Understanding the weather is paramount for all airports to help ensure the safety of their passengers, personnel, and cargo. An Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) plays a crucial role in that understanding. AWOS measure a variety of meteorological parameters and process the data using special algorithms to automatically create official observations (METARs). The METARs and one minute observations are broadcast to aviation personnel to keep them advised of current weather conditions.

In the United States, all AWOS systems sold must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use in the National Airspace System (NAS).

There are only three companies that supply FAA approved systems. You can find the official list from the FAA at this link.

Regular maintenance is required three times per year by a technician who has received verification authority by the FAA. The technician needs FCC licensure (GROL), training on the system, and must pass a hands-on exam.

Aviation AWOS systems are available at a range of levels to accommodate your airport’s requirements and meet both your budget and your needs. An AWOS III or higher is required to disseminate data to the flying community via NADIN/WMSCR.