightning Information. A report from an AWS may include
information on the type of lightning detected – cloud to cloud
lightning (CC), cloud to ground lightning (CG), or distant
lightning (DL). The direction in which distant lightning is detected
is also provided (e.g. DL-NE means distant lightning to the north-
east). Similarly, vicinity thunderstorms can be reported in the
remarks section (e.g. VCTS-E means thunderstorm in the
vicinity to the east).
12.19.3 Plain Language. Any other significant weather conditions (e.g:
an approaching front or visible bushfires) are appended as plain
language.
12.20 Elements Not Available
12.20.1 A report from a fully automated AWS that does not include
information from sensors for visibility, weather, or cloud will
report ////, // or ////// respectively in lieu of these parameters.
12.21 Trend Forecast (TTF)
12.21.1 At major aerodromes, a statement of trend, valid for three (3)
hours from the time of the observation, is appended to the
observation. See sub-section 3.6 and Section 17. for further
details of TTF.

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GEN 3.5 - 44 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

12.22 Examples
12.22.1 Aerodrome Weather Reports
a. SPECI YMML 092000Z 22012KT 6000 SHRA SCT035TCU
31/20 Q1020 RETS RMK RF02.0/004.0
b. SPECI YBCS 221745Z 23014G29KT 6000 1200NE TSRA
FEW040CB BKN100 26/22 Q1003 RMK RF04.0/004.0
c. SPECI YSSY 271915Z VRB01KT 3000 VCFG FEW030
18/17 Q1018 RMK RF00.0/000.0
d. METAR YMOR 100400Z 06013KT 5000 FU 31/08 Q1010
RMK RF00.0/000.0 SKY OBS DUE BUSH FIRE SMOKE
e. SPECI YSCB 141400Z AUTO20008KT 9000 // BKN016
14/11 Q1001 RMK RF00.0/000.0
f. SPECI YMAV 240215Z AUTO 36018G28KT 9999 // NCD
31/10 Q1014 RMK RF00.0/000.0
g. METAR YSBK 241700Z AUTO 15002KT 0900 // ////// 04/04
Q1020 RMK RF00.0/000.0 CLD: SKY MAY BE OBSC
12.22.2 Trend Forecasts
a. TTF SPECI YPAD 012200Z 00000KT 5000 DZ OVC005
14/14 Q1025 RMK RF00.4/000.4
FM2200 00000KT 9999 NSW BKN008
FM2300 03005KT 9999 SCT020
b. TTF SPECI YMML 100200Z 05008KT 4000 DZ BKN005
OVC100 16/15 Q1017 RMK RF00.2/000.2 NOSIG
c. TTF METAR YPPH 120500Z 36015KT CAVOK 32/08 Q1014
RMK RF00.0/000.0
FM0630 28025KT 9999 BKN030
INTER 0530/0730 5000 SHRA BKN008
d. TTF METAR YBTL 220730Z 35006KT 9999 FEW050TCU
31/21 Q1005
RMK RF00.0/000.0 DISTANT THUNDER NOSIG
e. TTF SPECI YBTL 240800Z 03010KT 4000 TSRA
BKN030CB SCT120 27/24 Q1008 RMK RF00.0/000.0
FM0830 03005KT 9999 SHRA BKN035
INTER 0830/1100 4000 TSRA SCT010 SCT030CB
f. TTF METAR YSCB 140600Z 20008KT CAVOK 14/11 Q1001
RMK RF00.0/000.0 NOSIG
USE TAF FOR ARRIVALS AFTER 0800Z

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 45
g. TTF METAR YBCS 040730Z AUTO 29004KT 230V350 9999
-SHRA SCT035 SCT062 SCT089 25/24
Q1000 RETS RESHRA RMK RF00.0/023.6 DL-N/DL-NE/
DL-E
INTER 0730/0830 4000 SHRA FEW006 BKN018
TEMPO 0830/1030 3000 SHRA FEW005 BKN012
h. TTF SPECI YSCB 151155Z AUTO 03015KT 6000 VCTS
-RA SCT011 BKN025 BKN046 23/22 Q1010 RETS
RERA RMK RF00.4/014.4 VCTS-NE/VCTS-E
FM1155 35007KT 9999 -SHRA FEW010 BKN025 BKN035
INTER 1155/1455 4000 SHRA BKN010
i. TTF SPECI YSCB 041313Z AUTO 24005KT 9999 // SCT055
21/20 Q1016 RETS RMK RF00.0/000.0 DL-S
NOSIG
12.22.3 Aerodrome Forecasts
a. TAF YCOM 070635Z 0708/0720 18015KT 9999 FEW005
BKN020
TEMPO 0710/0714 2000 -SHSN BKN005 SCT020
RMK T 03 00 M02 M04 Q 1008 1007 1006 1006
b. TAF YSSY 020435Z 0206/0312 31005KT CAVOK
FM021400 16015KT 8000 SHRA BKN008 SCT030
FM022300 23010KT 9999 NSW SCT030
RMK T 25 21 18 15 Q 1012 1013 1014 1014
c. TAF YSCB 270448Z 2706/2806 33015G28KT 3000 +RA
BKN010 OVC100
FM271400 16015KT 8000 SHRA FEW010 SCT040 SCT100
INTER 2710/2714 1000 +TSRA BKN005 SCT040CB
RMK FM270800 MOD TURB BLW 5000FT TL271300
T 14 13 13 11 Q 1016 1015 1013 1016
d. TAF YMHB 100445Z 1006/1024 14004KT 3500 DZ OVC012
FM101700 VRB02KT 0300 FG
RMK T 12 11 10 10 Q 1018 1019 1020 1019
e. TAF YMML 291645Z 2918/3024 36007KT CAVOK
BECMG 3001/3002 18015KT 9999 -SHRA FEW015 SCT025
FM300900 15005KT CAVOK
PROB30 3016/3022 0500 FG
RMK T 11 12 14 16 Q 1020 1021 1019 1018

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GEN 3.5 - 46 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

13. WEATHER CODE AND TRANSLATION

CODE TRANSLATION
WEATHER DESCRIPTORS
BC PATCHES (or PATCHES OF)
BL BLOWING
DR DRIFTING
FZ FREEZING
MI SHALLOW
SH SHOWERS (or SHOWERS OF)
TS THUNDERSTORMS (or THUNDERSTORMS WITH)
PR AERODROME PARTIALLY COVERED (USED ONLY
TO DESCRIBE FG)

PHENOMENA
BR MIST
DU DUST
DS DUST STORM
DZ DRIZZLE
FC FUNNEL CLOUDS
FG FOG
FU SMOKE
GR HAIL
GS SMALL HAIL PELLETS
HZ HAZE
IC ICE CRYSTALS (VERY SMALL ICE CRYSTALS IN
SUSPENSION, ALSO KNOWN AS DIAMOND DUST)
PL ICE PELLETS
PO DUST DEVILS
RA RAIN
SA SAND
SG SNOW GRAINS
SN SNOW

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 47
SQ SQUALLS
SS SAND STORM
UP UNKNOWN PRECIPITATION TYPE (FROM WEATHER
SENSOR)
VA VOLCANIC ASH

Note 1: Intensity is indicated with precipitation, duststorms and

sandstorms. In these cases, the weather code is prefixed by the qualifier -
for light and + for heavy. Moderate intensity is indicated by the absence of
a prefix.
Note 2: METAR/SPECI may provide an indication of weather in the vicinity
(within approximately 8 and 16 KM of the aerodrome reference point). The
proximity qualifier VC will be used only in combination with the
abbreviations TS, DS, SS, FG, FC, SH, PO, BLDU, BLSA and BLSN.
14. METAR/SPECI (AERODROME WEATHER REPORT)
FORMAT

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GEN 3.5 - 48 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

15. TAF - AERODROME FORECAST

Note: Flight planning requirements for TAF can be found at

ENR 1.10 para 1.2.5.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 49

16. AERODROMES AND CATEGORIES FOR WHICH TAF WILL

BE AVAILABLE
Note: Airfield categories and associated services are
contained at para 3.4.3.
Adelaide A Brisbane West C Coonabarabran D
Wellcamp
Albany C Broken Hill C Coondewanna C
Albury B Broome A Cunderdin D
Alice Springs A Browse Island D Curtin/Derby South B
Amberley (RAAF) B Bundaberg B Darwin A
Archerfield B Burketown D Derby C
Argyle D Busselton D Devonport C
Armidale C Bunbury C Dubbo B
Avalon A Cairns A East Sale (RAAF) B
Ayers Rock B Camden B Edinburgh (RAAF) B
(Yulara)
Bairnsdale D Canberra A Elcho Island D
(Ngayawili)
Ballarat C Carnarvon D Emerald B
Ballera Gas Field D Ceduna D Ernabella (Pukatja) D
Ballina/Byron B Charleville C Esperance C
Gateway
Bankstown B Christmas Creek C Essendon B
Barimunya C Christmas Island A Fitzroy Crossing D
Barrow Island B Clermont D Flinders Island C
Bathurst C Cloncurry C Forrest C
Bathurst Island C Cobar D Fortescue Dave C
(Nguiu) Forrest
Bayu Undan D Cocos Island A Georgetown D
Bendigo C Coen D Geraldton B
Birdsville D Coffs Harbour A Giles D
Boolgeeda C Coober Pedy D Gladstone B
Bourke D Cooktown D Glen Innes D
Brisbane A Cooma C Gold Coast A
(Coolangatta)

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GEN 3.5 - 50 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

Goulburn D Learmonth A Mount Magnet D

Gove C Leigh Creek D Mudgee D
Grafton D Leinster C Mungalalu-Truscott C
Griffith C Leonora C Murray Bridge D
Groote Eylandt C Lismore C Narrabri C
Halls Creek D Lockhart River D Narrandera D
Hamilton C Lombadina B Newman B
Hamilton Island B Longreach C Ngukurr D
Hervey Bay B Lord Howe Island A Norfolk Island A
Hobart A Mackay B Normanton C
Hooker Creek D Maitland D Nowra B
(Lajamanu)
Horn Island A Mangalore D Oakey B
Horsham D Maningrida C Olympic Dam C
Hughenden D Mareeba D Onslow D
Innisfail D Maryborough D Orange C
(QLD)
Ivanhoe D McArthur River D Paraburdoo B
Mine
Jabiru D Meekatharra C Parafield B
Jabiru Venture D Melbourne A Parkes D
Jandakot B Merimbula C Pearce (RAAF) B
Julia Creek D Mildura B Perth A
Kalgoorlie A Modec Venture D Port Augusta C
Karratha B Moomba C Port Hedland A
King Island C Moorabbin B Port Keats D
Kingaroy D Moree C Port Lincoln B
Kingscote C Mornington Island D Port Macquarie B
Kowanyama D Moruya C Portland D
Kununurra C Mount Gambier C Proserpine/ B
Whitsunday Coast
Latrobe Valley C Mount Hotham D Renmark D
Launceston A Mount Isa B Richmond (QLD) D

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 51
Richmond (RAAF) A Taree C Warburton D
Rockhampton A Telfer C Warrnambool C
Roma C Tennant Creek C Whyalla C
Rottnest Island D Thangool D Williamson (MIL) D
Scherger D Thargomindah D Williamtown (RAAF) A
Scone D The Granites D Wiluna D
Shark Bay D The Monument D Windorah D
Shepparton D Tindal A Winton D
Solomon C Toowoomba C Wollongong C
Southern Cross D Townsville A Woomera B
St George D Trepell C Wynyard (Burnie) C
St Helens C Tropicana C Young D
Strahan C Truscott- C Yuendumu D D
Mungalalu
Sunshine Coast B Wagga Wagga B
Swan Hill D Walgett D
Sydney A Wangaratta D
Tamworth B Weipa C

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GEN 3.5 - 52 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

17. TTF - TREND FORECASTS

Note 1: See Section 12. for decode of METAR/SPECI.

Note 2: TREND (decode)
(1) NOSIG is used to indicate that no significant changes to
the elements wind, visibility, weather and cloud, as
reported in the METAR/SPECI, are expected to occur
during the validity period of the TTF.
(2) FM (time) indicates that significant changes to a new set
of mean conditions, from those previously given, are
expected to occur at the specified time and to persist
until the end of the validity period of the TTF or until new
mean conditions are given.
(3) INTER (periods less than 30 minutes) and TEMPO
(periods of between 30 and 60 minutes) are given either
as INTER or TEMPO (time2/time3) - in this case,
intermittent or temporary variations are expected to
commence at (time 2) and to end at (time 3).
(4) Turbulence associated with cumulonimbus (CB) and
towering cumulus (TCU) clouds is not included in
forecast. TL (time) is used if the turbulence is expected
to cease before the end validity period of the TREND.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 53
18. GRAPHICAL AREA FORECASTS (GAF) FOR OPERATIONS
AT AND BELOW 10,000FT
18.1 The domestic graphical area forecast system provides for the
routine issue of forecasts for designated areas.
18.2 Preparation and Issue Times
a. GAFs are issued with the 6 hour validity periods 2300Z to
0500Z, 0500Z to 1100Z, 1100Z to 1700Z and 1700Z to
2300Z;
b. At each issue time two GAFs will be issued covering a 12
hour period, for example at 2200Z, both 2300Z to 0500Z and
0500Z to 1100Z GAFs will be issued
c. GAFs will be issued no later than 30min before the
commencement of the validity period of the first GAF;
d. the issuance of a new GAF replaces the previously issued
GAF for the same validity period
18.3 Approved Abbreviations Used in Graphical Area Forecasts
(GAF)
a. Clouds: CU, TCU, SC, CB, ST, AS, AC, NS or combinations
of these.
b. Weather: CAVOK, MTW, NIL, TURB, and other abbreviations
as per the codes given in Section 13.
c. Cloud Amounts or descriptors: FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC and for
CB, ISOL, OCNL, FRQ, EMBD, BASE, CLD ON GND
d. Qualifiers: MOD, SEV, +, -.
e. Units: KT, KM, M, FT.
f. Time: Z.
g. Variations: TEMPO and INTER are only used for Critical
Locations. FM, TL, BECMG
h. Heights: ABV, BLW, LYR, SFC
i. Directions: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.
j. Corrections: COR (correction), IMPR (improvement to
conditions), TRANS ERR (transmission error), TYPO
(typographical error).
k. General: FZLVL, FZLYR, WDSPR, WI, VAL, STNR, BTN and
other abbreviations listed in GEN 2.2 Section 2.

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GEN 3.5 - 54 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

18.4 Sections of the Graphical Area Forecast (GAF)

The GAF shall comprise of:
a. a header giving details of issue time and validity times. It will
also contain the word “CORRECTED” for a GAF correction
(as per 18.5)
b. an image depicting weather areas labelled with an alpha
character, e.g. A. Weather areas may be subdivided further
with addition of a numerical character, e.g. A1. The weather
in A1 will be the same as A with a minor differentiation, such
as lower visibility in showers
c. a table providing detailed meteorological information for the
areas shown on the image divided into four columns:
(1) AREA gives the alpha character corresponding to areas
in the image
(2) SURFACE VIS and WX gives details of weather and
associated visibility
(3) CLOUD, ICING and TURB gives the cloud, icing and
turbulence in the area or associated with the weather in
the SURFACE VIS and WX column
(4) FZLVL gives the height of the freezing level, or ABV
10,000FT where the freezing level is above 10,000FT
AMSL
d. a legend explaining information important to the
interpretation of the product
e. a remarks box for additional information including forecasts
for critical locations and reason for correction for a Corrected
GAF.
18.5 Changes to GAFs and Corrected GAF
GAFs are not amended. Advice of deteriorating conditions will
be in the form of an AIRMET (see section 5.3) or SIGMET (see
section 5.2). A corrected GAF will be issued between standard
issue times to notify of:
a. Typographical error (TYPO)
b. Errors such as transmitting before completion (TRANS ERR);
and
c. Improvement in conditions (IMPR) - e.g. removal of fog,
thunderstorms, etc.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 55
An example GAF is given below:

19. FORECASTS FOR OPERATIONS ABOVE 10,000FT

19.1 The meteorological documentation for operations above
10,000FT will consist of the following as appropriate:
a. Forecasts.
b. Significant Weather Prognostic Charts:
(1) Latitude Equator - 50°S, Longitude 100 - 180°E valid at
0000, 0600, 1200, 1800 UTC; or
(2) WAFS charts as applicable for areas outside of the
above.
c. Wind and Temperature Charts:
(1) Produced for the Australian region plus ICAO Areas E, F
and K.
(2) Valid at 0000, 0600, 1200, 1800 UTC, and updated six
hourly.
d. Grid Point Forecasts (wind and temperature):
(1) Latitude 10 - 50°S, Longitude 100 - 160°E for FL385,
FL340, FL300, FL235, FL185 valid at 0000, 0600, 1200,
1800 UTC;

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GEN 3.5 - 56 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

(2) WAFS charts as applicable for areas outside of the

above.
Note: Charts are a mercator projection.
e. For domestic operations, Route Sector Winds and
Temperatures together with standard flight plan numbers for
frequently used air routes.
20. SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHARTS
20.1 The significant weather expected in the airspace from FL250 to
FL 630 (SIGWX High) and FL100 to FL250 (SIGWX Medium)
are depicted on the relevant chart using approved symbols and
abbreviations. Significant features of the surface synoptic
situation are also usually shown.
20.2 The approximate availability and validity times of the Australian
area high-level SIGWX charts are as follows:
Available (UTC) Valid (UTC)
0800 0000
1400 0600
2000 1200
0200 1800
Note: SIGWX High charts will be updated if an error or omission
is found.
20.3 The approximate availability and the validity times of the
Australian area medium-level SIGWX charts are as follows.

First Available (UTC) Updated (UTC) Valid (UTC

0900 2000 0000
1500 0200 0600
2100 0800 1200
0300 1400 1800
20.4 Significant variations during three (3) hours each side of the
validity time are included on the chart.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 57
21. GRID POINT WIND AND TEMPERATURE (GPWT)
FORECASTS
21.1 GPWT charts provide a display of wind and temperature data
derived from weather model data. The high-level and mid-level
charts are produced with a 2.5° or 5° latitude and longitude grid
resolution using data from the World Area Forecast System
(WAFS) models. The low level charts are produced with a 1.5° or
5° latitude and longitude grid resolution using data from the
Bureau's Numerical Weather Prediction Model. The data is
overlaid on a geographic background. The values given
represent the wind and temperature at a specific pressure level,
which is approximated to a height or flight level, for the mid-point
of each square.
21.2 GPWT are presented to aircrew on a geographic background to
facilitate interpretation on specific routes.
21.3 Low-level GPWT Reference Charts with PCA points can be
found in the NAIPS Charts Directory.
21.4 A block of GPWT data contains the following information for
each level:
a. dd: two numbers indicating the wind direction in degrees true
to the nearest 10;
b. fff: three numbers indicating the wind speed in knots
c. t: the sign of the temperature (+ or -)
d. TT: two numbers indicating the temperature in whole degrees
Celsius. Dashed line (-- --- ---) are used when the grid point is
below ground level and hence there is no valid wind or
temperature for that point.
Example: 2503563 dd fff tTT
25 035 -63
21.5 GPWT forecasts are issued every six hours. High-level and mid-
level charts are valid in six hourly time steps for the next 24
hours, however, low level charts are valid in three hourly time
steps for the next 24 hours.
21.6 Receipt of a forecast for a particular validity time will
automatically amend and supersede any prior issue for that time.
Both issue and validity times appear with each forecast.
21.7 An example of Grid Point Forecast presentation is given on the
following page.
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GEN 3.5 - 58 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

GRID POINT FORECAST

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 59

22. ROUTE SECTOR WINDS AND TEMPERATURES

22.1 Route sector winds and temperatures (RSWT) forecasts are
provided for various sectors of frequently used domestic air
routes. Some longer routes may be sub-divided into segments,
e.g: YPAD/YPOD/YMHB as per example below.
22.2 RSWT forecasts are prepared for six levels, as shown in the
following example:
FL - ISA YMML/YSSY YSSY/YBBN YMML/YPAD YMML/YMHB
YPAD/YPOD/YMHB
450-56 2604859 2503761 2805659 2705557 2905659 2805457
390-56 2405360 2203757 2705260 2606861 2805960 2706961
340-52 2404950 2003849 2706050 2506551 2806450 2606651
300-44 2404439 2002939 2805039 2504941 2905639 2605341
240-33 2403123 2202322 2804123 2703825 2904523 2803925
180-21 2502312 2302111 2803412 2803013 3003812 2803114
22.3 A block of RSWT data contains the following information for each
level:
a. two numbers indicating the mean wind direction in degrees
true to the nearest 10° true;
b. three numbers indicating the wind speed in knots;
c. two numbers indicating the mean temperature in degrees
Celsius (without the negative sign).
22.4 The ISA value is the International Standard Atmosphere
temperature for the given flight level.
22.5 The forecasts are issued twice daily, at approximately 0500 and
1700 UTC. Four validity times are provided at each issue - 0000,
0600, 1200 and 1800 UTC.
22.6 The issuance of a new forecast will supersede any forecast
previously issued for that validity time.
22.7 RWST forecasts are available from NAIPS (under Charts) and
from BoM’s aviation web page.

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 1 YMML-YSSY 16 YBBN-25S-YBMA 32 YPPH-YCAR-YPLM 48 YSSY-YGTH-YPAD
2 YMML-YMHB 17 YBMA-YPDN 33 YCAR-YPPD 49 YBBN-YWLG
3 YMML-YPAD 18 YBAS-ASB-YPDN 34 RESERVED 50 YPGV-YBCS
4 YMML-CANDY 19 YPAD-LGS 35 YCMU-143E-YBMA 51 YPPH-KAGUX-YPKA
GEN 3.5 - 60

99
5 CANDY-CRICK 20 YMMI-YCDU 36 YSSY-149E-YCMU 52 YBCS-YHID
6 YCDU-YCAG 21 YSSY-APOMA 37 RESERVED 53 YSSY- 28S
7 YCAG-YPPH 22 APOMA-138E-YBAS 38 RESERVED 54 28S-YEML-YBTL
8 CRICK-YPPH 23 YBBN-YROM-NONET- 39 RESERVED 55 YPPH-YMOG-YNWN
YBAS
9 YMML-YMMI-LGS 24 YBAS-YBMA 40 YPDN-YPGV 56 YNWN-CIN
10 YPAD-YPWR-YBAS 25 YBMA-YBTL 41 YPAD-POD-YMHB 57 YCAR-YNWN
11 YPPH-ERE-YPPD 26 YSDU-VENEL-YPAD 42 YBAS-LANOP 58 YPLM-YPPD
12 YPPD-CIN-TROUT YPDN 27 YSSY-YMCO-YMHB 43 LANOP-YPKG-YPPH 59 YGEL-GAS-WAL
13 YPDN-GRY-YBTL 28 YMML-YMDG-YBBN 44 RESERVED 60 YPAD-YOOM
14 YBBN-YBMK-YBCS 29 LGS-YBAS 45 YMML-YGTH-YWLG 61 YBBN-YSDU
15 YSSY-YBBN 30 YBCS-YBMA 46 YWLG-ABR-YBPN 62 YWLG-141E-YCDU
23 MAY 2019

31 RESERVED 47 YPAD-ISLAV-YCAG 63 YSSY-TAM-YBMK

ROUTE SECTOR NUMBERS

AIP Australia
AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 61

23. SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHARTS - SYMBOLS

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GEN 3.5 - 62 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

24. EXAMPLES
24.1 Significant Weather Prognosis.

Note 1: Significant variations during three (3) hours each side of

the validity time are included on the chart.

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 63
Note 2: SIGWX High will be annotated ICAO AREA AUSTRALIA
SIGWX FL250-630.
Note 3: For SIGWX Medium Level (SWM) the chart will be
annotated “Significant weather (SIGWX) A100-FL250”. Weather
phenomena below A100 will not normally be shown.
Note 4: Heights are indicated on SWH and SWM charts in flight
level (FL), top over base. When XXX is used, tops or bases are
outside the layer of the atmosphere to which the chart applies.
Note 5: Cumulonimbus, altocumulus and altostratus cloud are
indicated by the abbreviations CB, AC and AS respectively. CB is
preceded by ISOL (isolated, i.e. individual), OCNL (occasional,
i.e. well separated), FRQ (frequent, i.e. little or no separation) or
EMBD (embedded in layers of other clouds or concealed by
haze). AC and AS amounts are indicated by the abbreviations
FEW, SCT, BKN or OVC. The upper figure following the
abbreviations is the approximate flight level at the top of the
cloud; the lower figure indicates the approximate flight level of
the base of the cloud; XXX will indicate that the base or top is
outside the layer of atmosphere to which the chart applies

Note 6: The use of the abbreviation CB implies associated

thunderstorms and the occurrence of turbulence and icing.
Note 7: A similar convention is employed to indicate the height
indications of phenomena such as aircraft icing, turbulence etc.
Note 8: When shown, centres of surface high or low pressure are
represented by H or L respectively, the position at the surface of
the point of highest or lowest pressure is indicated by a “+”
followed by the value of the MSL pressure in Hectopascals.
When used, an arrow indicates the expected speed of movement
(in knots). Movement of other significant features is shown in
similar fashion.
Note 9. Colours, if used, are to improve clarity of presentation
and have no other significance.

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 GEN 3.5 - 64 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

24.2 Wind and Temperature Charts

24.2.1 Wind and temperature charts are provided for four regions:
a. Australian Region - Latitude 0 to 50S, Longitude 100E to
180E
b. ICAO Area E - Latitude 45N to 47S, Longitude 25E to180E
c. ICAO Area F - Latitude 42 30N to 47 30S, Longitude 100E to
110W
d. ICAO Area K - Latitude 0 to 90S, Longitude 0 to 180W
Note: Charts are a mercator projection except for ICAO Area K
which is polar stereographic.
D

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 65

WIND AND TEMPERATURE CHART (EXAMPLE)

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 GEN 3.5 - 66 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia
D
24.3 Volcanic Ash Advisory
VA ADVISORY
DTG: 20190314/0025Z
VAAC: DARWIN
VOLCANO: TENGGER CALDERA 263310
PSN: S0757 E11257
AREA: INDONESIA
SUMMIT ELEV: 2329M
ADVISORY NR: 2019/13
INFO SOURCE: HIMAWARI-8, VONA
AVIATION COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
ERUPTION DETAILS: VA OBS TO FL100 EXT TO NE AT 14/
0000Z
OBS VA DTG: 14/0025Z
OBS VA CLD: SFC/FL100 S0758 E11257 - S0746
E11316 - S0735 E11302 - S0757 E11255
MOV NE 15KT
FCST VA CLD +6HR: 14/0625Z SFC/FL100 S0758 E11259 -
S0758 E11255 - S0741 E11248 - S0734
E11259 - S0743 E11311
FCST VA CLD +12HR: 14/1225Z SFC/FL100 S0758 E11258 -
S0740 E11306 - S0734 E11254 - S0741
E11245 - S0758 E11255
FCST VA CLD +18 HR: 14/1825Z SFC/FL100 S0758 E11256 -
S0746 E11243 - S0735 E11248 - S0738
E11302 - S0758 E11258
RMK: VA OBS EXT TO NE ON LATEST VIS SAT
IMAGERY; HOWEVER, EXTENT
OBSCURED BY MET CLOUD. HEIGHT
DECREASED TO FL100 BASED ON 13/
2342Z VONA FOR CONTINUOUS
ERUPTION TO FL100 AT 13/1300Z.
FORECAST BASED ON SURABAYA 13/
1200Z SOUNDING, HIMAWARI-8, AND
MODEL GUIDANCE.
NXT ADVISORY: NO LATER THAN 20190314/0625Z

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AIP Australia 23 MAY 2019 GEN 3.5 - 67

APPENDIX 1
SPECIAL AIR REPORT OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY
1. Special Air Reports Containing Information on Volcanic
Activity (ICAO Model VAR).
1.1 Section 1 and such parts of Section 2 as are appropriate are
required from all aircraft as follows:
a. whenever pre-eruption volcanic activity or volcanic eruptions
are observed; and
b. whenever volcanic ash cloud is observed or encountered.
1.2 All elements of Section 1 and those elements of Section 2 which
are observed shall be recorded and indicated respectively in the
appropriate places on the form which is produced overleaf.
1.3 Information recorded for items 9 to 16 is not for transmission by
RTF, but, on arrival at an aerodrome, is to be delivered together
with the information recorded in Section 1 without delay by the
operator or a flight crew member to the aerodrome
meteorological office. If such an office is not easily accessible,
the completed form must be delivered in accordance with local
arrangements made between the Meteorological and ATS
authorities and the operator.
D

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 GEN 3.5 - 68 23 MAY 2019 AIP Australia

APPENDIX 1 - CONTINUED

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