Dec 7 2010
An Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) has been integrated in Scottsboro Muncipal Airport. Carl Austin, Scottsboro Airport Manager, stated that weather conditions have been changing continuously and it is necessary to provide vital weather data to the pilots for taking significant decisions.
Automated Weather Observation Syst
The latest AWOS system equipped in the airport employs a central processor for gaining various feedbacks from multiple sensors. Austin explained that, four sensors have been installed in the airport, encompassing a surveillance sensor, a thunderstorm sensor, barometric sensor, and ceilometer sensor for monitoring height of the cloud and speed of the wind. He added that, the sensors are linked to a wide range of computers for converting the data that has been transmitted to the pilots.
The pilots get the weather data through radio frequency or via phone. The city has gained the weather system by receiving a grant provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA). The FFA has financially supported 95 % of the total $115,910 expenditure, and the state and city supported 2.5 % each. According to Melton Potter, Mayor, the FFA funding has helped the implementation of the weather system in the airport and is achieved by the dedicated effort of the airport board and manager in gaining the funds.