AWOS
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Automated Weather Observing System |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
AWOS stands for Automated Weather Observing System, an aviation abbreviation.
Automated sensor suite at smaller airports that measures wind, visibility, cloud height, temperature, dew point and altimeter setting and broadcasts the results by synthesized voice on a radio frequency or telephone line. Many AWOS units are owned by states or airport sponsors rather than the FAA.
Example: The AWOS at the county airport was reporting a 400-foot overcast, so we diverted to the regional field.
Usage notes
AWOS comes in levels: AWOS-A reports only the altimeter setting, while AWOS-III adds cloud and visibility data and AWOS-III P/T adds precipitation type and thunderstorm detection. Readings are point observations and can miss fog or showers a mile away. The larger ASOS network performs the same job at bigger airports.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- ATA – Actual time of arrival
- ATC – Air traffic control
- ATD – Actual time of departure
- ATIS – Automatic Terminal Information Service
- ATP – Airline transport pilot
- ATPL – Airline transport pilot licence
- BFR – Biennial flight review
- BVLOS – Beyond visual line of sight
- CASM – Cost per available seat mile
- CAVOK – Ceiling and visibility OK
- CFI – Certified flight instructor
- CFII – Certified flight instructor - instrument