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TALL TOWER

TALL TOWER. FPAW. Kevin P. Browne, Staff Specialist. November 11, 2005. ISSUE. The United States observes visibility from two locations when there is a ATCT and a human observer (Not LAWRS) Surface visibility is always reported by machine or CWO

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TALL TOWER

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  1. TALL TOWER FPAW Kevin P. Browne, Staff Specialist November 11, 2005

  2. ISSUE • The United States observes visibility from two locations when there is a ATCT and a human observer (Not LAWRS) • Surface visibility is always reported by machine or CWO • Tower visibility is reported by the controller when either visibility is less than 4 miles • Current reporting practice makes the lower of the two prevailing and reported in the body of the METAR/SPECI

  3. ISSUE CONTD • Affected airports have towers over 200 feet and many over 300 feet • Common decision height is 200 feet • Tower cab may be in clouds with greatly reduced visibility, below minimums • Surface visibility and ceiling may meet or exceed minimums • A/C may not be able to shoot approach • Dispatch may not be permitted

  4. DISCUSSION • United States in only State in ICAO that reports tower visibility this way • Visibility in body of METAR/SPECI, whether surface or tower, is designated prevailing • NWS prepares forecasts based on prevailing visibility • Airlines required to operate on the prevailing visibility • Surface visibility usually more indicative than tower visibility of what pilot will see at decision height

  5. POSSIBLE SOLUTION, ONE • Change weather reporting to conform with ICAO SARPs • Always report surface visibility in body of METAR/SPECI (prevailing) • Report tower visibility in REMARKS when either is below 4 miles

  6. POSSIBLE SOLUTION TWO • Have NWS forecast to surface visibility no matter where it appears in the report

  7. POSSIBLE SOLUTION THREE • Amend FAA directives to secure changes in procedures to allow: - A/C to shoot approach based on surface visibility - Dispatch A/C based on surface visibility

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