Post by hokiefan on Apr 22, 2013 8:35:29 GMT -5
www.americanwx.com/bb/index.php/topic/39847-faa-plans-to-terminate-contract-weather-observer-program/page-2
As a pilot I find the behavior of the FAA often leaves a lot of be desired, and this is no exception. This problem could have been dealt with a long time ago if the NWS had a stronger voice when they witnessed these observational atrocities, unfortunately now they are common place. FAA "stakeholders" like airlines, pilots, labor unions, etc., often don't criticize the FAA because the FAA regulates and enforces and has been known to make life difficult for troublemakers, whether it be a individual, corporation or lobbying/labor group. When it comes to aviation meteorology, the FAA seems to frequently ignore NTSB recommendations (the NTSB has no regulatory authority).
Augmenting ASOS with ATC personnel has proven for over a decade it can lead to inaccurate and unsafe weather reporting. This does not comply with WMO or ICAO guidelines.
In England, UKMET has observers take a 3-day "in house" course to learn how to augment their automated airport weather equipment.
www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation/national-responsibilities
It's not that ATC can't create accurate weather observations, it's that the leadership, training, quality control and standards of the FAA are very poor. Until the FAA can show that service level C sites can create accurate observations, there should be a method to stop their plans to dismantle the CWO program. Efficiency and safety are at risk.
As a pilot I find the behavior of the FAA often leaves a lot of be desired, and this is no exception. This problem could have been dealt with a long time ago if the NWS had a stronger voice when they witnessed these observational atrocities, unfortunately now they are common place. FAA "stakeholders" like airlines, pilots, labor unions, etc., often don't criticize the FAA because the FAA regulates and enforces and has been known to make life difficult for troublemakers, whether it be a individual, corporation or lobbying/labor group. When it comes to aviation meteorology, the FAA seems to frequently ignore NTSB recommendations (the NTSB has no regulatory authority).
Augmenting ASOS with ATC personnel has proven for over a decade it can lead to inaccurate and unsafe weather reporting. This does not comply with WMO or ICAO guidelines.
In England, UKMET has observers take a 3-day "in house" course to learn how to augment their automated airport weather equipment.
www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation/national-responsibilities
It's not that ATC can't create accurate weather observations, it's that the leadership, training, quality control and standards of the FAA are very poor. Until the FAA can show that service level C sites can create accurate observations, there should be a method to stop their plans to dismantle the CWO program. Efficiency and safety are at risk.