Aero-Tips!
A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard
this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer
statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation
so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it
all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.
Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner,
master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us
-- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as
representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have
heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we
might never have considered before, or something that didn't
"stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for
the practical test.
It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers
become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our
ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those
strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow
them to soar magnificently through it.
Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you
through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are
always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips.
Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 05.29.06
Another reader question:
How about explaining the
difference between ASOS and AWOS? There are some small differences
that are important to pilots.
We've covered the iterations of the Automated Weather
Observation System (AWOS) in a previous segment of
Aero-Tips. There are indeed some differences
between AWOS and its close cousin ASOS (Automated Surface
Observation System) that pilots should know.
AWOS vs ASOS
A comparison of AWOS III shows:
Even the FAA's website blurs the distinction between the two
technologies, but a careful look at the differences (astericked
blocks above) reveals that sometimes information you'll get from
one type won't be available if you're listening to the other.
Note: If a tower-controlled airport
equipped with ASOS or AWOS also employs ATIS (Automated Terminal
Information Service), then ATIS information comes from the
automated observation. Controllers may record Remarks at the
end of the AWOS/ASOS loop.
Aero-tip of the day: Need to know what
type of "automated weather" is available? Check the Airport/Facilities Directory.