Setting New Standards for Aviation Meteorology in Germany
Vaisala AviMet AWOS Achieves DWD Approval for full AUTO METAR operations at regional airports
The future of aviation weather reporting has landed in Germany! We are thrilled to announce that our AviMet Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) has received conditional type approval for AWAK1 (AWOS_Auto-Klasse1) operations from the German Weather Service (DWD). This approval marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of automated aviation weather reporting, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the field.
What is AWAK1?
- AWAK1, or AWOS_Auto-Klasse1, represents the highest tier of automated weather observation systems.
- It operates 24/7 to generate complete, fully automatic airport weather reports, including METAR / SPECI and MET REPORT / SPECIAL.
- The system reports current local weather conditions with a type approved Vaisala Forward Scatter Sensor FD70.
- Additionally, it integrates information about convective weather, such as showers, thunderstorms, and cloud types like TCU/CB, via a data interface to the autoKON system of the German Weather Service (DWD), which evaluates remote sensing data.
Meeting Rigorous DWD Standards
The path to this approval involved thorough testing, ensuring Vaisala AviMet AWOS adhered to the exacting standards of the DWD AWAK1 classification for fully automated weather observation and reporting. This certification confirms our system's ability to deliver precise and reliable aviation weather reports including METAR / SPECI and MET REPORT / SPECIAL, empowering our customers with enhanced operational efficiency and safety across Germany and beyond.
The certification empowers our German airport customers to:
- Enhance Safety: Rely on the most accurate weather information for critical decision-making.
- Maximize Operational Efficiency: Eliminate weather-related delays with real-time, precise data.
Pioneering Remote Tower Innovation: A Weather-Ready Future
Remote towers rely on a comprehensive suite of technologies to replicate the 'out-of-the-window' view, and AviMet provides the essential, real-time meteorological data that completes the situational awareness picture. Its accurate measurements of wind, visibility, cloud height, and present weather are vital for safe and efficient operations, even when controllers are miles away.
AviMet AWAK1 is already playing a crucial role in Germany's pioneering remote tower initiatives, demonstrating its adaptability and reliability in supporting the future of air traffic management:
- TRIAC's Enhanced Surveillance Tower Control Concept (ESTC): Connecting Oberpfaffenhofen (EDMO) to Zweibrücken (EDRZ) and future locations, in collaboration with AustroControl ATC and TRIWO, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the AviMet AWOS architecture.
- DFS Aviation Services (DAS) Remote Tower Project: Facilitating seamless remote operations between Braunschweig-Wolfsburg (EDVE) and Emden (EDWE), this initiative underscores the vital role of reliable weather data in digital air traffic control.
Key German Airports Embrace Automation
The AviMet AWAK1 system has already been deployed at several key German airports, including:
- Oberpfaffenhofen (EDMO)
- Braunschweig-Wolfsburg (EDVE)
- Emden (EDWE)
- Magdeburg-Cochstedt (EDBC), operated by DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt)
- Lübeck (EDHL)
Setting the Standard for the Future of Aviation Meteorology
At Vaisala, we're committed to the ongoing advancement of aviation weather solutions. The DWD's approval of AviMet AWAK1, building upon our previous AWAK3 and AWAK4 certifications, underscores our commitment to providing reliable and innovative technologies in collaboration with the aviation industry.
