Real-time Weather Services

Stay informed with CaptainVFR’s comprehensive weather services, providing all the meteorological information you need for safe VFR operations.

Current Weather (METAR)

Real-time METAR Data

• Automatic Updates: METARs refresh every 30 minutes
• Decoded Format: Plain language interpretation of METAR codes
• Raw METAR Display: View original coded format for verification
• Historical Data: Access past METARs for trend analysis

METAR Components

• Wind Information: Speed, direction, and gusts clearly displayed
• Visibility: Both statute and metric units
• Cloud Layers: Heights and coverage for all reported layers
• Temperature & Dewpoint: Current conditions with spread calculation
• Altimeter Setting: QNH in both inHg and hPa
• Weather Phenomena: Rain, snow, fog, and other conditions

Forecast Weather (TAF)

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts

• 24-Hour Forecasts: Complete TAF coverage for major airports
• Decoded Interpretation: Easy-to-understand forecast breakdown
• Validity Periods: Clear indication of forecast timeframes
• Amendment Tracking: See when forecasts were updated

TAF Analysis

• Trend Visualization: Graphical display of changing conditions
• Critical Changes: Highlighted TEMPO and BECMG groups
• Wind Shift Alerts: Notable changes in wind direction/speed
• Ceiling & Visibility Trends: Track improving or deteriorating conditions

Weather Interpretation Service

Automated Analysis

• VFR/IFR Classification: Instant determination of flight conditions
• Go/No-Go Assistance: Color-coded weather assessment
• Marginal VFR Warnings: Alerts for borderline conditions
• Trend Analysis: Is weather improving or deteriorating?

Smart Notifications

• Weather Change Alerts: Notifications for significant changes
• Departure/Arrival Weather: Focused weather for your flight
• En-Route Conditions: Weather along your planned route
• Alternate Airport Weather: Quick access to diversion options

Visual Weather Display

Map Integration

• METAR Symbols: Weather icons at airport locations
• Color Coding: Quick visual reference for conditions
  • Green: VFR conditions
  • Blue: Marginal VFR
  • Red: IFR conditions
• Wind Barbs: Graphical wind display on map

Weather Overlays

• Precipitation Radar: When available in your region
• Satellite Imagery: Cloud coverage visualization
• Pressure Charts: Synoptic situation overview
• Frontal Systems: Display of weather fronts

Advanced Weather Features

Route Weather

• Departure Weather: Current and forecast for origin
• Destination Weather: Arrival conditions and trends
• En-Route Weather: Conditions at waypoints along route
• Alternate Weather: Quick check of diversion airports

Weather Planning Tools

• Best Time to Fly: Analyze weather windows
• Cross-Country Planning: Weather along entire route
• Mountain Weather: Special considerations for terrain
• Coastal Effects: Sea breeze and fog predictions

Offline Weather

Smart Caching

• Automatic Downloads: Weather cached when connected
• Offline Availability: Last known weather when disconnected
• Age Indicators: Know how current your weather data is
• Manual Refresh: Force update when connection available

CaptainVFR’s weather services ensure you always have the meteorological information needed to make safe, informed decisions about your VFR flights.