Definition
Weather information transmitted from a ground-based or satellite-based service provider to an aircraft in flight, displayed on a cockpit screen or portable device. Common uplinked products include radar imagery, METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, winds aloft, and lightning data, delivered through systems such as SiriusXM Aviation Weather (satellite) or FIS-B via ADS-B (ground-based).
Plain English
Weather data sent up to the aircraft while flying, so the pilot can see current weather on a screen instead of only hearing it over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of cockpit weather displays, satellite services, and in-flight weather awareness.
Derivation
Uplink means data sent up from the ground (or relayed via satellite) to the aircraft, as opposed to downlink, which goes from aircraft to ground. The up/down naming reflects the direction of the signal relative to the airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots real-time weather updates en route without relying on voice radio calls, improving route planning and safety.
Grounding Statement
A weather uplink is the airplane receiving weather information after it is already airborne.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a weather uplink is the same as looking at live weather outside the windshield. It is received information, and it may be several minutes old.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing the ridge, she checked the weather uplinks on her tablet and saw a line of storms building to the west.
Example Sentence 2
Satellite weather uplinks delivered updated precipitation maps directly to the navigation display.