AVIATION
WEATHER
SERVICES Advisory Circular, AC 00-45F, Change 2
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Photo courtesy of Aaron A. Gilstad
Published March 12, 2009
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Summary of Changes
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
SECTION CHANGE(S) Cover Specified that this is AC 00-45F, Change 2. The previous version of this document used the word “Revision” instead of “Change.” Did this to maintain consistency with other FAA Advisory Circulars.
Also, changed NWS FAA Academy email address to:
nws-faa.academy@noaa.gov Table of Contents Updated due to changes listed below.
1.3.7 Inserted ADS-B and FIS-B information.
3.1.4 Changed section title from “Examples of METAR Reports, Explanations, and Phraseology” to “METAR/SPECI Examples.”
Replaced METAR/SPECI examples.
7.1 Updated FA product descriptions and replaced CONUS examples.
7.1.2 Inserted a note to define the terms “CSTL WTRS” and “CSTL SXNS”
7.1 Deleted “AND CSTL WTRS” from Figure 7-6 and Table 7-3.
7.2 Deleted TAF location maps.
7.2 Updated to 30-hour TAF format.
7.2.2 “Section 7.2.2.5 Valid period of Amended TAFs” was deleted and pertinent information was moved to section 7.2.2.4.
7.2.3 Sections 7.2.3.1 – 7.2.3.4 were updated to follow NWS Directive 10- 813 (dated 11/19/2007).
10, Appendix A Replaced “ASOS/AWOS Location Maps” with “Definitions of Common Terms used in En Route Forecasts and Advisories.”
15, Appendix F Updated Figure F-1. AWC Advisory Plotting Chart – Contiguous US and accompanying table.
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Foreword
FOREWORD
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, is published jointly by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This publication supplements its companion manual Aviation Weather, Advisory Circular 00-6A, which documents weather theory and its application to the aviation community.
This advisory circular, AC 00-45F, explains U.S. aviation weather products and services. It details the interpretation and application of advisories, coded weather reports, forecasts, observed and prognostic weather charts, and radar and satellite imagery. Product examples and explanations are taken primarily from the Aviation Weather Center’s Aviation Digital Data Service website (http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/).
The AC 00-45F was written by Robert A. Prentice with assistance from Douglas D. Streu, and edited by Cynthia Abelman and Tom Dulong. Stan Roberts (AFS-600) was the reviewer for the FAA. Additional contributors include Raymond Tanabe, Larry Burch, Duane Carpenter, Lisa Glikbarg, Celia Miner, Ronald Olson, Richard Akers, Bill Carle, and Christa Jacobs.
An online version of this document can be found at:
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/MainFram e?OpenFrameSet
or
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/faa/pubs.html
Comments and suggestions for improving this publication are encouraged and should be directed to:
E-mail nws-faa.academy@noaa.gov
US Postal Mail NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, W/SR64 BLDG 30, RM 107 6500 S MACARTHUR BLVD OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73169-6901
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular, AC 00-45F, Change 2, supersedes AC 00-45F, revision 1, published July 31, 2008. This AC document will be cancelled when the AC 00-45G is published on February 11, 2010.
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) NOTE: CLICK ON ANY ENTRY IN THE OF THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO JUMP
DIRECTLY TO THAT SECTIONXVI
1 AVIATION WEATHER SERVICE PROGRAM1-1
1.1 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)1-1
1.1.1 National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS)1-1
1.1.1.1 Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB)1-1
1.1.2 National Weather Service (NWS)1-1
1.1.2.1 National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)1-1
1.1.2.1.1 NCEP Central Operations (NCO)1-2
1.1.2.1.2 Aviation Weather Center (AWC)1-2
1.1.2.1.3 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)1-2
1.1.2.1.4 Storm Prediction Center (SPC)1-2
1.1.2.1.5 Tropical Prediction Center (TPC)1-2
1.1.2.2 Alaskan Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU)1-2
1.1.2.3 Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU)1-3
1.1.2.4 Weather Forecast Office (WFO)1-3
1.1.2.5 NWS Office at the FAA Academy1-3
1.2 FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)1-4
1.2.1 Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)1-4
1.2.2 Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)1-4
1.2.3 Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON)1-4
1.2.4 Flight Service Station (FSS) / Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS)1-5
1.3 DISSEMINATION OF AVIATION WEATHER PRODUCTS1-6
1.3.1 Weather Briefings1-6
1.3.1.1 Standard Briefing1-6
1.3.1.2 Abbreviated Briefing1-7
1.3.1.3 Outlook Briefing1-7
1.3.2 Direct Use Access Terminal Service (DUATS/DUAT)1-7
1.3.3 Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS)1-8
1.3.4 Telephone Information Briefing Service (TIBS)1-8
1.3.5 Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS)1-9
1.3.6 En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS)1-10
1.3.7 Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B)1-11
1.3.7.1 Flight Information Service – Broadcast (FIS-B)1-11
1.3.7.1.1 FIS-B Products1-11
1.3.7.1.2 Operational Use of FIS-B Products1-12
2 AVIATION WEATHER PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND POLICY2-1
2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF AVIATION WEATHER PRODUCTS2-1
2.1.1 Primary Weather Product Classification2-1
2.1.2 Supplementary Weather Product Classification2-1
2.2 TYPES OF AVIATION WEATHER INFORMATION2-2
2.2.1 Observations2-2
2.2.2 Analysis2-2
2.2.3 Forecasts2-2
2.3 CATEGORIZING AVIATION WEATHER SOURCES2-2
2.3.1 Federal Government2-2
2.3.2 Enhanced Weather Information System (EWINS)2-3
2.3.3 Commercial Weather Information Providers2-3
3 OBSERVED TEXT PRODUCTS3-1
3.1 AVIATION ROUTINE WEATHER REPORTS (METAR) AND AVIATION SELECTED SPECIAL WEATHER
REPORTS (SPECI)3-1
3.1.1 Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)3-1
3.1.2 Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI)3-1
Table 3-1. SPECI Criteria3-2
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page i
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
3.1.3 Format3-3
Figure 3-1. METAR/SPECI Coding Format3-3
3.1.3.1 Type of Report3-3
3.1.3.2 Station Identifier3-3
Figure 3-2. ICAO Continent codes3-4
3.1.3.3 Date and Time of Report3-5
3.1.3.4 Report Modifier (As Required)3-5
3.1.3.5 Wind Group3-6
3.1.3.5.1 Wind Gust3-6
3.1.3.5.2 Variable Wind Direction (speed 6 knots or less)3-6
3.1.3.5.3 Variable Wind Direction (speed greater than 6 knots)3-6
3.1.3.5.4 Calm Wind3-7
3.1.3.6 Visibility Group3-7
3.1.3.7 Runway Visual Range (RVR) Group3-7
3.1.3.8 Present Weather Group3-8
Table 3-2. METAR/SPECI Notations for Reporting Present Weather13-9
3.1.3.8.1 Intensity Qualifier3-10
3.1.3.8.2 Proximity Qualifier3-10
3.1.3.8.3 Descriptor Qualifier3-10
3.1.3.8.4 Precipitation3-11
3.1.3.8.5 Obscuration3-11
3.1.3.8.6 Other Weather Phenomena3-11
3.1.3.9 Sky Condition Group3-12
Figure 3-3. Obscuration Effects on Slant Range Visibility3-12
Table 3-3. METAR/SPECI Contractions for Sky Cover3-13
Table 3-4. METAR/SPECI Increments of Reportable Values of Sky Cover Height3-13
Figure 3-4. METAR/SPECI Sky Condition Coding3-14
3.1.3.10 Temperature/Dew Point Group3-15
3.1.3.11 Altimeter3-15
3.1.3.12 Remarks (RMK)3-15
Table 3-5. METAR/SPECI Order of Remarks3-16
3.1.3.13 Automated, Manual, and Plain Language Remarks3-17
3.1.3.13.1 Volcanic Eruptions (Plain Language)3-17
3.1.3.13.2 Funnel Cloud3-17
3.1.3.13.3 Type of Automated Station3-17
3.1.3.13.4 Peak Wind3-17
3.1.3.13.5 Wind Shift3-18
3.1.3.13.6 Tower or Surface Visibility3-18
3.1.3.13.7 Variable Prevailing Visibility3-18
3.1.3.13.8 Sector Visibility (Plain Language)3-18
3.1.3.13.9 Visibility at Second Location3-18
3.1.3.13.10 Lightning3-18
Table 3-6. METAR/SPECI Type and Frequency of Lightning3-19
3.1.3.13.11 Beginning and Ending of Precipitation3-19
3.1.3.13.12 Beginning and Ending of Thunderstorms3-19
3.1.3.13.13 Thunderstorm Location (Plain Language)3-19
3.1.3.13.14 Hailstone Size (Plain Language)3-19
3.1.3.13.15 Virga (Plain Language)3-20
3.1.3.13.16 Variable Ceiling Height3-20
3.1.3.13.17 Obscurations (Plain Language)3-20
3.1.3.13.18 Variable Sky Condition (Plain Language)3-20
3.1.3.13.19 Significant Cloud Types (Plain Language)3-20
3.1.3.13.19.1 Cumulonimbus or Cumulonimbus Mammatus3-20
Figure 3-5. Cumulonimbus (CB) Example3-21
Figure 3-6. Cumulonimbus Mammatus (CBMAM) Example3-21
3.1.3.13.19.2 Towering Cumulus3-22
Figure 3-7. Towering Cumulus (TCU) Example3-22
3.1.3.13.19.3 Altocumulus Castellanus3-23
Figure 3-8. Altocumulus Castellanus (ACC) Example3-23
3.1.3.13.19.4 Standing Lenticular or Rotor Clouds3-24
Figure 3-9. Standing Lenticular and Rotor Clouds Example3-24
3.1.3.13.20 Ceiling Height at Second Location3-24
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page ii
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
3.1.3.13.21 Pressure Rising or Falling Rapidly3-25
3.1.3.13.22 Sea-Level Pressure3-25
3.1.3.13.23 Aircraft Mishap (Plain Language)3-25
3.1.3.13.24 No SPECI Reports Taken (Plain Language)3-25
3.1.3.13.25 Snow Increasing Rapidly3-25
3.1.3.13.26 Other Significant Information (Plain Language)3-25
3.1.3.14 Additive and Automated Maintenance Data3-25
3.1.3.14.1 Hourly Temperature and Dew Point3-25
3.1.3.14.2 Maintenance Data Groups3-26
3.1.3.14.2.1 Sensor Status Indicators3-26
3.1.3.14.2.2 Maintenance Indicator3-26
3.1.4 METAR/SPECI Examples3-27
3.2 PILOT WEATHER REPORTS (PIREP)3-32
3.2.1 Format3-32
Figure 3-10. Pilot Weather Report (PIREP) Coding Format3-32
3.2.1.1 Message Type (UUA/UA)3-32
3.2.1.1.1 Urgent PIREPs3-32
3.2.1.1.2 Routine PIREPs3-33
3.2.1.2 Location (/OV)3-33
3.2.1.2.1 Location3-33
3.2.1.2.1.1 3.2.1.3.1.1 Route Segment3-33
3.2.1.3 Time (/TM)3-34
3.2.1.4 Altitude/Flight Level (/FL)3-34
3.2.1.5 Aircraft Type (/TP)3-34
3.2.1.6 Sky Condition (/SK)3-34
3.2.1.7 Flight Visibility and Weather (/WX)3-35
Table 3-7. PIREP Weather Type and Symbols3-36
3.2.1.8 Air Temperature (/TA)3-38
3.2.1.9 Wind Direction and Speed (/WV)3-38
3.2.1.10 Turbulence (/TB)3-38
Table 3-8. PIREP Turbulence Reporting Criteria3-39
3.2.1.11 Icing (/IC)3-39
Table 3-9. Icing Intensities, Contractions, and Airframe Ice Accumulation3-40
Table 3-10. Icing Types, Contractions, and Descriptions3-40
3.2.1.12 Remarks (/RM)3-40
3.2.1.12.1 Wind Shear3-41
3.2.1.12.2 FUNNEL CLOUD, TORNADO, and WATERSPOUT3-41
3.2.1.12.3 Thunderstorm3-41
3.2.1.12.4 Lightning3-41
3.2.1.12.5 Electrical Discharge3-41
3.2.1.12.6 Clouds3-42
3.2.1.12.7 Plain Language3-42
3.2.1.12.8 Volcanic Eruptions3-42
3.2.1.12.9 SKYSPOTTER3-42
3.2.2 PIREP Examples3-43
3.3 RADAR WEATHER REPORT (SD/ROB)3-45
Figure 3-11. Radar Weather Report (SD/ROB) Coding Format3-45
3.3.1 Format3-45
3.3.1.1 Location Identifier3-45
3.3.1.2 Time3-45
3.3.1.3 Configuration3-45
Figure 3-12. Radar Weather Report (SD/ROB) Configurations3-46
3.3.1.4 Coverage3-46
3.3.1.5 Precipitation Type3-46
3.3.1.6 Precipitation Intensity3-47
Table 3-11. SD/ROB Reportable Intensities3-47
3.3.1.7 Location3-47
Figure 3-13. SD/ROB AREA, Line (LN), and CELL Location Examples3-48
3.3.1.8 Maximum Top3-48
3.3.1.9 Cell Movement3-48
3.3.1.10 Remarks3-49
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page iii
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
Table 3-12. Weather Radar Report Remarks and Meaning3-49
3.3.1.11 Digital Section3-49
Figure 3-14. SD/ROB Digital Section Information Plotted on a PPI Grid Overlay Example3-50
3.3.2 Examples3-50
Figure 3-15. WSR-88D Weather Radar Network Sites3-52
4 RADAR AND SATELLITE IMAGERY4-1
4.1 RADAR4-1
4.1.1 Description4-1
4.1.2 Modes of Operation4-1
4.1.2.1 Clear Air Mode4-1
4.1.2.2 Precipitation Mode4-1
4.1.3 Echo Intensities4-2
Figure 4-1. WSR-88D Weather Radar Echo Intensity Legend4-2
Table 4-1. WSR-88D Weather Radar Precipitation Intensity Terminology4-2
4.1.4 Products4-3
4.1.4.1 Base Reflectivity4-3
Figure 4-2. WSR-88D Weather Radar Short Range (124 NM) Base Reflectivity Product Example
.4-3
Figure 4-3. WSR-88D Weather Radar Long Range (248 NM) Base Reflectivity Product Example 4- 4
4.1.4.1.1 Base Reflectivity Use4-4
Figure 4-4. WSR-88D Weather Radar Stratiform Precipitation on the 0.5ºBase Reflectivity
Product Example4-5
Figure 4-5. WSR-88D Weather Radar Convective Precipitation on the 0.5ºBase Reflectivity
Product Example4-5
4.1.4.1.2 Strengths of Base Reflectivity4-6
4.1.4.1.3 Limitations of Base Reflectivity4-6
4.1.4.1.3.1 Radar Beam Overshooting4-6
4.1.4.1.3.2 Beam Blockage4-6
Figure 4-6. WSR-88D Weather Radar Beam Blockage on Base Reflectivity Product Example4-7
4.1.4.1.3.3 Ground Clutter4-7
Figure 4-8. WSR-88D Weather Radar Ground Clutter Example4-7
4.1.4.1.3.4 Ghost4-8
Figure 4-9. WSR-88D Weather Radar Ghost Example4-8
4.1.4.1.3.5 Angels4-8
Figure 4-10. WSR-88D Weather Radar Angle Example4-9
4.1.4.1.3.6 Anomalous Propagation (AP)4-9
Figure 4-11. WSR-88D Weather Radar Anomalous Propagation (AP) Example4-10
4.1.4.2 Composite Reflectivity4-10
Figure 4-12. Creation of a Composite Reflectivity product4-10
Figure 4-13. WSR-88D Weather Radar Long Range (248 NM) Composite Reflectivity Product
Example4-11
Figure 4-14. WSR-88D Weather Radar Short Range (124 NM) Composite Reflectivity Product
Example4-12
4.1.4.2.1 Composite Reflectivity Use4-12
Figure 4-15. WSR-88D Weather Radar 0.5º Base Reflectivity versus Composite Reflectivity
Comparison4-13
4.1.4.2.2 Strengths of Composite Reflectivity4-13
4.1.4.2.3 Limitations of Composite Reflectivity4-13
4.1.4.2.3.1 Radar Beam Overshooting4-13
4.1.4.2.3.2 Beam Blockage4-13
4.1.4.2.3.3 Ground Clutter4-14
4.1.4.2.3.4 Ghost4-14
4.1.4.2.3.5 Angels4-14
4.1.4.2.3.6 Anomalous Propagation (AP)4-14
4.1.5 Radar Mosaics4-14
4.1.5.1 0.5º Mosaics - Contiguous U.S. and Hawaii4-15
Table 4-2. NWS Radar Mosaic Products4-15
Figure 4-16. Great Lakes Regional Radar Mosaic Example4-15
4.1.5.2 0.5º Mosaics - Alaska4-16
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page iv
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
Figure 4-17. Alaskan Regional Radar Mosaic Example4-16
4.2 SATELLITE4-17
4.2.1 Description4-17
4.2.2 Imagery Types4-17
4.2.2.1 Visible Imagery4-17
Figure 4-18. Visible Satellite Image – U.S. Example4-18
Figure 4-19. Visible Satellite Image – Regional-Scale Example4-19
4.2.2.1.1 Visible Image Data Legend4-19
Figure 4-20. Visible Satellite Data Legend4-19
4.2.2.2 Infrared (IR) Imagery4-19
Figure 4-21. Infrared (Color) Satellite Image – U.S. Example4-20
Figure 4-22. Infrared (Color) Satellite Image – Regional-Scale Example4-21
Figure 4-23. Unenhanced Infrared (black and white) Satellite Image – U.S. Example4-21
Figure 4-24. Unenhanced Infrared (black and white) Satellite Image – Regional- Scale Example . 4- 22
4.2.2.2.1 Infrared Image Data Legends4-22
Figure 4-25. Infrared (Color) Satellite Image Data Legend4-22
Figure 4-26. Unenhanced Infrared (black and while) Satellite Image Data Legend4-22
4.2.3.3 Water Vapor Imagery4-22
Figure 4-27. Water Vapor Satellite Image – U.S. Example4-23
Figure 4-28. Water Vapor Satellite Image – Regional-Scale Example4-24
4.2.3.3.1 Water Vapor Image Data Legend4-24
Figure 4-29. Water Vapor Satellite Image Data Legend4-24
5 GRAPHICAL OBSERVATIONS AND DERIVED PRODUCTS5-1
5.1 SURFACE ANALYSIS CHARTS5-1
Figure 5-1. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Example5-1
5.1.1 Issuance5-1
5.1.2 HPC Surface Analysis Charts5-2
5.1.2.1 Issuance5-2
Table 5-1. HPC Surface Analysis Charts Issuance Schedule5-2
5.1.2.2 Analysis Symbols5-2
Figure 5-2. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Symbols5-3
5.1.2.3 Station Plot Models5-3
Figure 5-3. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Station Plot Model5-3
Figure 5-4. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Ship/Buoy Plot Model5-4
Figure 5-5. HPC Surface Analysis Chart for Aviation Interests Station Plot Model5-4
5.1.2.3.1 Station Identifier5-4
5.1.2.3.2 Temperature5-4
5.1.2.3.3 Dew Point5-5
5.1.2.3.4 Weather5-5
Figure 5-6. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Common Weather Symbols5-5
5.1.2.3.5 Wind5-5
Figure 5-7. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Wind Plotting Model5-6
5.1.2.3.6 Ceiling5-6
5.1.2.3.7 Visibility5-6
5.1.2.3.8 Pressure5-6
5.1.2.3.9 Pressure Trend5-6
Figure 5-8. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Pressure Trends5-7
5.1.2.3.10 Sky Cover5-7
Figure 5-9. HPC Surface Analysis Chart Sky Cover Symbols5-7
5.1.2.3.11 Water Temperature5-7
5.1.2.3.12 Swell Information5-8
5.1.2.3.13 Wave Information5-8
5.1.2.4 Analyses5-8
5.1.2.4.1 Isobars5-8
5.1.2.4.2 Pressure Systems5-9
5.1.2.4.3 Fronts5-9
Figure 5-10. HPC Surface Analysis Chart – North America Example5-9
Figure 5-11. HPC Surface Analysis Chart - Contiguous U.S. Example5-10
Figure 5-12. HPC Surface Analysis Chart - Northeast U.S. Example5-10
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page v
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) Figure 5-13. HPC Surface Analysis Chart for Aviation Interests – Contiguous U.S. Example ... 5-11 Figure 5-14. HPC Surface Analysis Chart for Aviation Interests – South central U.S. Example 5-11
5.1.3 OPC and WFO Honolulu Surface Analysis Charts5-12
5.1.3.1 Issuance5-12
Table 5-2. OPC and WFO Honolulu Surface Analysis Charts Issuance Schedule5-12
5.1.3.2 Analysis Symbols5-12
Figure 5-15. OPC and WFO HNL Surface Analysis Chart Symbols5-12
Figure 5-16. WFO HNL Surface Analysis Chart – North Pacific Example5-13
5.1.3.3 Wave Information5-13
5.1.3.4 Analyses5-13
5.1.3.4.1 Isobars5-13
5.1.3.4.2 Pressure Systems5-14
5.1.3.4.3 Fronts5-14
5.1.4 TPC Surface Analysis Charts5-14
5.1.4.1 Issuance5-14
Table 5-3. TPC Surface Analysis Charts Issuance Schedule5-14
5.1.4.2 Analysis Symbols5-14
Figure 5-17. TPC Surface Analysis Chart Symbols5-15
Figure 5-18. TPC Tropical Surface Analysis Chart Example5-15
5.1.4.2.1 Wind5-15
Figure 5-19: TPC Surface Analysis Chart Wind Plotting Model5-16
5.1.4.3 Analyses5-16
5.1.4.3.1 Isobars5-16
5.1.4.3.2 Pressure Systems5-16
5.1.4.3.3 Fronts5-17
5.1.5 Unified Surface Analysis Chart5-17
5.1.5.1 Issuance5-17
Table 5-4. Unified Surface Analysis Chart Issuance Schedule5-17
Figure 5-20. Unified Surface Analysis Chart Example5-17
5.1.5.2 Analysis Symbols5-17
Figure 5-21. Unified Surface Analysis Chart Symbols5-18
5.1.5.3 Analyses5-18
5.1.5.3.1 Isobars5-18
5.1.5.3.2 Pressure Systems5-18
5.1.5.3.3 Fronts5-18
5.1.6 AAWU Surface Charts5-19
5.1.6.1 Issuance5-19
Table 5-5. AAWU Surface Analysis Issuance Schedule5-19
5.1.6.2 Analysis Symbols5-19
Figure 5-22. AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Symbols5-19
Figure 5-23. AAWU Alaskan Surface Chart Example5-20
5.1.6.3 Station Plot Models5-20
Figure 5-24. AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Station Plot Model5-20
Figure 5-25. AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Ship/buoy Plot Model5-21
5.1.6.3.1 Station Identifier5-21
5.1.6.3.2 Temperature5-21
5.1.6.3.3 Dew Point5-21
5.1.6.3.4 Wind5-21
Figure 5-26: AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Wind Plotting Model5-22
5.1.6.3.5 Ceiling5-22
5.1.6.3.6 Visibility5-22
5.1.6.3.7 Pressure5-22
5.1.6.3.8 Pressure Trend5-22
Figure 5-27. AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Pressure Trends5-23
5.1.6.3.9 Sky Cover5-23
Figure 5-28. AAWU Surface Analysis Chart Sky Cover Symbols5-23
5.1.6.3.10 Water Temperature5-23
5.1.6.3.11 Swell Information5-24
5.1.6.3.12 Wave Information5-24
5.1.6.4 Analyses5-24
5.1.6.4.1 Isobars5-24
5.1.6.4.2 Pressure Systems5-24
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page vi
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
5.1.6.4.3 Fronts5-25
5.2 CONSTANT PRESSURE CHARTS5-26
Figure 5-29. Constant Pressure Chart Example5-26
5.2.1 Issuance5-26
5.2.2 Observational Data5-26
Figure 5-30. U.S. Radiosonde Network5-27
Table 5-6 Features of Constant Pressure Charts5-28
Table 5-7. Constant Pressure Chart Plotting Models5-28
Table 5-8. Radiosonde Plotting Model Examples5-29
5.2.3 Analyses5-29
5.2.3.1 Height5-29
5.2.3.2 Temperature5-29
5.2.3.3 Wind Speed5-30
5.2.3.4 Use5-30
Table 5-9. Reconnaissance Aircraft (RECCO) Plotting Model Examples5-30
Table 5-10. Aircraft Report (AIREP) Plotting Model Examples5-31
Table 5-11. Satellite Wind Estimate Plotting Model Examples5-31
Figure 5-31. 850MB Analysis Chart Example5-32
Figure 5-32. 700MB Analysis Chart Example5-32
Figure 5-33. 500MB Analysis Chart Example5-33
Figure 5-34. 300MB Analysis Chart Example5-33
Figure 5-35. 200MB Analysis Chart Example5-34
5.3 FREEZING-LEVEL GRAPHICS5-35
5.3.1 Issuance5-35
5.3.2 Observational Data5-35
5.3.3 Format5-36
Figure 5-36. RUC 00-hour Freezing Level Graphic Example5-37
5.3.4 Use5-38
Figure 5-37. ADDS Freezing Level Graphic Example5-38
5.4 LIFTED INDEX ANALYSIS CHART5-39
Figure 5-38. Lifted Index Analysis Chart Example5-39
5.4.1 Issuance5-39
5.4.2 Lifted Index (LI)5-39
5.4.2.1 Data Plot5-40
5.4.2.2 Analysis5-40
5.4.2.3 Use of Lifted Index5-40
5.4.3 K Index5-40
5.4.3.1 Data Plot5-40
5.4.3.2 Use of K Index5-40
Table 5-12. K Index and Coverage of General Thunderstorms5-41
5.5 WEATHER DEPICTION CHART5-42
Figure 5-39. Weather Depiction Chart Example5-42
5.5.1 Issuance5-42
Table 5-13. Weather Depiction Charts Issuance Schedule5-42
5.5.2 Station Plot Model5-42
Figure 5-40. Weather Depiction Chart Station Plot Model5-43
5.5.2.1 Visibility5-43
5.5.2.2 Present Weather5-43
5.5.2.3 Sky Cover5-43
5.5.2.4 Ceiling5-43
5.5.3 Weather Flying Category Analysis5-44
5.5.4 Use5-44
5.6 ALASKA WEATHER DEPICTION CHARTS5-45
Figure 5-41. AAWU Alaska Weather Depiction Chart Example5-45
Table 5-14. AAWU Alaska Weather Depiction Charts Coverage5-46
5.6.1 Issuance5-46
5.6.2 Legends5-46
5.6.2.1 Flying Category5-46
Table 5-15 AAWU Alaska Weather Flying Categories and Criteria5-46
5.6.2.2 Station Plot5-46
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page vii
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
Figure 5-42. AAWU Alaska Weather Depiction Chart Station Plot Legend5-46
5.6.2.3 Sky Cover5-47
5.6.2.4 Station Identifier (STNID)5-47
5.6.2.5 Wind5-47
Figure 5-43. AAWU Alaska Weather Depiction Chart Wind Symbols5-47
5.6.2.6 Temperature (TMP deg F)5-47
5.6.2.7 Visibility (VIS)5-47
5.6.2.8 Dew Point Temperature (DEWPT deg F)5-48
5.6.2.9 Ceiling (CIG)5-48
5.6.2.10 Present Weather (WX)5-48
Table 5-16 Alaska Weather Depiction Charts Precipitation Symbols5-48
Table 5-17 Alaska Weather Depiction Charts Obstruction to Visibility Symbols5-48
Table 5-18 Alaska Weather Depiction Charts Precipitation Intensity Symbols5-48
5.6.3 Use5-49
Figure 5-44. AAWU Alaska Weather Depiction Chart – South Central Alaska Example5-49
5.7 RADAR SUMMARY CHART5-50
Figure 5-45. Radar Summary Chart Example5-50
5.7.1 Issuance5-50
5.7.2 Format5-50
5.7.2.1 Precipitation Type5-50
Table 5-19. Radar Summary Chart Precipitation Type Symbols5-51
5.7.2.2 Precipitation Intensity5-51
Figure 5-46. WSR-88D Weather Radar Network5-51
Figure 5-47. Radar Summary Chart Precipitation Intensity5-52
5.7.2.3 Echo Coverage5-52
5.7.2.4 Line Echoes5-52
Table 5-20. Radar Summary Chart Echo Configuration Symbols5-52
5.7.2.5 Cell Movement5-52
Table 5-21. Radar Summary Chart Cell Movement Examples5-53
5.7.2.6 Maximum Top5-53
Figure 5-48. Radar Summary Chart Maximum Top Example5-53
5.7.2.7 Weather Watch Areas5-54
Table 5-22. Radar Summary Chart Weather Watch Area Examples5-54
5.7.2.8 Operational Contractions5-54
Table 5-23. Radar Summary Chart Operational Contractions5-54
5.7.3 Use5-54
Figure 5-49. Radar Summary Chart Example5-55
5.8 ALASKA INITIAL GEOPOTENTIAL HEIGHTS AND WINDS CHARTS5-56
Figure 5-50. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart Example5-56
Table 5-24. Pressure Altitudes of Alaska Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Charts5-56
5.8.1 Issuance5-56
5.8.2 Analysis5-57
5.8.2.1 Height Contours5-57
5.8.2.2 Winds5-57
Figure 5-51. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart Wind Plotting Model5-57
5.8.3 Use5-57
Figure 5-52. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart - 200MB Winds and Contours
Chart Example5-59
Figure 5-53. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart - 300MB Winds and Contours
Chart Example5-59
Figure 5-54. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart - 500MB Winds and Contours
Chart Example5-60
Figure 5-55. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart - 700MB Winds and Contours
Chart Example5-60
Figure 5-56. Alaskan Initial Geopotential Heights and Winds Chart - 850MB Winds and Contours
Chart Example5-61
6 PRODUCTS FOR AVIATION HAZARDS6-1
6.1 SIGNIFICANT METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION (SIGMET)6-1
6.1.1 SIGMET Issuance6-1
Figure 6-1. AWC SIGMET Areas of Responsibility - Conterminous U.S6-2
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page viii
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
Figure 6-2. AWC SIGMET Areas of Responsibility – Atlantic Basin6-2
Figure 6-3. SIGMET Areas of Responsibility – Pacific Basin6-3
6.1.1.1 SIGMET Identification6-3
6.1.2 SIGMET Standardization6-4
6.1.3 SIGMET (Non-Convective) – Conterminous U.S6-4
6.1.3.1 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Issuance Criteria – Contiguous U.S6-4
6.1.3.2 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Issuance Time and Valid Period – Conterminous U.S6-5
6.1.3.3 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Format – Conterminous U.S6-5
Figure 6-4. SIGMET for the Conterminous U.S. Decoding Example6-6
Table 6-1. Decoding a SIGMET (Non-Convective) for the Conterminous U.S6-6
6.1.3.4 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Cancellations – Conterminous U.S6-7
6.1.3.5 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Amendments – Conterminous U.S6-7
6.1.3.6 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Corrections – Conterminous U.S6-7
6.1.3.7 SIGMET (Non-Convective) Example – Conterminous U.S6-7
6.1.4 Convective SIGMET6-7
6.1.4.1 Convective SIGMET - Routine Issuance Criteria6-7
6.1.4.2 Convective SIGMET - Special Issuance Criteria6-8
6.1.4.3 Convective SIGMET Issuance Time and Valid Period6-8
Figure 6-5. AWC Convective SIGMET Areas of Responsibility6-8
6.1.4.4 Convective SIGMET Format6-9
Figure 6-6. Convective SIGMET Decoding Example6-10
Table 6-2. Decoding a Convective SIGMET6-10
6.1.4.5 Convective SIGMET Outlook6-11
6.1.4.6 Convective SIGMET Cancellations6-11
6.1.4.7 Convective SIGMET Amendments6-11
6.1.4.8 Convective SIGMET Corrections6-11
6.1.4.9 Convective SIGMET Bulletin Examples6-11
6.1.4.9.1 Convective SIGMET Bulletin – Tropical Cyclone Example6-12
6.1.5 SIGMET – Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-13
6.1.5.1 SIGMET Issuance Criteria – Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-14
6.1.5.2 SIGMET Issuance Time and Valid Period – Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-14
6.1.5.3 SIGMET Format – Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-14
Figure 6-7. SIGMET Outside the Conterminous U.S. Decoding Example6-16
Table 6-3. Decoding a SIGMET Outside of the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-16
6.1.5.4 SIGMETs for Volcanic Ash6-17
6.1.5.5 SIGMETs for Tropical Cyclone6-17
6.1.5.6 SIGMET Cancellation– Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-17
6.1.5.7 SIGMET Amendments– Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-17
6.1.5.8 SIGMET Corrections– Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-17
6.1.5.9 SIGMET Example– Outside the Conterminous U.S. (O-CONUS)6-18
6.1.5.9.1 SIGMET for Volcanic Ash Example6-18
6.1.5.9.2 SIGMET for Tropical Cyclone Example6-18
6.2 AIRMEN’S METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION (AIRMET)6-20
6.2.1 AIRMET Issuance6-20
Figure 6-8 AWC AIRMET Areas of Responsibility – Conterminous U.S6-21
Figure 6-9. AAWU Flight Advisory and Area Forecast Zones - Alaska6-22
Table 6-4. AAWU Flight Advisory and Area Forecast Zones – Alaska6-22
Figure 6-10. WFO Honolulu AIRMET Areas of Responsibility - Hawaii6-23
6.2.2 AIRMET Issuance Criteria6-23
6.2.3 AIRMET Standardization6-24
6.2.4 AIRMET Bulletins, Issuance Times, and Valid Period6-24
Table 6-5. AIRMET Issuance Schedule6-24
6.2.5 AIRMET Format6-25
Figure 6-11. AIRMET Bulletin Decoding Example6-26
Table 6-6. Decoding an AIRMET Bulletin6-26
6.2.5.1 AIRMET Updates and Amendments6-27
6.2.5.2 AIRMET Corrections6-27
6.2.6 AIRMET Examples6-27
6.2.6.1 CONUS AIRMET Example6-27
6.2.6.2 Hawaii AIRMET Example6-28
6.2.6.3 Alaska AIRMET Example6-29
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Table of Contents Page ix