ATC Weather Briefing
description
Transcript of ATC Weather Briefing
ATC Weather Briefing
Provided by:Fort Rucker Weather Operations
(FRWXOPS)
Overview Weather Equipment What’s New Observations
METAR SPECI
Pilot Reports Cooperative Weather Watch Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories
Objectives
To ensure all ATC personnel are able to take limited weather observations
To ensure all ATC personnel understand the Cooperative Weather Watch program
To educate all ATC personnel about the weather equipment in the local flying area
To educate all ATC personnel about the watches, warnings, and advisories issued for the local flying area
References
AFMAN 15-111
FMH-1
TC 3-04.81
Fort Rucker Regulation 115-1
AFMAN 15-124
The Local Flying Area
60NM: MEF (MISSION EXECUTION FORECAST)
100NM: DD 175-1
150NM:CONTINUATION SHEET
Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
FMQ-19
An automated system that automatically generates observations
Supplemented/backed up by forecaster IAW Air Force directives
LOCAL observations no longer exist
FMQ-19 supplemented per AF policy
Supplement: To manually provide wx elements that are beyond the system’s capability to measure/report
Tornado/Funnel Cloud/Waterspout
Volcanic Ash
Sandstorms/Duststorms
Hail
Ice Pellets
Snow Depth
Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
FMQ-19 backed up per AF policy
Back up: To manually provide wx elements when automated sensors are malfunctioning and are operationally significant
Wind speed/direction
Visibility/present wx
Temperature/dew point
Sky cover up to and including 25,000 ft
Altimeter
Lightning location
Layer of clouds or obscuration below 600 ft
Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
JET (Joint Environmental Toolkit)
Web-based system that integrates ATC/Ops/Wx functions
Area observations; WWAs; altimeter; and winds
Available to Base Fields, ARAC, HUB via AAAS
Available to Stage Fields via internet
Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
https://owsjet26.us.af.mil/portal/private/GuestFtRucker
Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
Weather Equipment – Lowe AHP
ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)
An automated system that automatically generates observations
FMQ-13
Measures wind speed/direction at the Tower
JET is available via AAAS
ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)
An automated system that automatically generates observations
FMQ-13
Measures wind speed/direction at the Tower
JET is available via AAAS
Weather Equipment – Hanchey AHP
TMOS (Tactical Meteorological Observing System)
An automated system that automatically generates observations
FMQ-13
Measures wind speed/direction at the Tower
JET is available via AAAS
Weather Equipment – Shell AHP
FMQ-13
Measures wind speed/direction at the Tower
JET is available via internet
Weather Equipment – Stage Fields
What’s New
MEF Amendment Advisory
Shows up on AAAS/JET to quickly alert ATC agencies of MEF amendments
What’s New
Weather Information Frequency (WIF)
FRWXOPS will broadcast details about all MEF amendments on 348.8 (VHF)
PMSV frequency of 134.1 (UHF) remains unchanged
What’s New Backup Wx Page (Obs, WWAs, Wind, ALSTG)
Use when JET/AAAS weather is inop No CAC required (cancel if prompted for certificate)
https://jetkozr.rucker.army.mil/atc
What’s New Backup WWA Page (WWAs only)
http://www.rucker.army.mil/weather/PRODUCT%20DROP/WWA.htm
What’s New
Social Media
Facebook (ftruckerwx)
Twitter (@ftruckerwx)
Free Mobile App (www.ftrucker.mobi)
Why social media?
Fastest way to get wx updates at remote locations
METAR A routine scheduled observation that contains a complete report of wind, visibility, runway visual range, present weather and obscurations, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and altimeter. Reported between 55 and 59 past each hour.
Types of Observations
SPECI An unscheduled observation completed and transmitted as soon as possible when any special criteria has been observed. Contain all data elements found in a METAR plus additional remarks that elaborate on data in the body of the report. Decoded just like a METAR
Let’s look at an example
Observations
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
This is an hourly (METAR) report for Cairns AAF (KOZR).
Observations
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The time of the observation is the 1155Z.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The observation is from an automated reporting site.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The winds are from 220° (SW) at 10 knots (KT) with gusts (G) to 17.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The visibility is 1/2 statute miles (SM).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The present weather is heavy rain (+RA) and mist (BR).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The sky condition is FEW at 400 feet (FEW004), BKN at 800 feet (BKN008), and overcast at 1500 feet (OVC015). Note: cloud bases are reported in AGL.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The temperature is 04°, and the dew point is 04° (Celsius).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The altimeter is 30.06. One of the quirks of AAAS is that it drops any trailing zeroes in the altimeter. For instance, an altimeter of 30.10 would show up as 30.1.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The remarks include: Pressure Altitude (PA +172)Density Altitude (DA +41)Both of these are in ft.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The AO2 indicates the observation is generated from an automated system with no human intervention. AO2A would indicate that the observation is being augmented.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The rest of the remarks are generally useless outside the Weather Station.Rain Began at 1115Z.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The hourly precipitation amount was .13”.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
The 6-hourly precipitation was .51”.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
The 24-hourly precipitation was 1.55”.
Observations
The temperature and dew point, on the hour, were 3.8° and 3.7° (Celsius).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
Observations
This is the pressure tendency group, reported every 3 hours.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG 30.06 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P0013 60051 70155 T00380037 53002
SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the ceiling crosses the following thresholds:
3000 feet 600 feet2000 feet 500 feet1500 feet 400 feet1000 feet 300 feet800 feet 200 feet700 feet 100 feet
A layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena aloft is present at or below 600 feet and no layer was reported in the preceding METAR or SPECI.
SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the prevailing visibility crosses the following thresholds:
3 SM 1 SM2 SM ¾ SM1 ½ SM ½ SM1 ¼ SM ¼ SM
SPECI Criteria
A SPECI is required when:
A thunderstorm begins or ends
A squall occurs. A squall is when the wind speed suddenly increases by 16 knots or more and exceeds 22 knots for at least 1 minute.
Wind shift. The wind direction changes of 45° or more in less than 15 minutes with sustained winds or gusts of 10 knots or more throughout the shift.
SPECI Criteria
A SPECI is required when:
Hail begins or ends
Freezing precipitation begins, ends, or changes intensity
Any other type of precipitation begins or ends
SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the Runway Visual Range (RVR) from the active runway (RWY 06) crosses the following thresholds:
2000 feet 5000 feet2400 feet 6000 feet4000 feet
RVR conditions are unavailable (RVRNO), are first determined, or when RVRNO is no longer applicable.
Prevailing visibility is first observed to be ≤ 1 SM and again when prevailing visibility goes above 1 SM
SPECI Criteria
A SPECI is required when:
A tornado or funnel cloud appears or disappears from sight
Note: Because the KOZR observations are automated and a running log is archived, a SPECI is NOT required for an aircraft accident/mishap unless the FMQ-19 is down.
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) A PIREP is defined as a report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft in flight
Required fields include
Message type Location Time Flight Level Aircraft type One other element such as
Sky cover Weather Temperature Winds Hazards (Turbulence, Icing)
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) All PIREPs received by ATC agencies must be passed immediately to the Weather Station
Let’s look at an example.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The PIREP was disseminated by Cairns AAF (KOZR).
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The PIREP is routine in nature (UA). UUA would indicate an urgent report.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The PIREP was from an aircrew located 25 SM E (090025) of Enterprise (KEDN).
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The time of the PIREP was 1245Z.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The flight level was 2000 feet (020).
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The aircraft type was a H-60.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The sky condition was a SCT layer with bases at 500 feet and tops at 1000 feet; and a BKN to OVC layer with bases at 1500 feet and tops unknown.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The flight visibility was 3 SM (FV03SM) due to light rain (-RA).
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The temperature was 05° Celsius.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The wind was from 180° (S) at 15 KT (knots).
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LIGHT CHOP ON TAKEOFF
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
Remarks can include anything else the pilot added. In this example, the remarks are:Light chop on takeoff and the pilot observed a scud layer to the east.
KOZR UA /OV KEDN090025/TM 1245/FL020/TP H60/SK SCT005-TOP010 BKN-OVC015-TOPUNKN/ WX FV03SM -RA/TA 05/WV 18015KT/RM LGT CHOP ON TAKEOFF; SCUD LAYER TO EAST
Wind
Wind direction is “fromsie” Wind speed is reported in knots (KT) A “G” means gust
22012KT
31009KT
VRB05KT
18012G24KT
Let’s look at a few examples:
From the SW at 12 KT
From the NW at 09 KT
Variable at 05 KT
From the S at 12 KT with gust of 24 KT
Visibility
The prevailing visibility determined from the designated point of observation (the sensor itself)
Reported in statute miles (SM)
No more sector visibility
Visibility Markers Daytime markers
Prominent, dark colored objects
Fixed objects
Nighttime markers
Unfocused light of moderate intensity
Fixed objects
NOTE: Moving aircraft are NOT an acceptable method of determining visibility. Only fixed objects for which the distance is known may be used (ie objects from your approved visibility chart).
Present Wx
Reported for any phenomenon that reduces prevailing visibility to ≤ 6 SM
Classified as precipitation or obscuration
Mist BR
Fog FG
Smoke FUVolcanic Ash VA
Dust DU
Sand SA
Haze HZ
Spray PY
Obscurations
Visibility < 5/8 SM
Visibility ≥ 5/8 SM
Present Wx
Drizzle DZ
Rain RA
Snow SNSnow Grains SG
Ice Crystals IC
Ice Pellets PL
Large Hail GR
Small Hail GS
Snow Pellets GS
Precipitation Types
< ¼ inch
≥ ¼ inch
Present Wx
- Light
No Symbol Moderate
+ HeavyVC In the
vicinity
Intensity or Proximity
Present Wx
MI ShallowPR Partial
BC PatchesDR Drifting
BL Blowing
SH ShowersTS Thunderstor
mFZ Freezing
Descriptors
+FC Tornado or Waterspout
FC Funnel Cloud
Other
Present Wx
Reaches the groundDoes not reach ground
Let’s look at some examples.
FZRARA+TSRABLDUVCTS-SHRATS
Freezing Rain
Moderate Rain
Thunderstorm with Heavy RainBlowing Dust
Thunderstorms in the VicinityLight Rain Showers
Thunderstorm (no Rain)
Present Wx
Sky Condition
SKC/CLR Sky ClearFEW Trace to 2/8
coverageSCT 3/8 to 4/8
coverageBKN 5/8 to 7/8
coverageOVC 8/8
coverage
Sky Cover
Cloud Ceiling
BKN110BKN at 11,000 feet AGL
SCT009 BKN040 OVC210SCT at 900 feet, BKN at 4000 feet, and OVC at 21,000 feet AGL
VV001Vertical visibility into a total obscuration, in this case 100 feet AGL
Let’s look at some examples.
Sky Condition
VV001
SCT002 BKN007 OVC010
BKN015 OVC028
BKN120
Ceiling is defined as the lowest broken or overcast layer, or the vertical visibility into a surface-based obscuration that totally hides the sky (i.e. an indefinite ceiling)
Let’s look at some examples.
100 feet700 feet1500 feet12,000 feet
Sky Condition
Limited Observations When evaluating tower visibility:
Evaluate as frequently as practical
Use all available markers
Visibility Checkpoint Charts must be reviewed by Wx Station annually or when the visibility chart changes
Limited Observations (Tornadic Activity)
A funnel cloud is defined as a violently rotating column of air that does not touch the ground
A waterspout is defined as a violently rotating column of air that touches the water
A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that touches the ground
Cooperative Weather Watch
Weather units are required to establish a cooperative weather watch with ATC as required.
Of primary concern is
The report of tower visibility different from the prevailing surface visibility
Local PIREPs
Any weather event that could affect flight safety
Certified tower personnel at Cairns AAF will notify the Weather Station:
When changing active runways
When changing the runway center light settings
When the prevailing visibility at the tower is < 4 SM (6000 meters)
When thunderstorms or precipitation begins or ends
When fog or mist is observed
Anytime a PIREP is received
Cooperative Weather Watch
Certified tower personnel at the Base Fields should notify the Weather Station:
When the cig/vis goes IFR and differs from the Cairns AAF ob
When a cloud ceiling crosses the 500 ft threshold
When visibility crosses the ½ SM threshold
When thunderstorms or precipitation begins or ends
When fog or mist is observed
When winds exceed 25 kts, 35 kts, and 50 kts
Anytime a PIREP is received
Cooperative Weather Watch
Certified tower personnel at the Stage Fields should notify the Weather Station:
When precipitation begins or ends
When fog or mist is observed
When winds equal or exceed 25 kts, 35 kts, and 50 kts
Anytime a PIREP is received
Cooperative Weather Watch
Watch vs Warning vs Advisory
A weather watch means watch out---potential exists
A weather warning means there is imminent danger
A weather advisory means there is weather that could impact flight operations
Watch vs Warning vs Advisory
Fort Rucker’s Weather Watches are issued for a 60NM ring (except for Lightning, which is for a 15NM ring)
Fort Rucker’s Weather Warnings are issued for a 15NM ring (except Lightning, which is for a 5NM ring)
Fort Rucker’s Weather Advisories are issued for either a 15NM ring (terminal) or a 60NM ring (area)
Wx Watch Criteria (60NM)
Tornado
LTG w/in 15NM
Damaging Winds (> 45 kts)
Severe Thunderstorms (> 45 kts and/or Hail > ½”)
Heavy Rain (> 2” in 12 hrs)
Freezing Precipitation
Snowfall (> ½” accumulation)
Wx Warning Criteria (15NM) Tornado
LTG w/in 5 NM
Severe Thunderstorms (> 45 kts and/or Hail > ½”)
Moderate Thunderstorms (30-44 kts and/or Hail < ½”) Damaging Winds (> 45 kts )
Strong Winds (30-44 kts)
Heavy Rain (> 2” in 12 hrs)
Freezing Precipitation
Snowfall (≥ ½” accumulation)
Area Wx Advisory Criteria (60NM)
Forecast severe or extreme TURBC blo 10K ft
Observed moderate or greater TURBC blo 10K ft
Forecast icing blo 10K ft
Winds ≥ 20 kts
Observed snow falling blo 2K ft
Forecast Predominant Low IFR (< 500/1)
LLWS blo 2K ft
Observed 1500/5 in Goldfish
N1 Observed IFR (< 1000/3)
N1 Forecast Predominant IFR (< 1000/3)
N1 Forecast Thunderstorm IFR (< 1000/3)
Area Wx Advisory Criteria (60NM)
Terminal Wx Advisory Criteria (15NM)
Wind gust spread ≥ 15 kts
Cross winds ≥ 25 kts at Cairns AAF
Temps ≤ 00°C for 5 or more hrs
Temps ≤ M06°C
LTG observed w/in 10 NM of KOZR
N1 Observed IFR (< 1000/3)
N1 Forecast Predominant IFR (< 1000/3)
N1 Forecast Thunderstorm IFR (< 1000/3)
Forecast Predominant Low IFR (< 500/1)
Terminal Wx Advisory Criteria (15NM)
LTG observed w/in 5 NM of KLOR
LTG observed w/in 5NM of KHEY
LTG observed w/in 5NM of KSXS
LTG observed w/in 5NM of KFHK
LTG observed w/in 5NM of 19AL (Molinelli FARP)
Off-Site WWAs
Conclusion Weather Equipment What’s New Observations
METAR SPECI
Pilot Reports Cooperative Weather Watch Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories
Please notify Cindy Howell (5-8142) if you have any questions or feedback about this course.
As part of your Initial Weather Certification and Annual Recertification, you must take and pass a written exam with 70% or above. Test is open book.
Tower Chiefs, please remember to email your memos to Cindy Howell ([email protected]) each time you certify new folks.
Test Time
Slides Updated on 02 Dec 13
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