Weather Visualization
See weather conditions at a glance with color-coded airport markers. CaptainVFR automatically analyzes METAR data and displays flight categories using intuitive colors, helping you make quick go/no-go decisions.
Flight Category Colors
🟢 VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
Green Markers
- Ceiling: ≥ 3,000 feet AGL
- Visibility: ≥ 5 statute miles
- Conditions: Excellent for VFR flight
- Meaning: Clear skies, good visibility
Example METAR:
METAR KJFK 121853Z 24008KT 10SM FEW250 22/14 A3012
🟡 MVFR (Marginal VFR)
Yellow Markers
- Ceiling: 1,000 - 2,999 feet AGL
- Visibility: 3 - 4 statute miles
- Conditions: Marginal for VFR
- Meaning: Caution advised, monitor weather
Example METAR:
METAR KJFK 121853Z 24008KT 4SM BKN020 22/14 A3012
🔴 IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
Red Markers
- Ceiling: 500 - 999 feet AGL
- Visibility: 1 - 2 statute miles
- Conditions: IFR required
- Meaning: Not suitable for VFR flight
Example METAR:
METAR KJFK 121853Z 24008KT 2SM OVC008 22/14 A3012
⚫ LIFR (Low IFR)
Black Markers
- Ceiling: < 500 feet AGL
- Visibility: < 1 statute mile
- Conditions: Low IFR
- Meaning: Very poor conditions, extreme caution
Example METAR:
METAR KJFK 121853Z 24008KT 1/2SM OVC003 22/14 A3012
How It Works
Automatic METAR Analysis
- Data Collection: Fetches latest METAR for each airport
- Parsing: Analyzes ceiling and visibility
- Category Determination: Applies FAA definitions
- Color Assignment: Updates marker color
- Real-Time Updates: Refreshes periodically
Intelligent Parsing
- Reads cloud layers (FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC)
- Identifies lowest ceiling
- Parses visibility (SM, meters, fractions)
- Handles special conditions
- Accounts for remarks
Visual Display
Airport Markers
- Color: Indicates flight category
- Size: Based on airport type
- Border: Highlights selection
- Label: Shows ICAO code
Map Integration
- Seamless overlay on map
- Zoom-responsive
- Touch to view full METAR
- Tap for detailed weather
Weather Overlay Toggle
- Quick Action Bar button
- Show/hide all weather
- Persists preference
- Instant update
Detailed Weather Information
Tap for Full METAR
METAR KJFK 121853Z 24008KT 10SM FEW250 22/14 A3012 RMK AO2
Decoded:
- Time: 1853 Zulu
- Wind: 240° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Clouds: Few at 25,000 feet
- Temperature: 22°C
- Dewpoint: 14°C
- Altimeter: 30.12 inHg
TAF Forecasts
- Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
- 24-hour outlook
- Trend information
- Change groups
- Probability indicators
Use Cases
Pre-Flight Planning
Route Weather Check
- Enable weather overlay
- Scan route for colors
- Identify problem areas
- Plan alternates
Destination Weather
- Check destination color
- Review nearby alternates
- Monitor trends
- Make go/no-go decision
En-Route Monitoring
Weather Deterioration
- Watch for color changes
- Yellow → Red: Divert consideration
- Red → Black: Immediate action
- Green → Yellow: Monitor closely
Alternate Selection
- Find green airports
- Check distance
- Verify facilities
- Plan diversion route
Emergency Situations
Weather Diversion
- Enable weather overlay
- Find nearest green airport
- Check distance and bearing
- Declare emergency if needed
- Navigate to alternate
Advanced Features
Weather Age Indicator
- Shows data freshness
- Warns of stale data
- Updates automatically
- Color-coded age
Trend Analysis
- Improving conditions: ↗️
- Deteriorating conditions: ↘️
- Stable conditions: →
- Rapid changes: ⚠️
Multiple Data Sources
- Primary: CheckWX API
- Backup: SafeSky
- Fallback: Cached data
- Offline: Last known
Best Practices
Pre-Flight
- Check weather along entire route
- Identify potential problem areas
- Note alternate airports
- Monitor trends
In-Flight
- Refresh weather periodically
- Watch for deteriorating conditions
- Have alternates ready
- Don’t hesitate to divert
Decision Making
- All Green: Good to go
- Some Yellow: Monitor closely
- Any Red: Reconsider VFR
- Any Black: IFR or divert
Weather Minimums
Personal Minimums
Set your own limits:
- Minimum ceiling
- Minimum visibility
- Crosswind limits
- Night restrictions
Regulatory Minimums
- VFR Day: 1,000 ft ceiling, 3 SM visibility
- VFR Night: Higher minimums recommended
- Special VFR: 1 SM visibility, clear of clouds
- IFR: Approach minimums apply
Integration
Works With
- Flight Planning: Route weather analysis
- Quick Action Bar: Toggle weather display
- Airport Info: Detailed METAR/TAF
- Nearest Airport: Weather-aware search
Data Sources
- CheckWX API (primary)
- SafeSky (backup)
- NOAA Aviation Weather
- Local weather stations
Limitations
Important Notes
- ⚠️ Weather data may be delayed
- ⚠️ Not all airports have METAR
- ⚠️ Conditions can change rapidly
- ⚠️ Use official briefing sources
Recommendations
- Get official weather briefing
- Check NOTAMs
- Monitor ATIS/AWOS
- Use multiple sources
- Trust your judgment
Troubleshooting
No Weather Colors
- Enable weather overlay
- Check internet connection
- Verify data source
- Refresh manually
Incorrect Colors
- Check METAR age
- Verify parsing
- Report issues
- Use backup source
Missing Airports
- Not all airports report weather
- Small airports may lack METAR
- Use nearby airports
- Check AWOS/ASOS frequencies
Weather visualization in CaptainVFR transforms complex METAR data into intuitive color-coded markers, helping you make quick, informed decisions about flight safety. One glance tells you everything you need to know about weather conditions along your route.
Remember: Always obtain an official weather briefing before flight. CaptainVFR’s weather visualization is a supplementary tool, not a replacement for proper flight planning and weather analysis.