Airport Information Sources and An Example of Why They're Important
(last updated 8/3/05)
The following resources and suggestions are taken from a lengthy e-mail exchange among a group of forecasters in the DLAC course.
Airport Directories and AOPA Membership: Each office should have received a 2003-2004 airport directory for their state with their AOPA membership. This directory lists every airport in the state along with a picture of the runway complex, airport manager’s info and minimums, decision heights, etc. Check with your RAM if you do not have this publication.
The aviation focal point at each office received a membership to the AOPA. The approach plates are available as .pdf files on the AOPA web site. They are online for APOA members at:
http://www.aopa.org/members/airports/
Approach Plates and "U.S. Terminal Procedures": Approach information is available on the approach plates in the DOT-FAA publication "U.S. Terminal Procedures", which is sent to each CR office every time a new one is issued. This ensures that your office has the absolute latest information. If you aren't seeing this a couple of times a year or so, then check with your RAM.
These approach plates are available from Flight Service Stations or from the Web at www.naco.faa.gov (see "National Aeronautical Charting Office" below). You may also call the FAA National Aeronautical Charting Office at 800-638-8972.
Across the top of the latest update of U.S. Terminal Procedures volume is an INFORMATION ADDED box stating that military terminal procedures are now included, and military fields are open to civil fliers only with prior permission or in an emergency ...something else to add to our local Aviation Reference Binder.
Other Recommended Publications: Every office should have copies of at least the following publications covering their CWA:
- VFR Sectional and Terminal Area Charts
- Low Altitude En route IFR Charts
- Airport/Facility Directories
- U.S. Terminal Procedures Charts
Other informative and useful (and free to the local NWS office) DOT/FAA publications:
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
- Notices to Airmen
- 7110.10P Flight Services
- 7340.1W Contractions
- 7350.7L Location Identifiers
National Aeronautical Charting Office: If you check out Chapter 9 of the Airman's Information Manual, there are details on how to get a subscription for the desired charts from the National Aeronautical Charting Office (www.naco.faa.gov), along with descriptions of all the available charts. It's not stated, but any subscription to these charts is FREE to NWS offices.
For those who would like to get the appropriate charts from the FAA, here is the procedure:
- Obtain a sheet of letterhead with the official NWS logos for your office. Type a
letter with a request for your shopping list of Navigational charts and approach plates. - Fax it to the FAA distribution folks listed in the Preface chapter of www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/
- This will get you a one-time distribution. If you want to have your charts updated
whenever there are changes, just request a subscription to your list.
Whenever you get an update, just replace the old with the new and discard the old.
An Example of the Importance of Knowing the Approach Mins (from Jim J. in Dodge City): "If the wind at LBF is 12015KT a pilot is forced to use the approach mins for RWY 12, which would likely be 600 and 1. Think about a deep winter low-pressure system sitting over northeast Colorado with widespread stratus and snow to its northeast and southeast winds in the LBF area. Picture LBF with: 12014KT, 3/4SM SN and OVC004.
Even though the mins on the ILS RWY 30 are 200 and 1/2, I can't use it because of the wind direction!! I have to use RWY 12 LOC, which at 600 and 1 is now closed to me even with all the IFR certificates and doo-dads I might have! Our forecasters need to be aware of these limitations when they write TAFs. If you can forecast the difference between OVC004 and OVC006, you're a better forecaster than I, Gunga Din! If you suspect conditions very close to minimums (in this case), just forecast 600 and 1 and amend if it goes lower. That way I can at least file a plan and shoot an approach!"
