Temperature units convention in ATIS

[Beaker]

The ATIS example given in the AIM section 4-1-13 uses Fahrenheit (68 Celsius would exceed the maximum temperature observed on Earth). I expected all broadcast weather information to be standardized on Celsius. Is this standardized? If so, is it documented anywhere?

 

[FM_Weasel]

Ha, that's kinda funny.

It's in a weird order and uses some unsusual phraseology too. I think that paragraph might be grossly out of date. I've never recorded an ATIS using Fahrenheit temperature, I'm not sure where/why that would be the norm.

Interestingly, the example provided in our ATC manual has a peculiar temperature as well. It's not impossible by any means, but how often is Boston running a 34deg C fever?

2−9−3. ATIS CONTENT

EXAMPLE−
“Boston Tower Information Delta. One four zero zero Zulu.
Wind two five zero at one zero. Visibility one zero. Ceiling
four thousand five hundred broken. Temperature three four.
Dew point two eight. Altimeter three zero one zero.
ILS−DME Runway Two Seven Approach in use. Departing
Runway Two Two Right. Hazardous Weather Information
for (geographical area) available on HIWAS, Flight
Watch, or Flight Service Frequencies. Advise on initial
contact you have Delta.”

Also, wind 14010KT and landing RY27, Departing RY22. I think the guys that write these ATIS notes are trolling us.

 

[Cessnaflyer]

Ha, that's kinda funny.

It's in a weird order and uses some unsusual phraseology too. I think that paragraph might be grossly out of date. I've never recorded an ATIS using Fahrenheit temperature, I'm not sure where/why that would be the norm.

Interestingly, the example provided in our ATC manual has a peculiar temperature as well. It's not impossible by any means, but how often is Boston running a 34deg C fever?



Also, wind 14010KT and landing RY27, Departing RY22. I think the guys that write these ATIS notes are trolling us.

It says wind 25010 am I missing something somewhere?

 

[Stinger]

Interestingly, the example provided in our ATC manual has a peculiar temperature as well. It's not impossible by any means, but how often is Boston running a 34deg C fever?



Also, wind 14010KT and landing RY27, Departing RY22. I think the guys that write these ATIS notes are trolling us.

Might want to double check that atis you posted. Wind is 250@10. The runways make sense with that wind. Also, 34C is 94F. I'd imagine Boston reaches mid 90s at least a few times a year.

Interesting that the example says "boston tower information." I always say tower information, but it seems like more people say "airport information." Even had a few people ask me why I say it and that it should be "airport information." But now I know and can reply with something more than just "big whoop, who cares."

 

[FM_Weasel]

Haha, I think I read the time instead as I was scanning over it. Oops. Won't be the last time that happens, I promise you. It was too early to be posting.

Talked to an older coworker and he said aviation weather reports used to use Fahrenheit, so if that's true that would explain why the AIM would provide that example. Though, it would not explain why it has not been updated.

 

[Stinger]

And to add my own question to this, from the AIM it says that the:

The ceiling/sky condition, visibility, and

obstructions to vision may be omitted from the ATIS

broadcast if the ceiling is above 5,000 feet and the

visibility is more than 5 miles.

Does that mean that the atis doesn't even need to say "weather better than 5,000 and 5?"

 

[FM_Weasel]

Correct. The 7110.65 says the same.

In my experience, if you omit it, pilots will ask because they're curious or think that the omission was in error.

 

[Cessnaflyer]

And to add my own question to this, from the AIM it says that the:

The ceiling/sky condition, visibility, and

obstructions to vision may be omitted from the ATIS

broadcast if the ceiling is above 5,000 feet and the

visibility is more than 5 miles.

Does that mean that the atis doesn't even need to say "weather better than 5,000 and 5?"

Scottsdale ATIS is usually the time, wind, temp and pressure. Caught off guard by it and had to listen to it multiple times.

 

[gotWXdagain]

Seems like here in the northern states they always include the full metar in the ATIS, even when clear and a million. APA likes to omit things, such that the last time I went in there it was Info code, Time, Wind, Temp/Dewpoint, Altimeter. And super high density altitude reading, because APA.

 

[pilotmg1501]

Correct. The 7110.65 says the same.

In my experience, if you omit it, pilots will ask because they're curious or think that the omission was in error.

For me it throws me off my rythem and I need to listen again. Even saying better than 5 and 5, it's just not what I'm expecting. 10 and clear below 12 is my preferred way of hearing "nice".