The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Been working as a part time WX observer for quite a few years. We changed from the old SA format to the Metar format some years ago. Then AWOS and ASOS came along, suposed to automate wx reporting and get rid of those unreliable humans. In Alaska there was a uproar from pilots of all ratings and we are still here correcting the erronious observations the ASOS is prone to transmit. The ASOS here has had a automatic broadcast of the current ONE minute update of the current WX since inception. We also have one frequincy we can talk to pilots that call us for look out the window current WX. Now This week we received a memo from our employer stating that: " I received the following from the FAA:" ----- " We need to ensure that the only weather information that is disseminated in any way, is the last METAR or SPECIAL. " ----- So!!! Now the ASOS is reset to only put out the last METAR or Special which can be as much as one hour old. But FSS in Juneau still tells pilots to moniter the ASOS for CURRENT WND and ALTIMETER. Which means the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. IS this the way it is in the rest of the country???? OR did someone get their wires crossed???? IT is definately a SAFTEY issue. I know that if I'm going into anyplace USA I want the latest weather info possible.

As far as yesterday our ASOS is still reporting on the minute. I sure hope they don’t mess with that.

Many years ago, while flying over an undercast near Corpus Christi, TX, I radioed Alice (TX) radio and asked for "current" weather. They told me it was 25K Broken, and 10 miles.
I cancelled IFR and proceeded VFR expecting to descend as I arrived in the ALICE area. As I approached the ALI vor (located on the field) I was still over a solid layer at about 7K'.
I called ALICE radio again (also located on the field) and asked them again the current wx. They again issued 25K Broken and 10 miles.
I asked for an IFR descent and had to hold about 30 minutes while they obtained clearance for me. (If I'd simply stayed IFR I'd already be on the ground by this time.)
After I made an approach (to below 500') I broke out and landed. After my pax departed (the parent company's CEO), I went into the FSS station and asked to speak to the specialist who'd issued me that wx. When he approached the desk, I asked him why he continued to tell me the wx was 25K bkn and 10 miles.
He replied, "You wanted "current" weather, and that is our "current" wx report."
I asked him WHEN he took that observation, and he told me, "About an hour ago."
I asked him why he didn't look out the window and update the wx, and he said they didn't make "special" observations unless there was a "significant" change in the weather. He further stated that a mere change of VFR to IFR didn't qualify...that it would take a tornado, etc.

Moral: Never ask for "current" weather observations without knowing WHEN that observation was made. Terminology can surprise you.

gahorn wrote: He said they didn't make "special" observations unless there was a "significant" change in the weather. He further stated that a mere change of VFR to IFR didn't qualify...that it would take a tornado, etc. Terminology can surprise you.

VFR to IFR, or IFR to VFR is one of the "significant" changes that Require a Special to be transmitted. Sounds like someone was lazy.
The computer weather the FAA is forcing on us is not correct most of the time. Just look out the window and do your own forecast. Good Luck. I too worked as a wx observer for seven years and they said we were not needed.

Our ASOS went back to the 1 minute update and we haven't said anything to anybody, ( Might get us all canned ) But it was a good thing for Alaska 61, the other day. Snow showers coming through and the ASOS could not begin to keep up with the rapid changes. ( I entered obs as needed ) It wanted to say 8 miles vis when it was 1/4 then other times it wanted to say 1/4 when it was 3. The DOT guys were going nuts trying to have the runway cleared and sanded so the plane could land. Then on departure they de-iced at the end of the runway while a line of sand was layed down the centerline for a visual reference with 1/2 vis and snow. About a hour later a round light showed through the snow to the south, became brighter and then became a broken sky with sunshine. Love to see that sunshine this time of year. Hope you all have a good new year.