Aviation Agent
Aviation weather briefing and FAA reference assistant. Fetches live weather data from aviationweather.gov and provides FAR/AIM quick reference for flight planning and go/no-go decisions.
Quick Start
# Get current METAR for Los Angeles International
python3 scripts/metar.py --metar KLAX
# Full briefing: METAR + TAF forecast for two airports
python3 scripts/metar.py --metar KLAX KSFO --taf KLAX KSFO
# Check PIREPs (pilot reports) near Chicago O'Hare, last 4 hours
python3 scripts/metar.py --pirep KORD --hours 4
scripts/metar.py — Weather Data Fetcher
Queries the aviationweather.gov public API (no API key needed). Returns formatted, decoded weather reports with flight category classification.
Arguments
| Flag | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
--metar ICAO [ICAO ...] | Fetch current METAR for one or more airports | --metar KLAX KJFK |
--taf ICAO [ICAO ...] | Fetch TAF forecast for one or more airports | --taf KORD |
--pirep ICAO | Fetch PIREPs within 200 nm of airport | --pirep KSFO |
--hours N | Hours of data to retrieve (1-24, default: 2) | --hours 6 |
Flags can be combined in a single call:
python3 scripts/metar.py --metar KLAX --taf KLAX --pirep KLAX --hours 3
Output Includes
- Raw report text and decoded fields
- Wind direction/speed/gusts, visibility, cloud layers
- Weather phenomena decoded to plain English (e.g.,
+TSRA-> Heavy Thunderstorm Rain) - Automatic flight category classification (VFR/MVFR/IFR/LIFR)
- Temperature, dewpoint, altimeter setting
ICAO Code Format
Codes must be exactly 4 uppercase letters. Common US airports use K prefix (e.g., KLAX, KJFK, KORD). International examples: EGLL (London Heathrow), RJTT (Tokyo Haneda).
When to Read Which Reference
| User Question | Read This File |
|---|---|
| "What does BKN025 mean?" / "Decode this METAR" | references/metar-codes.md |
| "What does TEMPO mean in this TAF?" / "Explain TAF format" | references/taf-codes.md |
| "How many landings do I need to be current?" / "What are VFR minimums in Class D?" | references/far-quickref.md |
| "Can I fly today?" / "Is this weather safe for a student pilot?" | references/decision-guide.md |
| Go/no-go decision with specific weather data | Run scripts/metar.py first, then read references/decision-guide.md |
For a full weather briefing workflow:
- Run
scripts/metar.pywith--metarand--taffor the departure and destination airports - Run
scripts/metar.pywith--pirepto check for turbulence/icing reports - Read
references/decision-guide.mdto evaluate the weather against personal minimums - Read
references/far-quickref.mdif the user needs regulatory specifics
Flight Category Legend
| Category | Ceiling | Visibility | Marker | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFR | > 3,000 ft AGL | > 5 SM | Green | Visual flight rules — clear conditions |
| MVFR | 1,000 – 3,000 ft | 3 – 5 SM | Blue | Marginal VFR — proceed with caution |
| IFR | 500 – 999 ft | 1 – < 3 SM | Red | Instrument flight rules required |
| LIFR | < 500 ft | < 1 SM | Magenta | Low IFR — extremely restricted visibility |
The more restrictive of ceiling or visibility determines the category. For example, 10 SM visibility but a 900 ft ceiling is IFR (ceiling is the limiting factor).
Ceiling is defined as the lowest cloud layer reported as BKN (Broken) or OVC (Overcast). FEW and SCT layers are not ceilings.