AF Form 3803: Surface Weather Observations (METAR/SPECI)

AF Form 3803: Surface Weather Observations (METAR/SPECI) – Weather personnel at U.S. Air Force bases, weather flights (WFs), and detachments rely on this form (or its electronic equivalents) as the primary manual or backup record for surface weather observations. It supports safe flight operations by capturing critical real-time data on wind, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), present weather, sky conditions, temperature, dew point, altimeter setting, and remarks.

What Are METAR and SPECI Reports?

  • METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report): A routine, scheduled observation taken hourly (typically between 55-59 minutes past the hour). It provides a comprehensive snapshot of current surface weather conditions at an airfield. METARs are disseminated locally and often long-line into the broader aviation weather network.
  • SPECI (Special Weather Report): An unscheduled observation issued whenever significant weather changes occur that meet specific criteria (e.g., visibility dropping below certain thresholds, thunderstorms beginning or ending, wind shifts, or other aviation-impacting phenomena). SPECIs ensure pilots and air traffic control receive timely updates between routine METARs.

These reports follow standardized coding formats based on World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, with U.S. Air Force-specific procedures detailed in AFMAN 15-111, Surface Weather Observations (12 March 2019, incorporating Change 1 dated 26 January 2024).

Purpose and Importance of AF Form 3803

The AF Form 3803 serves as the official archival record of daily surface weather observations. Key purposes include:

  • Documenting METAR, SPECI, and sometimes LOCAL observations in a structured columnar format.
  • Supporting quality control, corrections, and post-event analysis.
  • Providing data for climatological records archived by the 14th Weather Squadron (14 WS) via climate.af.mil.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements for U.S. Air Force and joint operations (including some U.S. Army support).

Accurate completion is mandatory because these observations directly affect flight planning, go/no-go decisions, instrument approach procedures, and overall aviation safety across U.S. military airfields.

Download the official AF Form 3803 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af3803/af3803.pdf

Who Uses AF Form 3803?

  • Certified weather observers and technicians in Air Force Weather Flights (OSS/OSW).
  • Personnel at permanent and non-fixed observing stations.
  • Units augmenting automated systems like the AN/FMQ-19.
  • Support for joint operations where standardized METAR/SPECI coding is required.

The form (or the JET Form 3813 in some contexts) is used alongside automated systems, with manual augmentation or backup when needed. Electronic versions or approved Excel workbooks may also be authorized.

Key Guidance from AFMAN 15-111

AFMAN 15-111 provides detailed procedures for taking, recording, and disseminating observations. Important aspects relevant to AF Form 3803 include:

  • Observation Types and Timing: METARs on the hour; SPECIs as required by criteria (e.g., visibility, ceiling, significant weather changes, wind shifts, or specific phenomena like tornadoes or volcanic activity).
  • Late or Missed Observations: Specific rules apply. If a METAR is more than 15 minutes late or conditions have changed appreciably, procedures may require issuing a SPECI first, then recording a METAR with estimates and a “(FIBI)” remark (Filed But Impractical to Broadcast/Transmit).
  • Corrections: Errors discovered after dissemination are corrected on the form with “COR” notations, times, and red ink (for paper versions) or specific electronic marking. Remarks go in Column 13.
  • Rounding and Precision: Strict rules for rounding values (e.g., temperature, wind) to maintain consistency.
  • Archival: Completed forms or electronic records are transmitted to the 14 WS for long-term climate archiving on a scheduled basis.

The manual also covers augmentation (adding manual data to automated observations), backup procedures, RVR reporting, and detailed element-by-element observing standards.

How to Complete AF Form 3803?

The form uses a columnar layout with dedicated spaces for each weather element across observations. Typical entries include:

  • Column 1: Type of observation (METAR, SPECI, etc.).
  • Time (UTC/Zulu).
  • Wind direction and speed (including gusts).
  • Visibility and RVR.
  • Present weather (e.g., rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms).
  • Sky condition (cloud layers, ceiling).
  • Temperature/Dew point.
  • Altimeter setting (QNH).
  • Remarks (plain language or coded additives).

New pages typically start at the beginning of each local calendar day. Observers must follow precise instructions in AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 3 (Entries on Observation Forms) for each column. Samples and detailed guidance appear in attachments to the manual.

Best Practices:

  • Use official equipment and sensors where possible.
  • Apply augmentation when automated data needs manual refinement (e.g., cloud types, significant weather).
  • Ensure all disseminated reports match the form entries.
  • Maintain legibility and proper correction procedures for auditability.
  • AFMAN 15-111, Surface Weather Observations — The governing publication (available on e-Publishing.af.mil).
  • Climate Data Access: https://climate.af.mil/ for archival and related tools.
  • Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 1 and ICAO/WMO standards for broader context.
  • Base-level instructions (e.g., local weather flight supplements) that may tailor procedures.

For the most current guidance, always consult the latest version of AFMAN 15-111 and your unit’s operating instructions, as interim changes (e.g., updates to SPECI criteria for snow or RVR) can occur.

Why Accurate Surface Weather Observations Matter?

In military aviation, timely and precise METAR/SPECI reports can mean the difference between mission success and safety incidents. AF Form 3803 ensures a reliable, auditable record that supports both immediate operations and long-term climatology for base planning and research.

U.S. Air Force weather professionals play a critical role in the joint fight by delivering world-class environmental intelligence through these standardized processes.

Need the form?
Direct download: AF Form 3803 PDF

For training or detailed procedures, refer to AFMAN 15-111 on the official Air Force e-Publishing site.

This article is for informational purposes and references publicly available U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. Always verify the latest revisions through official channels (e-Publishing.af.mil) before operational use.