Weather · Lesson 17 of 29

Decoding TAFs

How to read a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast: the valid period, each forecast group, wind shear, and the FM, TEMPO and PROB30 change groups, with a full worked decode.

11 min read

Last reviewed October 12, 2026

Towering white cumulus clouds over green hills, with a darker storm cloud in the distance and a quadcopter resting on a picnic table.

Part of Part 107 Complete

This lesson is in the full course

Describe what area and time period a TAF covers and when it is amended
Decode the header, wind, visibility, weather, cloud and wind shear groups
Explain how FM, TEMPO and PROB30 groups change the forecast
Use a TAF to pick a safe time window for a drone flight

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