How is weather information obtained and used in flight planning for the Longitude 700?

• A. METARs/TAFs, SIGMETs/AIRMETs via data link or onboard systems; plan routing/altitudes to avoid hazards; update in flight as needed.
• B. Weather is not needed for planning.
• C. Only use winds aloft; ignore METARs.
• D. Weather info is optional for IFR.

Answer: (A)

Weather information drives every phase of flight planning. For the Longitude 700, you obtain METARs and TAFs to know current and forecasted surface conditions, ceilings, visibility, winds, and other critical factors, while SIGMETs and AIRMETs alert you to significant and less-severe weather hazards along your route. These reports and advisories are accessible via data link or onboard systems, so you can see updates as you plan and in flight.

This information is used to shape routing and altitude choices to avoid hazards such as severe thunderstorms, icing, or turbulence, and to select altitudes with favorable winds and acceptable operating conditions. You’ll also use it to verify that the destination and alternates meet required weather minimums and to adjust the plan if the forecast changes.

Keeping weather current in flight is essential, so you update the plan as new information becomes available. Relying only on winds aloft or treating weather as optional is not appropriate for IFR operations, and METARs/TAFs or hazard advisories should never be ignored.