Aviation Weather Handbook (AWH)
The Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28A) is a free FAA publication that replaced the older Aviation Weather (AC 00-6) and Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45) advisories. It is the definitive guide to aviation weather, covering the atmosphere, weather systems, hazards like thunderstorms and icing, and how to interpret METARs, TAFs, and other weather products. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
Weather is the leading cause of general aviation accidents, and understanding it is critical for safe flight. The Aviation Weather Handbook consolidates everything a pilot needs to know about weather into a single reference. It covers atmospheric theory, cloud formation, frontal systems, thunderstorms, icing, fog, turbulence, and weather services. The handbook is particularly important for instrument pilots who must make go/no-go decisions based on weather products. Knowledge test questions on weather are drawn directly from this handbook, making it essential study material for every certificate level.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapters 1-3: The Atmosphere
Composition, structure, and properties of the atmosphere. Temperature, pressure, and density relationships.
Chapters 1-3: The Atmosphere
Composition, structure, and properties of the atmosphere. Temperature, pressure, and density relationships.
Key Topics
2Chapters 4-6: Wind and Pressure Systems
Global circulation, local winds, and pressure patterns.
Chapters 4-6: Wind and Pressure Systems
Global circulation, local winds, and pressure patterns.
Key Topics
3Chapters 7-9: Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
Humidity, cloud formation, precipitation types, and stability.
Chapters 7-9: Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
Humidity, cloud formation, precipitation types, and stability.
Key Topics
4Chapters 10-11: Air Masses and Fronts
Air mass types, frontal systems, and associated weather.
Chapters 10-11: Air Masses and Fronts
Air mass types, frontal systems, and associated weather.
Key Topics
5Chapters 12-14: Weather Hazards
Thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, wind shear, and volcanic ash.
Chapters 12-14: Weather Hazards
Thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, wind shear, and volcanic ash.
Key Topics
6Chapters 17-19: Weather Services and Products
METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and weather briefings.
Chapters 17-19: Weather Services and Products
METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and weather briefings.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Master METAR and TAF decoding first. These appear on every knowledge test and are used in real-world flying every day.
- Understand the three stages of thunderstorm development (cumulus, mature, dissipating) and the hazards of each stage. This is heavily tested.
- Learn the difference between rime ice, clear ice, and mixed ice. Know which cloud types and temperature ranges produce each type.
- Study fog types (radiation, advection, upslope, precipitation-induced) and the conditions that create them. Fog questions are common on knowledge tests.
- For instrument students, focus on weather minimums, AIRMET/SIGMET interpretation, and making go/no-go decisions based on weather products.
- Practice reading real METARs and TAFs from aviationweather.gov daily. The more you practice, the faster you will decode them on the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aviation Weather Handbook free?
Yes, it is a free PDF published by the FAA. Download it from FAA.gov at no cost.
Did the Aviation Weather Handbook replace AC 00-6 and AC 00-45?
Yes. The Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28A) consolidated the content from the older Aviation Weather (AC 00-6B) and Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45H) into a single, updated handbook.
What weather topics are most tested on the Private Pilot knowledge test?
The most commonly tested weather topics include METAR and TAF decoding, VFR weather minimums, fog types, thunderstorm hazards, density altitude, and weather briefing types. Focus your study on these areas.
Do I need this if I already have the PHAK weather chapters?
The PHAK covers weather basics in Chapters 12-13, but the Aviation Weather Handbook goes into much greater depth. For the Private Pilot knowledge test, the PHAK weather chapters may be sufficient. For Instrument and Commercial ratings, the full Aviation Weather Handbook is recommended.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-H-8083-28A
- Last Updated
- 2024
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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AIMAeronautical Information Manual
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FAA-S-ACS-8CInstrument Rating Airman Certification Standards - Airplane
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Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28A) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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