What action should be taken if the weather observed is different from the current observation at a controlled airport?

What action should be taken if the weather observed is different from the current observation at a controlled airport?

• A. Contact ATC and request an updated observation
• B. Ignore the difference
• C. Notify the crew only after arrival
• D. File a weather discrepancy report before departure

Answer: (A)

When weather at a controlled airport doesn’t match the current published observation, the immediate action is to reach out to ATC to obtain an updated observation. ATC has access to the latest METAR/SPECI data and can relay or issue a new observation or update the ATIS, ensuring the crew and flight planning reflect reality. This keeps decision-making aligned with actual conditions and supports safe operations during all phases of flight. Ignoring the difference risks unsafe planning, and waiting until after arrival defeats the purpose of having current weather data. Filing a weather discrepancy report before departure is typically a post-event or documentation action rather than a real-time corrective step. So contacting ATC to get an updated observation is the proper, timely response.

When weather at a controlled airport doesn’t match the current published observation, the immediate action is to reach out to ATC to obtain an updated observation. ATC has access to the latest METAR/SPECI data and can relay or issue a new observation or update the ATIS, ensuring the crew and flight planning reflect reality. This keeps decision-making aligned with actual conditions and supports safe operations during all phases of flight.

Ignoring the difference risks unsafe planning, and waiting until after arrival defeats the purpose of having current weather data. Filing a weather discrepancy report before departure is typically a post-event or documentation action rather than a real-time corrective step. So contacting ATC to get an updated observation is the proper, timely response.