FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)WeatherMedium
A pilot reviews the following TAF excerpt: TAF KXYZ 121720Z 1218/1324 22010KT P6SM SCT040 FM122200 27015G25KT 3SM SHRA BKN020 FM130400 30008KT 5SM -RA OVC015 According to this TAF, what conditions are forecast beginning at 2200Z on the 12th?
- AWind 300° at 8 knots, 5 statute miles visibility in light rain, overcast at 1,500 feet
- BWind 270° at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots, 3 statute miles visibility in rain showers, broken clouds at 2,000 feet
- CCalm winds with dense fog and near-zero visibility
- DWind 220° at 10 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles, scattered clouds at 4,000 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Wind 270° at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots, 3 statute miles visibility in rain showers, broken clouds at 2,000 feet
The 'FM122200' group indicates a rapid change beginning at 2200Z on the 12th, forecasting wind 270° at 15 knots gusting 25 knots, 3SM visibility in rain showers (SHRA), and a broken ceiling at 2,000 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes the later FM130400 group, not 2200Z.
- C. No fog or zero visibility is forecast anywhere in this TAF.
- D. This is the initial forecast valid from 1218Z, not the 2200Z change.
TAF FM Group
The 'FM' (from) group in a TAF indicates a rapid, significant change in forecast conditions beginning at a specific date and time (UTC).
- Format: FMDDHHMM (day, hour, minute in Zulu)
- Conditions after FM completely replace prior conditions
- TAFs also use BECMG and TEMPO for gradual/temporary changes
Memory trick: FM = 'From this moment on' — a clean break in forecast conditions.