What does the acronym TAF stand for?

The acronym TAF stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. This is a type of aviation weather report that provides weather forecasts specific to the area around an airport, typically covering a 24-hour period, with an option to extend for an additional 24 hours. TAFs are crucial for pilots and aviation personnel as they provide essential information on weather conditions such as wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather events.

Understanding the purpose of the TAF is important in aviation because it helps in planning flights, making decisions during operations, and ensuring passenger safety by providing timely weather updates relevant to takeoff and landing procedures. The specificity of a TAF to terminal areas distinguishes it from other weather forecasts, which may not be as tailored to aviation needs.