Post by weatheri on Apr 14, 2017 7:36:33 GMT -5
Nothing mentioned at the conference about the FAA Stand Alone Weather Sensors (SAWS). Some core 30 are getting the system as soon as this month. Some airports already have the site selected, wind mast installed, and are waiting on the equipment for installation. It will be the backup to the ASOS sensors. Current weather observers will have to call ATCT for Temp/Dew Point/Winds/ALSTG when the ASOS fails.
In the grand scheme of closing sites, the only two remaining line item for the FAA are Ice Pellets/hail and back up for freezing precipitation. The FAA has systematically gone through the checklist. Please, I am not saying these are adequate, only pointing out the steps the FAA has taken to eliminate the human weather observer.
The ASOS has been deemed, safe, accurate and adequate by NWS and the FAA. That is not going to change and not up for discussion according to the FAA bean counters. The term, "asked and answered" is their reply.
SKY, Laser Beam Ceilometer and Pilot Reports. Check
Visibility, ASOS sensor with ATCT backup. Check
PRESENT WX
Tornadic Activity. ATCT visual and NWS severe weather warnings. Check
Thunderstorms, ALDARS with ATCT visually seing lightning or hearing thunder as back up. Check
Freezing Precip, ASOS has a SENSOR and FAA trying to get Airport personnel as a back up. Check for primary, still trying to convince airport operations or airlines to do a visual as back up.
Rain/Snow, ASOS Sensor with ATCT as back up. Check
Drizzle, new type of sensor supposedly tested and deemed adequate with ATCT as back up. Check
FG/BR/HZ, ASOS has a sensor and ATCT as back up. Check.
Other obscurations such as DU/FU will be reported as HZ and backed up by ATCT if significant. Check
Winds, ASOS sensor with newer SAWS as back up. Check
Temperature/Dew Point, ASOS sensor with newer SAWS as back up. Check
ALSTG, DBASI or some other approved device. ASOS sensor with ATCT sensor as backup. Check
Precipitation Measurement, NWS problem. Check
Remarks, ASOS auto remarks and ATCT back up if deemed operationally significant. Check
Ice Pellets/hail, No ASOS sensor yet. Trying to get the airport to do it. NOT checked.
Each year the FAA has addressed these items to comply with "no degradation of service". Once the powers to be identify the "fix" as safe, accurate, and adequate, it is another box checked off. We know differently, but our knowledge and input is being treated as "opinion".
So the education process continues targeting the airport managers and Congress on the shortfalls of the FAA proposed solutions. If you want to get the attention of the airport manager just casually mention, "Wow, I was shocked to learn you were even considering taking on that liability of freezing and frozen precipitation."
The education process continues.
In the grand scheme of closing sites, the only two remaining line item for the FAA are Ice Pellets/hail and back up for freezing precipitation. The FAA has systematically gone through the checklist. Please, I am not saying these are adequate, only pointing out the steps the FAA has taken to eliminate the human weather observer.
The ASOS has been deemed, safe, accurate and adequate by NWS and the FAA. That is not going to change and not up for discussion according to the FAA bean counters. The term, "asked and answered" is their reply.
SKY, Laser Beam Ceilometer and Pilot Reports. Check
Visibility, ASOS sensor with ATCT backup. Check
PRESENT WX
Tornadic Activity. ATCT visual and NWS severe weather warnings. Check
Thunderstorms, ALDARS with ATCT visually seing lightning or hearing thunder as back up. Check
Freezing Precip, ASOS has a SENSOR and FAA trying to get Airport personnel as a back up. Check for primary, still trying to convince airport operations or airlines to do a visual as back up.
Rain/Snow, ASOS Sensor with ATCT as back up. Check
Drizzle, new type of sensor supposedly tested and deemed adequate with ATCT as back up. Check
FG/BR/HZ, ASOS has a sensor and ATCT as back up. Check.
Other obscurations such as DU/FU will be reported as HZ and backed up by ATCT if significant. Check
Winds, ASOS sensor with newer SAWS as back up. Check
Temperature/Dew Point, ASOS sensor with newer SAWS as back up. Check
ALSTG, DBASI or some other approved device. ASOS sensor with ATCT sensor as backup. Check
Precipitation Measurement, NWS problem. Check
Remarks, ASOS auto remarks and ATCT back up if deemed operationally significant. Check
Ice Pellets/hail, No ASOS sensor yet. Trying to get the airport to do it. NOT checked.
Each year the FAA has addressed these items to comply with "no degradation of service". Once the powers to be identify the "fix" as safe, accurate, and adequate, it is another box checked off. We know differently, but our knowledge and input is being treated as "opinion".
So the education process continues targeting the airport managers and Congress on the shortfalls of the FAA proposed solutions. If you want to get the attention of the airport manager just casually mention, "Wow, I was shocked to learn you were even considering taking on that liability of freezing and frozen precipitation."
The education process continues.
