The Bureau of Meteorology undertook an industry requested review of its Trend Forecast (TTF) services through an extensive, industry-wide consultation process. The aim was to investigate feasible alternative options to TTF that met International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The key recommendation arising was for a three-hourly updated and responsive aerodrome forecast (TAF3) to replace the current Trend Forecast service (TTF).
On 5 November 2020, the TTF services will cease and TAF3 services will commence. The TAF3 service will provide similar responsiveness, accuracy and operational meteorological information as the TTF.
The major civilian airports affected by this change include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast and Hobart. At these locations, the TAF3 service will be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The TAF service provided for all other airports will remain unchanged.
Additionally, TAF3 service will be provided at the following military bases when staffed by Defence decision support meteorologists: Williamtown, Nowra, Tindal, Oakey, Townsville, Pearce, Amberley and East Sale. Aerodrome forecasts will revert to the standard TAF services outside of staffed hours, as per the current practice.
A TAF3 Implementation Working Group (TIWG), consisting of a representative group of aviation stakeholders, has been established to oversee this implementation and maximise awareness of the changes.
Please refer to the following documents for more information on the Trend Review and TAF3 Implementation.
TAF3 FAQ (222KB) − updated 17 September, 2020
TAF3 Brochure (214KB) − updated to 8 September, 2020
TAF3 AIC (187KB) − effective 30 October, 2020
TAF Brochure (270KB) − effective 5 November, 2020
TAF Reference Card (122KB) − effective 5 November, 2020
VOLMET AERIS Business Rules (234KB) − updated 17 September, 2020
Trend Review Final Report (1.3MB) − updated October 25, 2016
