FAA Continues Transition to Graphical Forecasts for Aviation

The FAA has announced the next step in its ongoing effort to modernize aviation weather products by further transitioning from traditional area forecasts (FAs) to the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) tool. This change, detailed in an Information for Operators (InFO 25004) dated April 8, 2025, reflects the FAA’s strategy to provide pilots with more accurate, accessible, and visual weather information.

Area forecasts, once a primary source of low altitude en route weather planning, have been gradually phased out in the contiguous US since 2017. The latest update expands that transition to include area forecasts for Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.

The GFA tool, available through the Aviation Weather Center, presents weather data in an interactive, time-based graphical format. It allows pilots to view ceilings, visibility, precipitation, winds, turbulence, and more—all layered on a dynamic map to enhance situational awareness.

All pilots are encouraged to become familiar with the GFA, which is recognized as a valid source of preflight weather information under §91.103.

Read the full FAA InFO here (PDF)

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Eric Radtke

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed.Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including FlightTrainingCentral.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.

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