Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

How often is a TAF issued?

1. Every hour

2. Every 3 hours

3. Every 6 hours

4. Every 12 hours

The correct answer is: Every 6 hours

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is a weather forecast specifically issued for the area around an airport, primarily intended for aircraft operations. TAFs provide important predictions about wind, visibility, precipitation, and significant weather phenomena, typically covering a period of 24 to 30 hours. TAFs are generally issued every six hours, which allows for timely updates as weather conditions can change. This regular issuance pattern aids pilots in making informed decisions regarding flight plans and operations, ensuring they have the most accurate and current information available for their routes. Therefore, recognizing that TAFs are generated and distributed at this interval is essential for pilots preparing for departures or arrivals at an airport, particularly when relying on the forecasts to assess the suitability of weather for their operations.