Definition
The opening section of an Area Forecast (FA) that identifies the issuing weather office, the date and time the forecast was issued, and the valid period covered by the forecast. It also lists the states or regions included in the forecast area.
Plain English
The top portion of an Area Forecast that tells you who issued it, when it was issued, how long it is good for, and which area it covers.
Context Anchor
Seen at the top of an Area Forecast and other aviation weather products, before the main weather information.
Derivation
Header comes from head, meaning the top or front part of something. That fits the aviation use because the header is placed at the start of the weather product and identifies what follows.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the pilot is looking at the correct forecast for their intended flight area and time.
Intuition Check
Do not treat a header as just a title you can skip. In aviation weather, the header carries information needed to know whether the forecast applies to your flight.
Example Sentence 1
Before reading the forecast details, the pilot checked the header to confirm the FA was still within its valid period.
Example Sentence 2
Misreading the header could lead to using an outdated forecast for the wrong region.