What type of weather information must Aircraft Dispatchers be proficient in interpreting?

Aircraft Dispatchers must be proficient in interpreting METARs (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports) and TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts) because these are the standard weather reports and forecasts used in aviation. METARs provide essential information about current weather conditions at airports, including temperature, wind, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather phenomena. This real-time data is crucial for assessing whether conditions are safe for takeoff, landing, and overall flight operations.

TAFs, on the other hand, provide forecasts for specific airports, detailing predicted weather phenomena over a designated period (usually 24 to 30 hours). These forecasts help Dispatchers anticipate changes in weather that could affect flight operations and planning, such as expected thunderstorms, wind shifts, and visibility changes.

Understanding both METARs and TAFs is vital for making informed decisions regarding flight safety, route planning, and potential delays. While radar images, satellite photos, and surface analysis charts offer valuable information, they are supplementary to the core understanding of METARs and TAFs that Dispatchers rely on for operational decision-making.