FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which type of weather briefing should a pilot request if departing within the hour with no preliminary information received?

1. Outlook briefing

2. Standard briefing

3. Abbreviated briefing

4. Special briefing

The correct answer is: Standard briefing

A standard briefing is the appropriate choice for a pilot departing within the hour who has not received any preliminary information. This type of briefing provides a comprehensive overview of current weather conditions, forecasts, and any relevant notices that might affect the flight. It offers detailed information about significant weather phenomena, such as turbulence, thunderstorms, and low visibility, as well as general airspace conditions. The standard briefing is designed for pilots who need all available data to make informed decisions about an upcoming flight, especially when departing imminently. In this scenario, since there is no prior information, the standard briefing will cover both the immediate and anticipated weather conditions that the pilot might encounter. Outlook briefings are typically used much earlier in planning, as they focus on forecasts that extend beyond 24 hours. An abbreviated briefing is suitable when a pilot needs to update information or when they have already received some preliminary data. A special briefing is generally provided in response to a specific request about weather advisories or conditions that have changed or developed quickly. Given that the pilot is preparing to leave soon without prior information, opting for a standard briefing is the most effective way to capture all necessary details for a safe departure.