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.

FMI: Aero-Tips