FAA Ground School Practice Test

To update a previous weather briefing, what should a pilot request?

1. An outlook briefing

2. A standard briefing

3. An abbreviated briefing

4. A complete briefing

The correct answer is: An abbreviated briefing

When a pilot needs to update a previous weather briefing, the most appropriate option is to request an abbreviated briefing. An abbreviated briefing is designed specifically for situations where a pilot has already received a comprehensive weather briefing and is looking for updates or changes in conditions that could affect their flight. This type of briefing is efficient, providing only the new information or significant changes, which saves time as it does not repeat details that the pilot is already aware of. In contrast, choosing a standard briefing would result in receiving all the standard information, which includes detailed weather data and a full set of forecasts and analysis. This is unnecessary for updating a previously obtained briefing. An outlook briefing is appropriate for requesting information on weather conditions further into the future, typically beyond 24 hours, which is not suitable for immediate updates. Meanwhile, a complete briefing typically refers to a full overview of all relevant weather information without focusing on updates specifically. Thus, requesting an abbreviated briefing is the most efficient and relevant choice for receiving updates.