Weather carries significant importance in a wide range of industries, including aviation, agriculture, and disaster prevention. The latest tool in maintaining an ever-present eye on the skies and monitoring conditions is the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) — an actual and “around-the-clock” tool in the sky observation business.
What is AWOS?
The AWOS is a system of standard automated equipment that measures and reports weather data (observation) and does not require a human transcriber. The systems are intended to deliver real-time weather information and are therefore necessary in applications where manual observations would not be feasible, such as at distant airfields or isolated farming areas.
AWOS units typically monitor parameters such as:
- Wind speed and direction
- Temperature
- Barometric pressure
- Visibility and cloud ceiling
- Precipitation
- humidity
This data is then processed and transmitted via radio, internet, or satellite to relevant users like pilots, meteorologists, and emergency responders.
How Does It Work?
The system is a symbiosis of several components:
- Sensors: Record weather components such as wind, temperature, and pressure.
- Processor: Translate raw sensor data to readable weather information.
- Communication module: Transmits the processed information to users immediately.
- Power: Typically operated by AC powered.
Each minute (or less), the system updates data, providing near real-time weather updates necessary for safety and planning.
Types of AWOS
There are different levels of AWOS which provide different quality and quantity of weather information:
- Airport Category / Traffic Volume: Small or rural airports may only need basic weather data, and large, busy, or international airports require detailed weather info for flight safety.
- Operational Requirements: The level of AWOS depends on how the airport operates—airports with frequent flights, night operations, or instrument-based procedures require more advanced systems to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Weather Complexity at the Location: Areas with frequent fog, storms, snow, or freezing rain need more sensors.
- Regulatory Requirements: Civil aviation authorities (e.g., ICAO, FAA, CAAM) may require a certain AWOS level based on the type of operations or certification at the airport.
- Budget and Infrastructure: Provides precipitation type and storm detection.
- Integration with Other Systems: Some airports need AWOS to integrate with ATC systems, runway lighting and safety systems, and perhaps national meteorological networks.
These differences enable learners to select the systems best suited for their weather observing interests.
Why AWOS Matters
- Safety Enhanced: Critical in both general and commercial aviation, AWOS allows pilots to make safe take-off and landing decisions.
- Time and Labour Saver: Automated systems eliminate the requirement for human monitors and, as such, lower operational expenses.
- Supports Remote Control: Ideal when no operator is on site, or location is hard to reach.
- Real Time Alerts: Emergency notification asks help you react to changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
The Automated Weather Observation System is now a major tool in the field of weather monitoring. With the capacity to operate on its own while providing accurate, real-time information, it has become priceless in a variety of industries. As weather continues to become more and more volatile, AWOS ensures we have the one thing we need when we need it — timely information.
At Enviromet, we specialize in the development and supply of advanced and customized weather monitoring solutions for aviation, meteorology, and public safety. Our AWOS is offered to provide you with the exact real-time information that will help ensure the safe operation of air flightsand public safety through hazardous weather.
