What is a METAR, and what key elements are typically included?

• A. Meteorological Aviation Routine Weather Report; wind, visibility, weather phenomena, sky condition, temperature/dew point, altimeter.
• B. Meteorological Atmospheric Temperature index; temperature, humidity only.
• C. Military Emergency Tactics Reporting; unit conversions.
• D. Mean Elevation Temperature Assessment Report; altitude.

Answer: (A)

METAR is a Meteorological Aviation Routine Weather Report—a concise, standardized snapshot of current weather at an airport used by pilots and air traffic control. The key elements it includes are wind direction and speed, visibility, observed weather phenomena (like rain, fog, or snow), sky condition and cloud cover with base heights, temperature and dew point, and the altimeter setting. Together, these items give a quick, actionable picture of conditions that affect takeoffs, approaches, and overall flight planning. The other options don’t fit because they misname the report or omit its essential components.