Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

How frequently are TAFs issued?

1. Every hour

2. Every 6 hours

3. Every 12 hours

4. Every 24 hours

The correct answer is: Every 6 hours

TAFs, or Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts, are issued every 6 hours and provide weather forecasts for specific airports and aerodromes. These forecasts cover weather conditions expected in the vicinity of the airport for a period typically extending up to 24 hours, sometimes 30 hours, depending on the specific TAF. The primary aim of TAFs is to assist pilots and flight planners in making informed decisions about flight operations by forecasting weather phenomena that could affect safety. While some other weather products might be issued on different schedules—such as METARs, which are updated every hour—TAFs maintain their 6-hour issuance interval. This regularity allows pilots to receive updated forecasts throughout the day, which is crucial for planning and conducting safe flights.