AWOS Training

The Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) factory training class provides future technicians with the knowledge and skills required to maintain an AWOS to FAA standards. During the training class, the operating principle, troubleshooting techniques, and required maintenance of the AWOS and its attached weather sensors, is presented. This course meets the FAA Requirement for factory training necessary to become a Certified AWOS Technician.

Course benefits:

• You will learn techniques to maintain the AWOS to FAA standards to prevent any unnecessary interruption of data from the weather station.
• Troubleshooting procedures will be explained and practiced to ensure that any problems that do occur can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
• You will learn how to configure the AWOS software for a specific site and installation.
• You will learn the different types of AWOS and how to determine which is most suited for a particular use.
• You will meet one of the requirements to be certified by the FAA as the technician of record for an AWOS.
• You will be able to practice in a safe and controlled environment, on a non-critical AWOS, with continual help from a trainer.


 

When & where

2 - 5 February 2010
Register for the training here.  

11 - 14 May 2010
Register for the training here.  

5 - 8 October 2010
Register for the training here.

The course takes place at the Vaisala Campus at 194 S Taylor Ave, Louisville, CO 80027 beginning at 0830.

Who should attend this course?

The course is designed for maintenance or operational personnel who will maintain, install, or inspect AWOS systems. The course ís limited to 6 participants on a first come first served basis.

Requirements

To enable you go get the most out of the training, the training needs to be conducted with an actual AWOS. Full course certificates are obtained from training at the Vaisala Office in Boulder, Colorado. Full course certificates are obtained from training at the Vaisala Office in Boulder, Colorado. Limited certificates are available with on-site training.

The prerequisite for this class is a general understanding of electronics, which includes general safety rules as well as the use of standard electronic test equipment.

An FCC GROL license is not a prerequisite, however it is strongly recommended and will be required by the FAA anytime a radio equipped AWOS is maintained.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops to practice communication with the AWOS and sensors.

Costs

The course fee is $4,100 per attendee. Payment is required 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. Please see the cancellation policy tab for cancellation details.

Accommodation

Vaisala has special rates at the Courtyard Boulder Hotel, Hampton Inn and Residence Inn Boulder Louisville hotels.

If you have any further questions regarding the course then please contact Edward Dworak at edward.dworak@vaisala.com.

 

Course objectives

At the end of the training course the trainees will be able to:

• Maintain the AWOS using the Logbook and Operation manual.
• Perform quarterly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance.
• Troubleshoot the AWOS and its sensors to the Lowest Replaceable Unit.
• Communicate with the AWOS in the field and remotely.
• Troubleshoot communications problems and configure the AWOS radios.
• Perform calibrations required on the major sensors.
• Configure the software to operate at a specific site.
• Explain each of the sensor operations and their outputs.
• Explain the AWOS operation and how the values are obtained.
• Obtain and review Archive data.

 

Training Schedule

DAY 1 AM
• Introduction
• AWOS Overview
• AWOS V-C/V-D Processor

DAY 1 PM
• AWOS V-C/V-D Processor (Continued)
• Barometer

DAY 2 AM
• Temperature/Humidity Sensor
• Wind Sensors
• Precipitation Accumulation Sensor

DAY 2 PM
• Thunderstorm Sensor
• Indoor Displays
• VHF/UHF Radios

DAY 3 AM
• Visibility / Present Weather Sensor
• Ceilometer

DAY 3 PM
• Runway Surface Condition Sensors (RSCS)
• AWOS Logbooks

DAY 4 AM
• AWOS Model VC/VD Practical
Troubleshooting

DAY 4 PM
• Course Review & Test (A minimum score of 70% is required to receive a course certificate)

 

Cancellation Policy/Replacement Courses

Vaisala reserve the right to alter or cancel published dates and change venues without liability. In the event of a cancellation where an alternative cannot be provided, monies received in respect of that course can be refunded in full.

The following charges apply if you cancel:
• 60+ days before a course = no cancellation charges apply
• 40-59 days before a course = 20% of the course fee.
• 20-39 days before a course = 30% of the course fee.
• 10-19 days before a course = 50% of the course fee.
• 0-9 days before a course = 100% of the course fee.

We guarantee to offer a full refund or replacement course if the attended course did not reflect the current published description. If the claim is requesting a replacement course the replacement course must occur within 90 days of the original course date. All claims must be made in writing within 10 working days of the attended course date to training@vaisala.com.