GAFOR ("General Aviation Forecast") is a format for reporting weather information for aviation purposes. The GAFOR is used in many European countries. In order to easy transmit and understand GAFOR forecasts, the original (local) names are systematically replaced by a code number. There are two kinds of application:
Contents
GAFOR codes
The GAFOR gives information on weather conditions (VIS/ceiling) prevailing along the main VFR Routes in Switzerland and Austria. VIS and ceiling conditions considered, four weather categories are distinguished:
Other weather phenomena dangerous for aviation, such as icing and turbulence are forecasted in GAMET or flight forecast. For this reason they are not taken into account in GAFOR.
Transmission
The GAFOR is spoken on magnetic disk or tape at Zurich and Genève. The forecast enumerates weather categories in chronological order, first for groups of routes REF: 4.4.2 then for single routes REF: 4.4.3, using the ICAO spelling alphabet:
GAFOR Routes (groups)
Each group is or can be divided into several distinct routes, e.g. for choosing one of different possible passes through the Alps.
Groups of routes:
Service distribution
Meteorological information is available at the aerodromes (Selfbriefing Station). They are also available on telephone, FAX, SMS and internet.
Issue hour Validity