How is wx observer employment in New England?

joryaubrey,

I cannot answer your question about employment in New England, but I do have a question for you if you would and I'm not trying to be a jerk about it. Since, if you've had your ear to the ground, a lot of the weather observing stations in New England might not exist in the near future, it is a very legitimate question in our fight to keep our weather offices open. My question is: if a LAWRS observer makes a mistake on an observation (and it's caught), how is that mistake documented (if at all). At a CWO station, if an observer makes a mistake, he/she is generally written up and it counts against them on their end of the month stats. And if an observer continues to make mistakes at a certain rate month after month, they can be let go.

Or in general, what do LAWRS stations do as far as quality control, but what do they specifically do as far as individual observer mistakes (mostly so it is a teachable moment and doesn't continue to happen). Can you tell I'm a teacher too? I appreciate the dialogue if you're up for it.

skobie

Thanks for your responses, and I apologize for being so late in my replies (vacation's over).

I always assumed that the NWS would notify any ATC facility whenever an erroneous wx observation was discovered, and then the facility would be responsible for making sure the personnel in question were given a reminder/refresher about ensuring the accuracy of wx reports.

Yes, I also prefer teachable moments (like with pilots, I would rather educate than violate).

Should the FAA hold controllers to the same standards as the NWS holds CWOs? It seems the inevitable answer is 'Yes'.


Here are some excerpts from the FAA Training Order 3120.4L, paragraphs 2-11 / 2-12 / 2-13:


paragraph 2-11 Certification

h. ATCSs at facilities that have weather observer responsibilities shall successfully complete Course 57511 (LAWRS) and successfully pass the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Observer Certification Examination contained within course 57511. ATCSs shall receive at least five hours of OJT that includes operation of the weather-observing equipment used at the facility and a minimum of five practice observations under realistic conditions. These observations shall be recorded on Meteorological Form 1 M-10C Surface Weather Observations (METAR/SPECI) (MF1M-10C) and taken with the availability of a knowledgeable observer who can answer questions about the practice observations. This availability can be through coordination with another certified weather observer or the FAA Academy. In order to retain certification, the ATCS must complete one official or practice observation recorded on an MF1M-10C within the past 60 days.

i. ATCSs at facilities required to back up an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) or an Automated Weather Sensor System (AWSS) shall successfully complete weather observer training and certification as outlined in the previous paragraph and complete Course 57005 (ASOS) or Course 57089 (AWSS) as appropriate. OJT is required on the actual ASOS/AWSS equipment prior to completion of training. Completion of Course 57005 or 57089 shall be recorded as supplemental training in FAA Form
3120-1. If only a portion of this course is required to meet the specific needs of the facility, only the portion(s) actually completed shall be recorded in FAA Form 3120-1. In order to retain this certification, the ATCS shall be logged on the position responsible for ASOS/AWSS for at least 1 hour or complete one manual official or practice observation recorded on an MF1M-10C within the past 60 days.


paragraph 2-12 Refresher Training

(4) All Tower Visibility Observers shall annually receive refresher training in tower visibility procedures and markers. NOTE: LAWRS observers are not required to maintain a separate tower visibility certificate because it is incorporated in their LAWRS certification.

(5) All certified weather observers who back up an ASOS or AWSS shall receive at least semiannual LAWRS refresher training, and at least annual refresher training on the operator input device (OID). The OID refresher training should consist of a retake of the self-assessment section of CBI Course 57005/57089 as appropriate. All certified weather observers who take manual observations shall receive at least annual observer refresher training. The refresher training should include, but is not limited to, seasonal changes, visibility markers, adverse weather situations, and common data-entry errors.


paragraph 2-13 Recertification

(3) Weather Observer Recertification. To recertify as a weather observer, personnel who have not taken an observation within 60 days shall demonstrate proficiency to an operations supervisor or an operations supervisor’s designee. The appropriate NWS regional office shall be notified of this proficiency check for notation on the individual’s weather observer certificate. Personnel who have not taken an observation within 90 days shall retake the NWS weather observer certification exam. Recertification shall be entered in Section III of FAA Form 3120-1. The appropriate NWS regional office shall be notified of this recertification.



As far as the likely event that CWO locations dwindle, I am aware of the fact that many CWOs will be displaced and (rightly so) be ahead of me in the hopes for a CWO job. A CWO job is not my only option, but it is worth finding out about.



I do hope I have been helpful. Please feel free to continue the discussion.

How is the status of CWO jobs? Personally, the FAA should never get rid of Service Level A & B CWOs (I hope the debate only concerns Service Level C).


Is there someone I could contact to find out the current CWO locations in New England?


Thanks again for your responses. I will try to be quicker next time.

Jory