METARs and TAFs (aviation weather websites), GAFOR charts (VFR area forecasts, colour-coded), EFB apps (SkyDemon integrates weather), significant weather charts, NOTAM packages (national AIS or EAD), and PIREPs. METAR/TAF interpretation is a core PPL skill. Always get a complete briefing before every flight.
European VFR forecast system: geographic areas colour-coded for flyability. O (Open, blue) = unrestricted; D (Difficult, green) = requires experience; M (Marginal, yellow) = experienced pilots only; X (Closed, red) = VFR not recommended. Issued every 3-6 hours. Common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Benelux. Invaluable for go/no-go decisions.
Notices to Air Missions: official info on temporary airspace restrictions, closed runways, inoperative navaids, military exercises, etc. Access via national AIS websites, EAD/Eurocontrol, EFB apps like SkyDemon. Always check as part of pre-flight planning — airspace infringements are taken very seriously in Europe.
Via national AIS online systems (Autorouter, DFS FPL, SIA/Olivia), EFB apps (SkyDemon has built-in filing), telephone briefing offices, or in person at AIS/ARO. Contents: aircraft ID, departure/destination, route, level, fuel endurance, persons on board. Mandatory for some cross-border flights. Always close your plan after landing.
