OPS 17 - WEATHER BOARD DISPLAY

Introduction to the Weather Display Board

  • The Hourly Weather Board is a critical data board used in Base Operations Rooms, updated hourly by Air Traffic Control Assistants (Movements Clerks).

  • Duty Operation Officer is responsible for ensuring that updates are made every hour.

Format of the Weather Board

  • Effective Time:

    • Indicates the effective time of the weather forecast (e.g., 0900H).

  • Surface Wind:

    • Displays wind speed and direction (e.g., 250/10 indicates 250° at 10 knots).

  • Visibility:

    • Greatest horizontal distance for object recognition. >10 KM if visibility exceeds 10 KM; expressed in kilometers or meters.

  • Present Weather:

    • Current weather conditions (e.g., Hazy, Foggy).

  • Cloud Coverage:

    • Indicated as FEW, SCT (Scattered), BKN (Broken), OVC (Overcast).

  • Airfield QNH:

    • The atmospheric pressure at sea level, measured in hectopascals (e.g., 1014.9 becomes 1014).

  • Temperature:

    • Surface temperature and dew point in degrees Celsius (e.g., 26ºC).

  • Runway in Use:

    • Active runway indicated (e.g., Runway 36 Open VFR).

Example Record

  • Time of Record: 0800H

  • Date: 19 Jan 2021

  • Details such as surface winds, visibility, present weather, cloud coverage, QNH, temperature, and runways in use are provided for several locations (e.g., WMKD, WMKS).

Responsibilities and Updates

  • Question: What is the first column in the Weather Board?

    • It typically denotes the effective time of the weather data.

  • Frequency of Updates:

    • The Movements Clerk must update the weather board at least hourly.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply the Weather Board:

    • 17.1: State the Format of Weather Board

    • 17.2: Describe the Content Of Weather Board

    • 17.3: Apply the Weather Board

Conclusion

  • Final reminder to review the objectives and responsibilities related to the Weather Display Board, reinforcing the accuracy and timeliness of weather data in air traffic management.