For many years flying members of the Jersey Aero Club, as well as visiting general aviation pilots and pilots from other Channel Islands have been very fortunate to have a first class Met service available to them.  Not only are they able to talk directly to a forecaster in person or on the telephone, but they also have access to all the information they require to dcide if they can make their proposed flight safely.

In aviation 'safety' is the number one priority, expecially for general aviation pilots where experience can vary greatly and a sudden and unexpected change in weather can have serious if not disastrous consequences.  With the ever increasing emphasis on self briefing amongst European countries, the importance of being able to talk directly to a forecaster cannot be over emphasised.  Along with the standard METARs, TAFs and route forecasts available from the Met Office, pilots can also view and discuss the latest weather radar and satellite imagey giving them a comprehensive picture and better understanding of the flight conditions likely to be encountered en-route.  Importantly, student pilots at the Jersey Aero Club are made aware of these facilities and are encouraged by their instructors and in talks with Met Office staff at the club to visit the Met Office and to meet and talk to the forecasters.

On numerous occaisions both in the Met Office and in the general aviation briefing room at the aero club, visiting pilots can be heard saying "This Met service is first class - if only we had something like this back home!".

The flying desk staff have some cards available to borrow that will provide free access to the short term car park at Jersey Airport for the purpose of visiting the Met Office, so why not take the opportunity of going up there to meet the team, see what they do, and have a chat directly with a forecast to get detailed information about your next flight!

Information can also be found on the Jersey Met website or you can talk directly to a forecaster by calling 01534 448765.