When are General Flight Advisories (GFAs) typically issued?

General Flight Advisories (GFAs) are typically issued at 0, 6, 12, and 18 UTC to provide timely and relevant information about significant weather conditions that could affect flight operations. This schedule allows pilots and flight planners to have access to updated guidance at regular intervals that align with the operational needs of aviation.

This systematic issuance at set times ensures that all users receive information concurrently, which is vital for safety and planning, particularly for those flying in, or near, areas experiencing dynamic weather changes. Maintaining a consistent schedule at these specific times—aligned with Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)—helps standardize the information dissemination process across different regions and time zones.

In contrast to other options, issuing GFAs at the beginning of each hour would lead to potentially redundant updates, while a 6-hour interval would not provide the timely information necessary for short-notice flight planning. Additionally, only issuing GFAs during adverse weather conditions would not ensure that pilots have proactive information about potential weather developments, limiting their ability to prepare for changes that might arise in flight.