Originally Posted by
Riverside
That is not answering his question though. The FA will not tell you is you can shoot the approach or not. Basing you approach on the FA is not a good idea, when there is no TAF.
Forecasts are for planning purposes, and even TAFs are not spot on correct. You should base your approach on Enroute/Arrival weather you receive when you near your destination.
I was simply indicating that the FA is the legal way to go about alternate selection/application. Obviously for the most current weather you would want to obtain the ATIS, ASOS, or AWOS when you get close.
The exact answer to his question would be no, TAFs cannot legally be used for alternate selection or application unless the airport of intended use is within 5SM of the TAF airport. In which case the FA is uses in lieu of the TAF.