in the Alaska Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/  Facility Directory). These broadcasts are made available  primarily for preflight and inflight planning, and as such,  should not be considered as a substitute for specialist- provided preflight briefings.  Prior to every flight, pilots should gather all information  vital to the nature of the flight. This includes an appropriate  weather briefing obtained from a specialist at a FSS.  For weather specialists to provide an appropriate weather  briefing, they need to know which of the three types of  briefings is needed—standard, abbreviated, or outlook. Other  helpful information is whether the flight is visual flight rules  (VFR) or IFR, aircraft identification and type, departure  point, estimated time of departure (ETD), flight altitude, route  of flight, destination, and estimated time en route (ETE).  This information is recorded in the flight plan system and a  note is made regarding the type of weather briefing provided.  If necessary, it can be referenced later to file or amend a  flight plan. It is also used when an aircraft is overdue or is  reported missing.  A standard briefing provides the most complete information  and a more complete weather picture. This type of briefing  should be obtained prior to the departure of any flight and  should be used during flight planning. A standard briefing  provides the following information in sequential order if it  is applicable to the route of flight.  An outlook briefing should be requested when a planned  departure is 6 hours or more away. It provides initial forecast  information that is limited in scope due to the time frame  of the planned flight. This type of briefing is a good source  of flight planning information that can influence decisions  regarding route of flight, altitude, and ultimately the go/no-go  decision. A prudent pilot requests a follow-up briefing prior  to departure since an outlook briefing generally only contains  information based on weather trends and existing weather in  geographical areas at or near the departure airport. A standard  briefing near the time of departure ensures that the pilot has  the latest information available prior to his/her flight.  Aviation weather reports are designed to give accurate  depictions of current weather conditions. Each report  provides current information that is updated at different times.  Some typical reports are METARs and PIREPs.  An abbreviated briefing is a shortened version of the standard  briefing. It should be requested when a departure has been  delayed or when weather information is needed to update  the previous briefing. When this is the case, the weather  specialist needs to know the time and source of the previous  briefing so the necessary weather information is not omitted  inadvertently. It is always a good idea for the pilot to update  the weather information whenever he/she has additional time.  Weather Briefings  Standard Briefing  Abbreviated Briefing  Outlook Briefing  Aviation Weather Reports  1. Adverse conditions—this includes information about  adverse conditions that may influence a decision to  cancel or alter the route of flight. Adverse conditions  include significant weather, such as thunderstorms or  aircraft icing, or other important items such as airport  closings.  2. VFR flight not recommended—if the weather for  the route of flight is below VFR minimums, or if  it is doubtful the flight could be made under VFR  conditions due to the forecast weather, the briefer may  state “VFR flight not recommended.” It is the pilot’s  decision whether or not to continue the flight under  VFR, but this advisory should be weighed carefully.  3. Synopsis—an overview of the larger weather picture.  Fronts and major weather systems that affect the  general area are provided.  4. Current conditions—the current ceilings, visibility,  winds, and temperatures. If the departure time is more  than 2 hours away, current conditions are not included  in the briefing.  5. En route forecast—a summary of the weather forecast  for the proposed route of flight.  6. Destination forecast—a summary of the expected  weather for the destination airport at the estimated  time of arrival (ETA).  7. Forecast winds and temperatures aloft—a forecast of  the winds at specific altitudes for the route of flight.  The forecast temperature information aloft is provided  only upon request.  8. Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)—information pertinent  to the route of flight that has not been published in the  NOTAM publication. Published NOTAM information  is provided during the briefing only when requested.  9. ATC delays—an advisory of any known ATC delays  that may affect the flight.  10. Other information—at the end of the standard briefing,  the FSS specialist provides the radio frequencies  needed to open a flight plan and to contact EFAS. Any  additional information requested is also provided at  this time.  13-5 