I use FSS for briefings all the time. I also supplement with CIRRUS (DUATS)
maps.

One advantage the FSS has over me is that they have been looking at the weather
all day. They already know what to look for, what to leave out, what to
ignore. For me it would be the first or second time I've seen the weather, and
I'd have to actually look through reams of printout for every airport in the
area in case there was a surprise which could be significant. FSS has already
done this and won't read 150 almost identical weather reports from nearby
stations, but will read the few that matter.

Jose

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