What is a TAF?

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, or TAF, is a weather forecast specifically designed for aviation purposes, providing critical information about expected weather conditions for airports and aerodromes. TAFs cover various elements including wind direction and speed, visibility, significant weather phenomena, and cloud cover over a specific forecast period, generally up to 24 or 30 hours for most locations.

The TAF is vital for flight planning and operations as it enables pilots and air traffic controllers to anticipate and make decisions based on upcoming weather conditions at the departure and arrival airports, as well as during the flight path. This high level of detail helps ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

In contrast, other choices such as Traffic Alert Forecast or Takeoff and Arrival Forecast do not represent established aviation terminology or practices. Trial Aviation Flight does not pertain to the forecasting of weather and is not relevant in this context. Therefore, the correct identification of a TAF as a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast is fundamental to its purpose in aviation meteorology.