Student pilots and certificated pilots
FAA Aviation Weather Handbook
The FAA reference for weather theory, hazards, products, and aviation weather decision-making.
Reviewed by FAA Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor July 13, 2026
This page is educational and does not replace the current FAA publication or regulation.
Use theory to interpret products
Weather products become more useful when you understand the atmospheric processes behind them. Use the handbook to connect fronts, stability, moisture, pressure, wind, clouds, and hazards to the reports and forecasts you see.
Keep product interfaces current
The handbook explains concepts and product families. For an actual flight, use current operational sources because product presentation, availability, and guidance can change.