New Systems Fill Gaps In Weather Observation Service

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics funded the majority of the expense to install Automated Weather Observation Systems at seven of the state’s airports, two of them for the first time as the state fills in coverage gaps in a state where the weather changes rapidly and pilots benefit from having access to critical real-time weather information at airports.

The AWOSes were installed under the ODAA’s Airport Construction Program, a five-year revolving plan the state agency provides in cooperation with the FAA and airport sponsors to support the state’s airports that serve businesses, transportation, and commerce in communities around the state.

An AWOS facility is a group of automated sensors that measure, collect, and disseminate weather data and observations to air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and pilots in real-time. Such data include wind speed and direction, temperature, dew point, cloud heights, visibility, and precipitation. The automated recordings are available vie, VHF radio frequencies, telephone, and internet.

Ada Regional (ADH), Alva Regional (AVK), Claremore Regional (GCM), Grove Regional (GMJ), and Sallisaw Municipal (JSV) airports received the new units to replace their aging AWOS setups. The replacement systems cost an average $133,793, with $127,103 furnished by ODAA and the balance of $6,690 from the local airport sponsor.

Fairview Municipal (6K4) and South Grand Lake Regional (1K8) received new systems for the first time to fill in service gaps. The new installations cost an average $233,391 with $221,721 from ODAA funds and $11,670 from the local airport sponsor.

The investments across the state totaled $1,135,748, with $1,078,959 from ODAA and $56,789 from local airport sponsors.

Nick Young, ODAA airport division manager explained, “Oklahoma is well-known for its rapidly changing weather, and it is critical that pilots know the real-time weather conditions at airports across the state. These AWOS installations deliver on our commitment to improve safety and enhance operational reliability statewide.”

FMI:  oklahoma.gov/