Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Fort Rucker Weather Operations

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Fort Rucker Weather Operations"— Presentation transcript:

1 Fort Rucker Weather Operations
ATC Weather Briefing Provided by: Fort Rucker Weather Operations (FRWXOPS)

2 Overview Weather Equipment What’s New Observations Pilot Reports
METAR SPECI Pilot Reports Cooperative Weather Watch Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories

3 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

4 References AFMAN 15-111 FMH-1 TC 3-04.81 Fort Rucker Regulation 115-1

5 The Local Flying Area 60NM: MEF (MISSION EXECUTION FORECAST)
100NM: DD 175-1 150NM: CONTINUATION SHEET

6 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

7 Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF
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

8 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

9 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

10 Weather Equipment – Cairns AAF

11 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

12 Weather Equipment – Hanchey 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

13 Weather Equipment – Shell 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

14 Weather Equipment – Stage Fields
FMQ-13 Measures wind speed/direction at the Tower JET is available via internet

15 What’s New MEF Amendment Advisory
Shows up on AAAS/JET to quickly alert ATC agencies of MEF amendments

16 What’s New Weather Information Frequency (WIF)
FRWXOPS will broadcast details about all MEF amendments on (VHF) PMSV frequency of (UHF) remains unchanged

17 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)

18 What’s New Backup WWA Page (WWAs only)

19 What’s New Social Media Why social media? Facebook (ftruckerwx)
Twitter Free Mobile App ( Why social media? Fastest way to get wx updates at remote locations

20 Types of Observations METAR SPECI
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. 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

21 Observations Let’s look at an example
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T

22 Observations This is an hourly (METAR) report for Cairns AAF (KOZR).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T This is an hourly (METAR) report for Cairns AAF (KOZR).

23 Observations The time of the observation is the 1155Z.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The time of the observation is the 1155Z.

24 Observations The observation is from an automated reporting site.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The observation is from an automated reporting site.

25 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The winds are from 220° (SW) at 10 knots (KT) with gusts (G) to 17.

26 Observations The visibility is 1/2 statute miles (SM).
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The visibility is 1/2 statute miles (SM).

27 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 RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The present weather is heavy rain (+RA) and mist (BR).

28 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T 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.

29 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The temperature is 04°, and the dew point is 04° (Celsius).

30 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The altimeter is One of the quirks of AAAS is that it drops any trailing zeroes in the altimeter. For instance, an altimeter of would show up as 30.1.

31 Observations The remarks include: Pressure Altitude (PA +172)
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The remarks include: Pressure Altitude (PA +172) Density Altitude (DA +41) Both of these are in ft.

32 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The AO2 indicates the observation is generated from an automated system with no human intervention. AO2A would indicate that the observation is being augmented.

33 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The rest of the remarks are generally useless outside the Weather Station. Rain Began at 1115Z.

34 Observations The hourly precipitation amount was .13”.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The hourly precipitation amount was .13”.

35 Observations The 6-hourly precipitation was .51”.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The 6-hourly precipitation was .51”.

36 Observations The 24-hourly precipitation was 1.55”.
KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The 24-hourly precipitation was 1.55”.

37 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T The temperature and dew point, on the hour, were 3.8° and 3.7° (Celsius).

38 Observations KOZR METAR 1155Z AUTO 22010G17KT 1/2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN008 OVC015 04/04 ALSTG RMK PA +172 DA +41 AO2 RAB1115 P T This is the pressure tendency group, reported every 3 hours.

39 SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the ceiling crosses the following thresholds: 3000 feet feet 2000 feet feet 1500 feet feet 1000 feet feet 800 feet feet 700 feet 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.

40 SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the prevailing visibility crosses the following thresholds: 3 SM 1 SM 2 SM ¾ SM 1 ½ SM ½ SM 1 ¼ SM ¼ SM

41 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.

42 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

43 SPECI Criteria A SPECI is required when the Runway Visual Range (RVR) from the active runway (RWY 06) crosses the following thresholds: 2000 feet feet 2400 feet feet 4000 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

44 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.

45 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)

46 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

47 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The PIREP was disseminated by Cairns AAF (KOZR).

48 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The PIREP is routine in nature (UA). UUA would indicate an urgent report.

49 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The PIREP was from an aircrew located 25 SM E (090025) of Enterprise (KEDN).

50 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The time of the PIREP was 1245Z.

51 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The flight level was 2000 feet (020).

52 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The aircraft type was a H-60.

53 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 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.

54 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The flight visibility was 3 SM (FV03SM) due to light rain (-RA).

55 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The temperature was 05° Celsius.

56 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 The wind was from 180° (S) at 15 KT (knots).

57 Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
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 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.

58 Wind Wind direction is “fromsie” Wind speed is reported in knots (KT)
A “G” means gust Let’s look at a few examples: From the SW at 12 KT 22012KT 31009KT VRB05KT 18012G24KT From the NW at 09 KT Variable at 05 KT From the S at 12 KT with gust of 24 KT

59 Visibility The prevailing visibility determined from the designated point of observation (the sensor itself) Reported in statute miles (SM) No more sector visibility

60 Visibility Markers Daytime markers Prominent, dark colored objects
Fixed objects Nighttime markers Unfocused light of moderate intensity 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).

61 Present Wx Reported for any phenomenon that reduces prevailing visibility to ≤ 6 SM Classified as precipitation or obscuration

62 Present Wx Obscurations Mist BR Fog FG Smoke FU Volcanic Ash VA Dust
Sand SA Haze HZ Spray PY Visibility ≥ 5/8 SM Visibility < 5/8 SM

63 Present Wx Precipitation Types Drizzle DZ Rain RA Snow SN Snow Grains
SG Ice Crystals IC Ice Pellets PL Large Hail GR Small Hail GS Snow Pellets ≥ ¼ inch < ¼ inch

64 Present Wx Intensity or Proximity - Light No Symbol Moderate + Heavy
VC In the vicinity

65 Present Wx Descriptors Other MI Shallow PR Partial BC Patches DR
Drifting BL Blowing SH Showers TS Thunderstorm FZ Freezing Other +FC Tornado or Waterspout FC Funnel Cloud Reaches the ground Does not reach ground

66 Present Wx Let’s look at some examples. FZRA RA +TSRA BLDU VCTS -SHRA
Freezing Rain Moderate Rain Thunderstorm with Heavy Rain Blowing Dust Thunderstorms in the Vicinity Light Rain Showers Thunderstorm (no Rain)

67 Sky Condition Sky Cover SKC/CLR Sky Clear FEW Trace to 2/8 coverage
SCT 3/8 to 4/8 coverage BKN 5/8 to 7/8 coverage OVC 8/8 coverage Cloud Ceiling

68 Sky Condition BKN110 BKN at 11,000 feet AGL SCT009 BKN040 OVC210
Let’s look at some examples. BKN110 BKN at 11,000 feet AGL SCT009 BKN040 OVC210 SCT at 900 feet, BKN at 4000 feet, and OVC at 21,000 feet AGL VV001 Vertical visibility into a total obscuration, in this case 100 feet AGL

69 Sky Condition 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. VV001 SCT002 BKN007 OVC010 BKN015 OVC028 BKN120 100 feet 700 feet 1500 feet 12,000 feet

70 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

71 Limited Observations (Tornadic Activity)
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 A funnel cloud is defined as a violently rotating column of air that does not touch the ground

72 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

73 Cooperative Weather Watch
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

74 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

75 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

76 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

77 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)

78 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)

79 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)

80 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)

81 Area Wx Advisory Criteria (60NM)
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)

82 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

83 Terminal Wx Advisory Criteria (15NM)
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)

84 Off-Site WWAs 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)

85 Conclusion Weather Equipment What’s New Observations Pilot Reports
METAR SPECI Pilot Reports Cooperative Weather Watch Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories

86 Test Time 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 your memos to Cindy Howell each time you certify new folks. Slides Updated on 02 Dec 13

87 How To Reach Us On the Give us a 8385 or 8397 (or HOTLINE) Facebook (ftruckerwx) Twitter Mobile App ( Come on down and see us!


Download ppt "Fort Rucker Weather Operations"

Similar presentations


Ads by Google