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 GrainsSG
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 + HeavyVC
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

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