Effective range of AWOS/ASOS around an aiport

M

Mikey_G

New Member
Being overseas, and on a small island, I dont get much interaction with automated weather. I was just curious as to how far of a distance (nm) does the AWOS/ASOS cover around an airport? I.E. 1/3/5 NM around the airport? Is it the same coverage as ATIS? Common sense tells me 1 NM around the airport, but I couldn't find a reference anywhere.

Thanks in advance
 
I couldn't find any info in the AIM, but I'm thinking there really is no specified range that the systems look out to. They all measure local conditions and in some cases lightning in the vicinity.
 
I've picked them up a good 50 miles away from the airport before. I think it's range is the same as any other freq though right?
 
I thought he was talking about the weather around the airport.
If not, like someone else said, you can pick them up 50,60,70 miles out depending on the atmosphere and terrain.
 
Ok, I don't know what he is talking about. I think you may be right though but the being on an island reference threw me off.

Yes the AWOS does measure up pretty much so whatever the conditions are at that part of the airport where the equipment is is what will be measured.
 
They can detect wind, temp., dewpoint, visibility, precip. etc. only at the station; they can detect ceiling/sky condition only straight above the station; and they (some) can detect lightning in the vicinity (~5 miles).

That's the automated part; if it's supplemented by a human observer, then I don't really know.

MF
 
I vaguely remember a question on my instrument ride about effective ranges of the METAR and TAF reports. IIRC, METARs are good for 5 miles and TAFs are good for 10 from the reporting airport.
 
JaceTheAce said:
But a TAF... isn't that good for 5 NM? (I can't remember!)
Click to expand...

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast... Good for the area within a 5 mile radius of the airport.

Don't ask where in the AIM it is, because I can't find it to referenece but bank on it... It's totally 5 miles.
 
I just looked in Aviation Weather Services Explained (ASA) and cannot find any mention of effective ranges of METAR or TAF. Weird...
 
AIM 4-1-13

ATIS can be heard 60 NM from the site and a max altitude of FL250.

TAF is valid for 5 SM surrounding the airport complex.

TAF information
 
I found it in "Cleared For Takeoff" Part of the kit they sell at Cessna Pilot Centers. Could not find it in the Jepp texbook, private or Instrument/comm.

Definetly in the AIM
 
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