The student pilot’s companion
Use these prompts alongside your training to prepare questions for your instructor. This is a companion to that conversation, not a complete preflight checklist.
Before comparing any numbers, look at the reporting airfield, when the report was issued, and when your app last checked for it. A recent check does not necessarily mean a new report.
Ask your instructor: does this station represent conditions at our airfield? What differences should we expect? What other official information should we review?
Separate the report of observed conditions from the forecast. Review the period covering your planned flight, including temporary and possible changes. Open the original wording with your instructor when an interpretation is unclear.
Ask: what might change during the lesson? Which uncertainties affect our plan? What would prompt another review?
Agree appropriate limits with your instructor for your experience and planned activity. Discuss cloud ceiling, visibility, wind, gusts and crosswind. Personal limits do not replace legal, aircraft or school limits.
Ask: which limits apply to this lesson? How do they differ for solo flying? What does a missing measurement mean for our review?
An airfield weather summary is only part of preparation. Threshold does not check route weather, route daylight or notices, and it does not decide whether a flight is safe. Follow your instructor’s briefing process and use appropriate official sources.
Missing or outdated data is a reason to seek the information you need, not to assume conditions are acceptable.
