Weather Reporting

Access to accurate weather information is vital for aviation safety and effective instrument procedure use. Onsite weather reporting also allows for the use a local altimeter setting instead of using a Remote Altimeter Setting (RASS) which usually requires an increase in landing weather minimums.

Historically weather reporting was provided by a Certified Weather Observer or by a federally or state installed Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS). Traditional AWOS systems are usually cost prohibitive to install, require extensive site prep, power & data resources, and take years of planning. To enable the most effective use of new and/or improved Instrument Flight Procedures on an accelerated timeline, Flight Tech Engineering now provides a weather station solution for airport and aircraft operators. The system is referred to as a Validated Weather Observation System (VWOS) and is a non-certified system primarily intended for Part 91 & 135 operations in the state of Alaska. The term ‘Validation’ refers to the system’s ability to self-detect values that are out of tolerance, log the issue, and discontinue reporting until resolved. With the correct approvals in place, an operator may conduct IFR operations to an airport with non-certified weather sources in Alaska per current FAA allowances.

An approved program using validated weather sensors can provide a substantial safety and operational advantage at airports that currently have no active weather reporting installed or to even serve as a backup when traditional AWOS systems are offline and awaiting repair. Compared to a weather camera alone- which only provides a visual overview of the conditions and may be hard to ascertain ceiling, visibility, and present weather, the VWOS uses AWOS-grade calibrated sensor equipment to provide actual values in a METAR readable format.

Example:

The VWOS is custom designed & deployed for each site location. The entire process for sourcing the parts to providing onsite installation and continuous maintenance is provided by Flight Tech Engineering to ensure continuous uptime. Most systems are require 3-4 months to acquire/build/ship and only 2-3 days to install.

The Weather Stations are equipped with the following weather sensors:

  • Anemometer – Measures Wind Direction/Speed (Heated Ultrasonic or traditional)
  • Temperature / Relative Humidity Sensor w/ Radiation Shield
  • Barometric Pressure Sensor w/ Gill Ports (Triple Redundant & calibrated yearly)
  • Visibility & Present Weather (VIS/PW) Sensor (Heated)
  • Ceilometer – LIDAR/LASER derived Sky Condition & Vertical Visibility Reports (Heated/blower)
  • Supplemental Weather Cams

Compared to a traditional AWOS, the system can be deployed quickly and at a fraction of the cost. The mounting footprint is minimal often using existing resources, and access to the weather station is available via traditional VHF radio to the pilot (like an AWOS) or via internet & EFB apps. For dispatchers or pilot planning, it has an easy to use internet portal to access weather/webcam info. The system even has the ability to provide an SMS Text of the weather report directly to your cellphone. The station can be powered via standard 120VAC wiring or solar panels/batteries for remote off-grid locations. The weather data & camera feed can be enabled using ethernet, WiFi, or Satellite communications. Most importantly- the system includes a dedicated a sensor calibration program to ensure reporting quality and sensor compliance, and has a long history of reliable performance in Alaska’s weather conditions.  The systems have been deployed successfully in the harshest weather locations ranging from the winds/rain of the Aleutian Islands to the blowing snow/wind of a North Slope winter in Deadhorse.

To inquire about installing a weather station for an airport you operate or fly to use the contact us page.