A Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) is a concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions within a radius of how many statute miles of the center of an airport's runway complex?

• A. 25
• B. 10
• C. 5
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

A Terminal Area Forecast focuses on the weather conditions that will impact aircraft operations in the immediate area around the airport, particularly during approach, landing, and departure. The standard radius for a TAF is five statute miles from the center of the airport’s runway complex. This size keeps the forecast tightly aligned with the region where takeoffs and landings occur, giving pilots the most relevant planning information.

Why this radius fits: it covers the critical airfield environment and typical flight paths without diluting the forecast with weather far from the airport. A much larger radius would include conditions that aren’t as relevant to surface and initial flight operations, while a smaller radius could miss weather that still affects performance near the runways.

In short, five statute miles is the defined scope for a TAF.