What does METAR stand for in aviation category?

A METAR is Meteorological Terminal Air Report (or “aviation routine weather report”) is a weather report of a actual conditions at an airport at a specific time. A TAF (Terminal Area Forecast) is a weather forecast for a given area around the airport specified in the forecast.

Do you look for clouds in AGL or MSL?

9 Answers. In weather reports, clouds are always given in AGL. So if a METAR says OVC010 then that is overcast at 1,000 feet AGL (VFR minimum). This is beneficial for IFR pilots as you can easily see how low the weather is and what approach is needed with just a glance at the METAR or just a listen to the ATIS/AWOS/ASOS.

Is the ceiling on an area forecast MSL or AGL?

Area Forecasts (FA) are always MSL unless the height is specifically tagged AGL or CIG (for "ceiling"). It may seem annoying that FA's are MSL, but they cover large areas where the terrain may vary but the clould bases are usually at a constant height MSL.

Can a TAF be an MSL or an AGL?

TAF's and METAR's are always AGL. Area Forecasts (FA) are always MSL unless the height is specifically tagged AGL or CIG (for "ceiling"). It may seem annoying that FA's are MSL, but they cover large areas where the terrain may vary but the clould bases are usually at a constant height MSL.