CHAPTER 3. WEATHER INFORMATION The desire to leave the ground and explore the world from the air has inevitably tied you to weather and its effect upon you. No pilot, amateur or professional, can safely attempt a flight without considering the present and expected weather conditions. Weather is a factor in most aviation accidents. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that if you are to continue to operate safely, it is essential to know and understand the environment in which you are flying.
Individual pilot weather briefings from FAA flight service stations are provided to pilots on a "first come, first served" basis.
available today is insufficient to meet user demands without considerable delays. The FAA is taking steps to remedy this. An automated system currently under development is designed to accommodate direct user access and will be able to provide increased operational, the present FAA ilight service system may not be able to accommodate all the needs of ultralight fliers.
30. SOURCES OF WEATHER INFORMATION Many sources of weather data are available to aviators. The following sources will assist you in acquiring and evaluating as much weather data as possible.
a. National weather is broadcast weekdays in a live 15 minute television program called AM Weather. The program is carried by about 250 public broadcast stations in the early morning.
National Weather Service and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). They use the latest guidance and data available to produce a thorough program. The program's surface and forecast maps, satellite imagery, radar maps, and upper air charts, along with the hazardous weather watches, are ideal for acquiring broad scale weather information. Consult your local television schedules to obtain time of broadcast in your area.
b. Many cable TV systems now include 24 hour weather channels. Some of the programs include aviation weather.
C. Transcribed Weather Broadcasts (TWEB) for aviation are made on numerous FAA VHF omni-directional ranges (VOR), nondirectional radio beacons (NDB's), and selected airports that provide automatic terminal information services (ATIS). These transcribed broadcasts are continuously updated during their hours of operation.
d. Broadcasts over radio beacons are made in the range of 200-400 KHz and can be received on relatively inexpensive radio receivers. VOR and ATIS broadcasts are made on VHF aviation radio frequencies between 108-136 MHz. There are many moderately priced radios available that will receive these frequencies.
02357 The content of TWEB and ATIS broadcast in some cities can be received over the telephone. The telephone numbers to use can be found in the telephone directory under United States Government, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. TWEB recordings will be listed under Flight Service Station and ATIS recordings will be listed under Air Traffic Control Tower.
f. On nondirectional radio beacons and selected VHF omni-directional ranges (VOR's), the broadcasts may include synopsis, adverse conditions, route forecasts, outlook, winds aloft forecasts, radar reports, surface weather report, etc.
Broadcasts on other VOR's may include only surface weather reports, terminal (airport) forecast for the local airport, adverse conditions, etc.
h. ATIS broadcasts may include local ceiling, visibility, obstructions to vision, temperature, wind direction (magnetic) and speed, altimeter setting, The information is applicable only to the airport located at the ATIS site, but it may be used in evaluating the trend of existing weather.
i. All the above facilities and their frequencies may be identified by studying sectional aeronautical charts that are sold at many airports. Much of same information is found in the U.S. Government Flight Information Publication, Airport/Facility Directory. Comprehensive explanations of all these are printed in the FAA Airman's Information Manual (AIM). The publication is available through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
excellent sources to find out frequencies and what is available, are pilots handbooks published by user organizations.
In most large metropolitan areas, the National Weather Service provides continuous broadcasts of local weather conditions on two frequencies that can be received by inexpensive radios available at many retail outlets.
Pilots Automatic Telephone Weather Answering Service (PATWAS) is •i peration the done available in most large metropolitan locations. This is a telephone recording of local and route weather information that can be obtained by dialing a telephone number found under the same heading in the phone book as listed above for TWEB.
1. If you live in the Washington, D.C., or Columbus, Ohio, areas, you should become familiar with the voice response system (VRS) installed at these locations. This is a computer based test system that provides weather data over the telephone. The user needs only to have a "TOUCHTONE" phone to access the Since this is a test system, the products available may vary. The latest information available and directions on using this system can be obtained by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to:
Voice Response System
DOT/ FAA/FAATC ACT 110 Atlantic City, N.J. 08405 sources of weather data are only part of a safe weather operation. Other factors include a knowledge of how to interpret the weather data correctly, and when to exercise good judgment and not fly. There are many Government and civil sources that supply educational material on weather and user organizations are developing courses aimed at improving the ultralight operator's understanding of weather. One of the best efforts ultralight operators can make in their own behalf is to find out about weather. Many members of the aviation community have learned that weather, above all other aspects of our environment, is irreverent of even the most experienced aviator.
The to do that again?"
the nearness of the surrounding obstructions such as large trees, buildings, and hills. The effect of these obstructions is often turbulence or a sudden change in wind direction and velocity often referred to as wind shear. Turbulence can be especially dangerous in ultralights due to their light weight. Ground 17
turbulence consists of vortices and eddies, vertical blasts of air, and rotors (dust devils). Turbulence is caused by winds moving across and around objects, and by thermal heating of the earth's surface. Wind shear can result in a sudden reduction in the relative wind over the vehicle's lifting surfaces. When this appens, the vehicle may very quickly enter a stall. At low altitude it may be early impossible to recover in the distance remaining to the ground. Because oi the effects turbulence and wind shear have on the safety of ultralight operations, it may be wise not to fly ultralights in winds exceeding 15 mph. And even then, there will be some circumstances when 15 mph is too much. Also, keep in mind not only your own piloting skills, but the abilities of your craft to handle a crosswind during takeoff and landing. If you are in doubt, err on the side of safety and leave the enjoyment of flying for another time, perhaps another day.
32. - 39• RESERVED.
CHAPTER 4. ACCIDENT INFORMATION AND OTHER SOURCES
40. NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD (NTSB).
a. The NTSB is the official Government investigator for all transportation safety issues. Its purpose is to impartially analyze occurrences which may indicate a transportation safety problem and to recommend corrective action. The NTSB has decided to investigate all fatal powered ultralight vehicle accidents and other selected ultralight accidents and incidents which may involve significant safety issues. The Safety Board will also investigate ultralight vehicle accidents impinging on civil aircraft operations or on persons and property on the ground. The Safety Board will review accident data and the safety efforts of the aviation community in order to keep abreast of any emerging problems and will be available to provide technical assistance in remedying those problems.
IF YOU ARE WITNESS TO OR INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT/ACCIDENT INVOLVING THE OPERATION OF AN ULTRALIGHI VEHICLE, NISB REQUESTS YOU DO THE FOLLOWING:
(1) Immediately attend to the medical and physical needs of the situation. Notify the local authorities if assistance is needed.
(2) Do not move or remove any debris associated with the occurence.
Write down as much as you can remember. This will be very helpful in accurately recalling the incident.
(4) Notify, or have the local authorities notify, the nearest NTSB Field This information can be found local phone book under U.S. Government, National Transportation Safety Board, or call your local FAA office and request the NTSB telephone number.
(5) If you are able, take photographs of the site, and get the names and phone numbers of any witness.
NTSB requests that you be very helpful in reporting such incidents as this will give all of the owners/operators of ultralights a chance to benefit knowledge gained during the investigation. The Safety Board investigation is fact-finding in nature and will not be used to substantiate any violation of Federal Aviation Regulations.
c. Additionally, the FAA supports the goals of private organizations associations to provide technical and operational assistance to the ultralight industry in enhancing the reliability of the vehicles and the safety of the sport. The FAA encourages all participants in the sport of ultralight flying to report any incident, accident, structural or mechanical failure of an ultralight to the private organizations and associations actively representing the sport.
41. AIRPORTS DISTRICT OFFICE (ADO).
a. Airport district offices are located throughout the country and serve a specific geographical Their primary purpose is to assist the aviation community and state and local governments in the planning and development of landing facilities. Under FAR 103, ADO's would be your best source for information pertaining to the establishment of a flightpark and the environmental considerations associated with operations.
b. For the phone number and location of the ADO serving your area, consult your local phone directory under Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airport District Office or Regional Airport District Office.
42. FAA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITIES. There are three major types of air traffic control facilities with which you may come in contact. The following information should assist you in determining which one to call.
a. Flight Service Station (FSS). The Flight Service Station's primary function is to provide the pilot with preflight weather briefings and also Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) which have information as to the status of airports and facilities; the conduct of special activities (parachuting, airshows, military exercises, etc.); and the presence of known temporary structures such as a crane located near an airport. For the ultralight operator, FSS's can be a means of obtaining guidance on which FAA facility could best be of assistance.
For the role FSS's play in providing weather information to ultralight pilots, see Chapter 3.
b. Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). There are many air traffic control towers located throughout the country. Each serves a particular airport and provides pilots with information on the movement of other aircraft in and around the airport. In some circumstances, ATCT's have an approach control associated with them which provides separation between aircraft over a wider geographic area. Under FAR 103, ATCT's would be your contact point for operations in an airport traffic area. In many instances, operations at nearby airports with control zones may also be coordinated through the nearest ATCT.
c. Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). There are 20 ARTCC's located around the country. Each one covers a very large geographic area and provides radar separation services to aircraft through the use of remote radar and radio communication facilities. some areas, the ARTCC functions as an approach control and has responsibility, under FAR 103, for providing authorization for ultralight operations in a control zone. Due to the size and vast area of coverage of ARICC's, it is better to contact the FSS or AICI nearest you for assistance in obtaining required authorizations.
For the phone numbers and locations of the FSS, AICT, or ARICC you wish to call, consult your local telephone directory under Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. Each facility should be listed separately:
Flight Service Station; (airport name) Air Traffic Control Tower; and Air Route Traffic Control Center.
43. GENERAL AVIATION DISTRICT OFFICE (GADO).
These offices are located throughout the country and are staffed by Their primary purpose is to serve the general public and aviation industry on all matters relating to the certification and operation of general aviation aircraft. These responsibilities include accident prevention programs, general surveillance oi operational safety, and the enforcement of FAR. Under FAR 103, GADO's are your best source of information for items such as vehicle applicability, hazardous operations, and operations over congested areas. Should you desire, GADO's can also provide you guidance and assistance in certificating your ultralight as an aircraft.
local Office.
44. PUBLICATIONS. The Federal Government and the aviation industry have devoted considerable energies to producing informational and training publications which are invaluable to pilots. Listed below are some of the publications available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Other sources of useful information can be obtained through the various organizations, manufacturers, and associations working within the aviation community.
a. Airman's Information Manual (AIM). This manual contains the basic fundamentals required for safe flight in the U.S. National Airspace System.
includes chapters on navigation aids, airspace, air traffic control, flight safety, and good operating practices. It also includes a pilot-controller glossary. The AIM is issued every 1l2 days and the annual subscription price is $17.
b. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. This handbook contains essential information used in training and guiding pilots. Subjects include the principals of flight, airplane performance, flight instruments, basic weather, navigation and charts, and excerpts from flight information publications. This handbook is one of complete sources of aeronautical information available. The current price is $10.
Listed below are some of the publications available from the FAA.
c. Flight Standards Safety Pamphlets. These pamphlets are used in the General Aviation Accident Prevention Program and are produced primarily to be distributed at accident prevention seminars by GADO personnel. Titles available include: Density Altitude, Weight and Balance, Propeller Operation and Care, and Planning Your Takeoff. There are many other subjects available.
be obtained in reasonable number at no charge from the FAA Accident Prevention Specialist assigned to your local GADO.
d. FAA Advisory Circulars.
(1) The FAA issues advisory circulars to assist and inform the public on matters affecting aviation. Advisory circulars are issued in a numbered-subject system corresponding to the subject areas of the FAR.
For example, this advisory is numbered AC 1036 because it deals with information pertaining to FAR 103 operations. There are more than 400 free advisory circulars available. Subjects which may be of interest to the ultralight operator include:
AC 60-4A Pilot's Spatial Disorientation AC 90-23D Wake Turbulence AC 90-42C Traffic Advisory Practices at Uncontrolled Airports AC 90-48B Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance AC 91-36B VFR Flight Near Noise Sensitive Areas
(3) For a complete listing of all available advisory circulars, send your request for the Advisory Circular Checklist, AC 00-2 to:
U.S. Department of Transportation Subsequent Distribution Unit, M-442.32 Washington, D.C. 20590 Please enclose a self-addressed mailing label to expedite the processing of your request.
Additionally, the FAA publishes numerous other documents dealing with a variety of subjects. The Guide to Federal Aviation Administration Publications lists the information available from the FAA and also provides a list of civil aviation related publications issued by other Federal agencies. A free copy of this guide is available from the address listed in paragraph d.
e. Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) Issued every 8 weeks, the Airport/Facility Directory is a civil flight information publication which contains a directory of all airports, seaplane bases, and heliports open to the ¡vai later for public. Available from the National Ocean Service, NOAA Distribution Branch, N/CG33, Riverdale, Maryland 20737, the directory includes information on communication frequencies, navigational facilities, and certain special notices such as curfews. Directories are sold on a single copy or subscription basis and cover a specific geographic area of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
B. Fith Hotta B. KEITH POTTS Acting Director, Air Traffic Service 22
6/23/83 PART 103-ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES Subpart A-General Sec.
103.1 Applicability.
103.3 Inspection requirements.
103.5 Waivers.
103.7 Certification and registration.
Subpart B-Operating Rules
103.9 Hazardous operations.
103.11 Daylight operations.
103.13 Operation near aircraft; right-of-way rules.
103.15 Operations over congested areas.
103.17 Operations in certain airspace.
103.19 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
103.21 Visual reference to the surface.
103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements.
Authority: Secs. 307. 313(a). 601(a), 602, and
603. Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C.
1348, 1354(a), 1421(a), 1422, and 1423); sec.
6(c). Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c) Subpart A-General § 103.1 Applicability.
This part prescribes rules governing the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. For the purposes of this part, an ultralight vehicle is a vehicle that:
(a) Is used or intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a single occupant;
(b) Is used or intended to be used for recreation or sport purposes only:
(c) Does not have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate; and
(d) If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds: or
(e) If powered:
(1) Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation;
(2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons;
(3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and
(4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed.
§ 103.3 Inspection requirements.
(a) Any person operating an ultralight vehicle under this part shall, upon request, allow the Administrator, or his determine the applicability of this part. designee, to inspect the vehicle to (b) The pilot or operator of an ultralight vehicle must, upon request of the Administrator, furnish satisfactory evidence that the vehicle is subject only to the provisions of this part.
• US GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1982 - Ot 1-641/20 § 103.5 Waivers.
No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part except under a written waiver issued by the Administrator.
§ 103.7 Certification and registration.
(a) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to certification of aircraft or their parts or equipment, ultralight vehicles and their component parts and equipment are not required to meet the airworthiness certification standards specified for aircraft or to have certificates of airworthiness.
(b) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to airman certification, operators of ultralight vehicles are not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements to operate those vehicles or to have airman or medical certificates.
(c) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to registration and marking of aircraft, ultralight vehicles are not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type.
Subpart B-Operating Rules § 103.9 Hazardous operations.
(a) No person may operate any ultralight vehicle in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or property.
(b) No person may allow an object to be dropped from an ultralight vehicle if such action creates a hazard to other persons or property.
§ 103.11 Daylight operations.
(a) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, ultralight vehicles may be operated during the twilight periods 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset or, in Alaska, during the period of civil twilight as defined in the Air Almanac.
AC 103-6 APPENDIX 1
(1) The vehicle is equipped with an operating anticollision light visible for at least 3 statute miles; and
(2) All operations are conducted in uncontrolled airspace.
§ 103.13 Operation near aircraft; Right-ofway rules.
(a) Each person operating an ultralight vehicle shall maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid aircraft and shall yield the right-of-way to all aircraft.
(b) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in a manner that creates a collision hazard with respect to any aircraft.
(c) Powered ultralights shall yield the right-of-way to unpowered ultralights.
§ 103.15 Operations over congested areas.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle over any congested area of a city, town. or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons.
§ 103.17 Operations in certain airspace.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within an airport traffic area, control zone, terminal control area, or positive control area unless that person has prior authorization from the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over that airspace.
§ 103.19 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in prohibited or restricted areas unless that person has permission from the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
§ 103.21 Visual reference with the surface.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface.
§ 103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle when the flight visibility or distance from clouds is less than that in the following table, as appropriate:
Minimum Flight altitudes flight Minimum distance from clouds visibility
1.200 feet or less above the surface regardiess of
•SLaltitude.
(1) Within controlled airspace 3 | 500 feet below, 1.000 feet above. 2.000 feet horizon-
(2) Outside controlled airspace Clear of clouds More than 1.200 feet above the surface but less thar 10,000 feet MSL
(1) Within controlled airspace 3 | 500 feet beiow. 1,000 feet above. 2.000 feet horzon.
(2) Outside controlled airspace 1 | 500 feet below. 1.000 feet above. 2.000 feet horizon.
ta More than 1.200 feet above the surface and at or 5 | 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above. 1 statute mile above 10.000 feet MSL horizontai ' Statute miles 1