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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-taf-area

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) covers the area within how far of the airport's runways?

5 statute miles of the center of the runway complex.

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  1. 25 statute miles
  2. 5 statute miles ✔
  3. 50 nautical miles

Why: A TAF describes expected weather significant to aviation for a set time within 5 statute miles of the center of the airport's runway complex. It uses the same weather codes as METARs.

Huh, didn't know that: Scheduled 24-hour and 30-hour TAFs are issued four times each day and amended as needed.

The dad joke
I read the TAF for my airport. It's the only forecast I trust, because it only has to be right for 5 miles.
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References

Answer: 5 statute miles. A TAF describes expected weather significant to aviation for a set time within 5 statute miles of the center of the airport's runway complex. It uses the same weather codes as METARs.

  1. Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28B, Chapter 27 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/FAA-H-8083-28B.pdf
    within 5 SM of the center of the airport’s runway complex
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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