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3 Answers

ASOS dissemination to ATC

Asked by: 1695 views Weather

Is ASOS weather disseminated to air traffic controllers?  Can a pilot obtain ASOS weather by asking a controller for it?  Does the controller have access to that information?

I have read both yes and no answers to this question and am looking for a definitive source?  Thx

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3 Answers



  1. KDS on Apr 16, 2018

    If you don’t get a good answer here, go over to http://www.jetcareers.com and ask your question. There are several controllers there.

    I have gotten weather from controllers, but exactly how that works and what they have access to, I don’t know.

    The best bet for obtaining weather from an ATC type facility is to go to Flight Watch on 122.0.

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  2. KDS on Apr 16, 2018

    Let me just add that whenever I get involved in ATC stuff, the phrase “workload permitting” gets thrown into the conversation a lot. I have a feeling that will play into the answer.

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  3. Kris Kortokrax on Apr 17, 2018

    As to access, a controller would have access to the information in at least a couple of ways.
    He could call the phone numbers published in the A/FD (i.e. for O’Hare, ASOS 773-462-0118, ATIS 773-601-8921). He could view the website https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/weather/asos/ and enter the appropriate airport.

    Are you asking about an air traffic controller in a tower cab providing you with weather or are you asking about an approach controller or an enroute controller.

    The purpose of automated weather is to lighten the load on controllers, however, if you ask a tower controller, you are likely to be provided the information. While enroute, one would typically contact Flight Service for weather information.

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