Every safe flight begins long before the engine starts. Proper flight preparation is a legal requirement under both EASA and FAA rules, and it is also a cornerstone of good airmanship. Pilots are required to gather and review the latest weather information, aerodrome forecasts, and NOTAMs before every flight.
Traditionally, this meant opening several websites or apps, writing notes by hand, and keeping track of multiple sources of information. But with Wilco, all of this can be done in one place, and a professional PDF briefing can be generated in seconds — ready to print or store on your device.
The essentials of flight preparation
1. Weather information (METARs)
METARs provide the latest observed weather conditions at your departure, destination, and alternate aerodromes. A current METAR will tell you the visibility, ceiling, wind, temperature, pressure, and significant weather phenomena. Without it, you cannot safely evaluate whether conditions meet VFR or IFR requirements.
2. Forecasts (TAFs)
A TAF is the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, usually valid for 24 to 30 hours. It predicts expected conditions, including wind shifts, visibility changes, and significant weather such as thunderstorms or snow. For IFR flight planning, TAFs are crucial to determine whether alternate aerodromes are required.
3. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
NOTAMs inform you about temporary changes or hazards: closed runways, unserviceable navigation aids, airspace restrictions, or special events. A missed NOTAM can lead to operational or even legal consequences. Checking them is not optional — it is mandatory for every flight.
The challenges pilots face
Even though every pilot knows they need to check METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs, the process is not always straightforward:
Information often comes from multiple sources.
Updates can change quickly, forcing you to refresh and re-check.
Copying or handwriting notes increases the risk of errors.
There is no standard way to neatly organize everything for later reference.
Especially for professional pilots, having a reliable, organized pre-flight briefing is essential.
How Wilco helps you prepare faster and smarter
Wilco brings all essential pre-flight information into one professional platform:
Latest METARs – pulled instantly for your selected aerodromes, using live data.
TAFs in full detail – with clear formatting so you can easily interpret forecast trends.
Integrated NOTAMs – so you don’t have to switch between multiple websites or apps.
One-click PDF briefing – generate a complete, professional-looking pre-flight briefing pack in PDF format, ready to print or save on your device.
Organized presentation – weather and NOTAMs are structured by aerodrome, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
Instead of juggling multiple tools, Wilco centralizes everything and gives you a professional document you can take to the cockpit, show to an examiner, or keep as part of your records.
Why it matters
Pre-flight preparation is not just about compliance — it is about safety and professionalism. A pilot who arrives with a clear, structured briefing demonstrates discipline and readiness. By using Wilco, you:
Save time collecting data from different sources.
Avoid errors from copying or misreading information.
Always have the latest weather and NOTAMs in one place.
Carry a professional briefing document in PDF format, ready to present or archive.
Conclusion
Checking METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs is the foundation of safe flying and is required by aviation regulations worldwide. But doing it manually is time-consuming and prone to mistakes.
Wilco transforms pre-flight preparation into a simple, organized, and professional process. With up-to-date weather and NOTAMs, plus the ability to generate a clean PDF briefing in seconds, you can focus on flying — knowing your preparation is thorough and audit-ready.
With Wilco, flight preparation is no longer a chore. It’s a professional standard, delivered in a format that works for both you and the authorities.