WEATHER - California City Municipal Airport Manager Tom Weil checks equipment that records weather data for the city's new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).
CC airport weather system keeps pilots informed
Data available by radio and phone
BY BILL DEAVER
WEATHER - California City Municipal Airport Manager Tom Weil checks
equipment that records weather data for the city's new Automated Weather
Observation System (AWOS).
CALIFORNIA CITY - Pilots flying into and out of California City Municipal Airport have a new tool to brief them on weather conditions at the field.
A new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is delivering up-to-date weather data by radio or telephone, according to Airport Manager Tom Weil.
"Pilots can tune to 120.875 or call 760.373.7670 for the latest weather information," Weil said.
Obtained with an $88,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the equipment makes it possible for pilots to obtain the information around-the-clock.
Before AWOS began broadcasting weather data, pilots had to hope to catch someone in the airport office or with a hand-held radio while working on the airport.
"This relieves us of some work," Weil said.
Weather data
AWOS collects and transmits data on wind direction and speed, altitude, density altitude, temperature, dew point, and relative humidity, Weil explained. It can be upgraded with a rain sensor and to report cloud heights and thunderstorm activity. Foundations for equipment to collect the additional data have already been installed.
Weil's next step is to get data on California City Airport weather transmitted to the National Weather Service, to provide accurate weather information on the internet.
California City Mayor Larry Adams applauded that effort. "Right now the information broadcast on California City is based on conditions at Cache Creek," Adams, complained. That often gives potential visitors the idea that the wind is blowing in California City when it's not.
Weil said the AWOS data is recorded, providing the airport and city with historical weather data for future planning.
Awaiting approval
Although AWOS is up and running, Weil said the installation must be given a final blessing by the FAA to verify that everything is working correctly.
The FAA grant includes three years of maintenance, and the canny Weil was able to get the equipment for $58,000 - $30,000 less than the amount of the grant.
"We'll apply the difference to our drainage and lighting project," for the airport, he said.
An earthquake monitoring station is also installed on the airport not far from the AWOS equipment and the airport's compass rose and wind sock. That equipment was installed by CalTech.
'Grantsmaster'
The AWOS grant is just the latest of over $2 million in federal and
state funds Weil has been able to snag for the city in the last three-and-one-half
years of writing some 18 grant applications, something he plans to continue
to do to help California City serve its residents, businesses, and visitors.
EARTHQUAKE - CalCity Airport Manager Tom Weil checks earthquake monitoring
equipment installed on the airport. The solar-powered sensor transmits
data to CalTech.
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