Which data sources are used to plan around convective weather along a route?

• A. Only wind aloft forecast.
• B. Only runway lighting.
• C. Only airspeed.
• D. Weather radar, METAR/TAF, SIGMETs, and ATC guidance.

Answer: (D)

When planning around convective weather, you rely on a mix of real-time observations, short-range forecasts, and official advisories to map safer routing. Weather radar shows where thunderstorm cells are currently located and how they’re evolving, so you can steer clear of active convective areas along or near your path. METARs provide current weather at airports you might route through or over, while TAFs give forecast conditions for those airports, helping you anticipate changes during the flight. SIGMETs (and Convective SIGMETs) warn about significant weather hazards tied to convection across regions, which is crucial for deciding on alternative routes or holding to avoid severe weather. ATC guidance represents the live flow of route changes and restrictions you’ll be given, allowing you to adapt your plan in coordination with air traffic control.

Wind aloft forecasts matter for fuel and performance planning, but they don’t pinpoint where convective activity is or will be. Runway lighting pertains to ground operations at airports, not to weather along a flight path. Airspeed describes aircraft performance, not a data source for weather planning.