Bureau of Meteorology adopting the new ICAO-specified format for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) with effect from 05 November 2008
AIP SUP H80/08 dated 05 November 2008 has notified that the Bureau of Meteorology will be adopting the new ICAO-specified format for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) with effect from 05 November 2008.
The changes are due to the world-wide introduction of a TAF with a 30 hour validity period to assist in flight planning for those aerodromes required by long-haul operators. Additionally some new TAF codes will be introduced.
Though the new format will apply to all Australian aerodromes, the 30 hour TAF will only be provided for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth. The other aerodromes will continue to have their usual validity periods.
Thus from 05 November, pilots will operationally be receiving and applying the new TAF format to their flight planning.
However, for the purpose of CASA flight crew exams, the new TAF format will only be tested with effect from 20 November 2008 as the format and additional codes published in AIP SUP H80/08 will then be incorporate in the AIP Book as amendment No 57 (effective 20 Nov 08).
The reason for examining of the new TAF format and the additional codes only from 20 November 2008 is that any earlier examining on them before the availability of the up-to-date AIP Book will disadvantage examination candidates.
