Definition
An Aviation Area Forecast (FA) is a written forecast covering general weather conditions over an area the size of several states. It is used to determine forecast en route weather and to interpret reported conditions at airports that do not issue their own terminal forecasts. The FA describes clouds, general weather, visibility, icing, turbulence, and other significant conditions expected over the forecast area during a stated valid period.
Plain English
A weather forecast that covers a large region — usually several states — and tells pilots what the weather is expected to do across that whole area, not just at one airport.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather planning, especially when reviewing forecast weather for a route rather than for a single departure or destination airport.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots advance notice of weather that could affect safety, fuel planning, or route choice over long distances.
Intuition Check
Do not read “area” as one airport or a small local practice area. In this term, it means a broad region, so the forecast is general rather than point-by-point.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing on the cross-country, the pilot reviewed the FA to see what cloud and icing conditions to expect along the route.
Example Sentence 2
After checking the latest area forecast, the instructor decided to delay the cross-country flight due to expected widespread fog.