How do pilots plan to avoid weather and what tools assist this?

• A. Rely only on onboard weather radar during planning without briefing.
• B. Weather briefings, radar, satellite data, and FMS/flight planning tools to reroute, change altitude, or delay.
• C. Use only METARs.
• D. Fly the planned route regardless of weather.

Answer: (B)

Planning to avoid weather relies on gathering a complete weather picture before and during flight and using tools that let you translate that information into a safer route. Pilots obtain a thorough weather briefing that includes current observations and forecasts (such as METARs/TAFs and SIGMETs), plus data on lightning, radar, and winds aloft. They then use flight planning systems and the FMS to assess alternative routes and altitudes, choosing options that keep the aircraft clear of hazardous weather. If conditions change, they can reroute, climb or descend, or delay departures to maintain safety. In flight, onboard weather radar and satellite/radar data help monitor and adjust the plan as needed, with ongoing coordination with air traffic control and updated weather information.

Relying only on onboard radar during planning misses the broader forecast, coverage, and observational data needed to anticipate weather, and using METARs alone doesn’t provide the necessary forecasts or routing options. Flying the planned route regardless of weather is unsafe.