FAR/AIM Complete Practice Test 2026 – Full Exam Prep Resource

METAR vs SPECI deals with routine versus special aviation weather reports. METAR is a routine weather observation issued at regular intervals, typically hourly, to give a current snapshot of conditions at a location. SPECI is a special weather observation issued between routine reports whenever there is a significant change in weather that could affect flight operations. So you’d rely on METAR for normal, scheduled updates, and SPECI for urgent updates when conditions like wind, visibility, ceilings, or hazardous weather change rapidly. The SPECI message covers the same kinds of data but is triggered by notable fluctuations and remains in effect until the next METAR or another SPECI is issued.