Hoyle Tanner’s aviation professionals recently participated in the design and construction of Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) units for Ormond Beach Municipal Airport in Florida, Martin County Airport in Florida, and Brunswick Executive Airport in Maine. Gaining insight into the reasons and methods behind these units can be beneficial when navigating the unique and intriguing aspects of this design process.
What is AWOS
An AWOS provides continuous, real-time information about the weather conditions at an airport. The unit consists of various sensors that can measure parameters such as wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, pressure, visibility, cloud height, and precipitation. The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to a central processor, which then generates weather reports that can be accessed by pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport personnel. AWOS units are operated and controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are among the oldest automated weather systems.
Design, Permit & Commissioning
Designing an AWOS requires planning and coordination among airport authorities, meteorological agencies, and system vendors. Some of the factors that need to be considered are:
- The location and layout of the airport, including the runway orientation, terrain, and obstacles.
- The type and frequency of the weather phenomena that affect the airport, such as fog, snow, rain, thunderstorms, etc.
- The budget and timeline of the AWOS project, including the procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning of the system, as well as the training and support for the users.
Before installing and operating an AWOS, necessary permits and approvals must be obtained from FAA. This process includes writing and submitting a siting study from which FAA identifies specific criteria and guidelines which are used in determining the best location. The AWOS must be mounted at a certain height and distance away from existing infrastructure to eliminate any interference from potential obstructions. The siting study along with pertinent exhibits are submitted to FAA for approval. Once approval has been given, the airport authority may proceed with procurement and construction.
Upon completion of the AWOS installation, the unit must undergo testing and calibration to ensure that it meets the required accuracy and reliability standards. A final inspection is conducted by FAA who then grants the airport authority the permission to operate the unit and begin using the data. Training and support are also provided by the manufacturer so that pilots, controllers, or maintenance staff can easily access, interpret, and apply the weather information provided by the system.
Why AWOS is Important
An AWOS is important because it can enhance the safety and efficiency of airport operations, especially in adverse weather conditions. Some of the benefits of an AWOS are that they:
- provide timely and accurate weather information to pilots, which can help them make informed decisions about flight planning, routing, and landing.
- reduce the workload and stress of air traffic controllers, who can rely on the data to manage the traffic flow and coordinate the runway usage.
- improve the situational awareness and communication among the airport staff, who can monitor the weather conditions and anticipate any changes or hazards.
- increase the operational capacity and flexibility of the airport, which can reduce delays, cancellations, and diversions, saving fuel and costs.
In conclusion, an AWOS is a valuable asset for any airport that wants to improve its safety, efficiency, and performance. By providing accurate and timely information on the weather conditions, the AWOS enables the airport to optimize its operations and enhance its service quality. An AWOS also benefits the airport staff, the air traffic controllers, and the pilots, who can work together more effectively and reduce the risks of accidents or disruptions. If your airport can benefit from an AWOS, our experts can help! We have extensive experience in designing and constructing AWOS units that meet the specific needs and challenges of different airports.
