OPS 16 - BOOKING OF WEATHER FORECAST

Booking of Weather Forecast

  • Introduction

    • The Signal Clerk's primary task in the Base Operations Room is to book weather forecasts.

    • Responsible for booking:

      • 50 NM radii

      • Route Forecast (ROFOR)

      • Terminal Forecast (TAFOR)

    • Forecasts are for next day operations involving local flying aircraft.

    • This process begins during the afternoon watch.

    • Tasks involve collecting the weather forecast from the Meteorological Office and disseminating it to the concerned flying squadrons.

Steps of Booking and Disseminating Weather Forecast

  • Step 1: Obtain Information

    • Gather details regarding upcoming flying activities from the various flying squadrons.

  • Step 2: Check Aircraft Movement Routes

    • Verify all routes where aircrafts intend to operate to ensure there are no conflicts with weather conditions.

  • Step 3: Fill Weather Forecast Request Form

    • Complete the weather forecast request form if all criteria from step 2 are met.

    • Obtain a signature from the Duty Operation Officer to validate the request.

  • Step 4: Submit Request to Meteorological Office

    • Fax the completed request form to the Meteorological Office.

    • Confirm submission via a phone call to ensure receipt and processing of the request.

  • Step 5: Compilation of Information

    • Once the forecast is received, the Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) compiles all information and organizes it into time slots.

    • The flying squadron personnel then collect the forecast data corresponding to their required slots.

Weather Forecast Request Form Details

  • Columns Explained:

    • TO:

      • Write the name of the Meteorological Office (e.g., Duty Meteorological Forecast KLIA).

    • FAX AND TEL NO:

      • Include fax and telephone numbers for the chosen Meteorological office.

    • FROM:

      • List the agency requesting the weather forecast.

    • OUR REF. NO:

      • Include the originating reference number for the request (e.g., SUB/OPS/WX/38/2021).

    • PAGES:

      • Indicate the total number of pages being faxed.

    • DATE:

      • Provide the date when the request is made.

    • SUBJECT:

      • Specify the subject (e.g., ROFOR AND TAFOR FOR PENINSULAR MALAYSIA).

  • Additional Columns Explained:

    • NO:

      • Input the number of the request.

    • ROUTE/LANDING AREA:

      • Detail the route or landing area of the planned aircraft movements.

    • TIME FROM:

      • The initial time at which the weather forecast is necessary (UTC).

    • TIME TO:

      • Last time that the weather forecast is required (UTC).

    • LEVEL REQUIRED:

      • Specify the altitude range for the weather forecast request (e.g., A100 to FL 360).

    • TIME COLLECTION:

      • Indicate the timing for when the Meteorological Office will fax the weather forecast (must be in UTC).

Questions for Review

  • Q1: What is the first step to booking weather?

  • Q2: What must be filled in the "PAGES" column of the booking WX documentation?

Learning Objectives

  • Appreciate the importance of booking weather forecasts.

  • Define the steps involved in the booking of weather forecasts.

  • State how to disseminate weather forecasts.

  • Explain the details of the Booking Weather Forecast form.