Aviation Weather Handbook
Weather
Aviation Weather Handbook
The April 2026 FAA edition covering aviation weather theory, observations, forecasts, hazards, and flight planning.
- Publication number
- FAA-H-8083-28B
- Publisher
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Access
- Free official publication
- Best for
- Weather
Purpose and audience
About this handbook
A current FAA weather reference connecting atmospheric science, observations, forecasts, hazards, and aeronautical decision-making.
Who should use it
Student pilots, certificated pilots, instructors, dispatchers, and aviation weather learners.
Key subjects
What you’ll learn
Atmospheric structure and weather systems
Observations, forecasts, and weather products
Thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and wind
Weather analysis and flight planning
Practical study
How to use it in training
Start with the weather hazards most relevant to your flying, then practice interpreting current products and explaining a complete go/no-go decision.
- Set an objective. Choose the chapter or topic that supports the next lesson, task, or operating decision.
- Read actively. Mark definitions, diagrams, limitations, and questions to discuss with an instructor or qualified professional.
- Apply the material. Work a scenario, calculation, briefing, simulator exercise, or supervised practical task.
- Verify current information. Check regulations, official notices, charts, and approved aircraft or equipment documents.
Edition awareness
Revision and authority notes
This listing points to the April 2026 edition. Weather products and services evolve, so use current FAA and National Weather Service sources for flight planning.
Directory review date: August 1, 2026
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