Aviation Operational Weather Briefer (AOWB)

MST AVIATION OPERATIONAL WEATHER BRIEFER (AOWB) PQS

AIR STATION KODIAK

2009

AVIATION OPERATIONAL WEATHER BREIFER (AOWB)

Creation Date: May 2009
Created by: MSTCS Jeff Estes (Qualified Operational Weather Briefer/Forecaster)

Additional credit for this PQS needs to be extended to MST1 Joe McCollum, MST1 Matt Corder and MST1 Monica Yazno, without which this weather guide would not be as complete.

Revision Dates:

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS TEXT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER SPECIALIST REGARDING WEATHER FOR THE MST RATING

The main purpose of this AOWB PQS is to standardize weather support in the Coast Guard, and to provide modernization for how the Coast Guard obtains this vital information. This PQS is intended to teach the basics (of which most aviators have basic understanding) of operational meteorology.

The objectives are threefold.

First, this PQS addresses Coast Guard aviation needs regarding weather.

Second, using the system developed for this PQS, the student will be afforded a unique “checks and balance” system, using both the PQS with accompanying sign off checklist and coinciding PQS Guidebook providing detailed explanations and/or credible links, which are used by both the NWS for training, and by university professors with years of experience in Broadcast Meteorology.

Third, this PQS will guide a weather briefer into what needs to be looked at in order to provide a more extensive weather brief. With the internet and other available resources, the seemingly simple task of putting weather brief together for aviation purposes can become a daunting task for even an experience forecaster as new technologies become available.

Regardless of having any formal background or educations in meteorology, this PQS and accompanied guidebook will outline the fundamental aspects of providing an accurate and informed weather brief to the aviation aircrews and will serve as a progress check for MST personnel who are learning to stand operational weather duty as a briefer. For each task listed “break-in’s” are required to have a signature and date signed from a qualified MST; such as:
      (1) Qualified operational weather briefer who already holds these qualifications AND/OR

      (2) Qualified operational weather forecaster who has been to the A.F. School (not necessarily the shop chief)
After completing this PQS and Guidebook the necessary skills, technical knowledge and credentials should have been obtained to prepare flight weather briefs with a reasonable amount of confidence and accuracy.

Important Notes

This text has been compiled from many sources. Course writer for this course has both experience and a B.S. in Operational Meteorology and is considered to be a Subject Matter Specialist regarding this subject. Most information in the PQS and the accompanied study guidebook is based on proven concepts by meteorologist, scientist, and operational weather briefer and forecasters over many years, and can be referenced to and will stand the test of time.

In reading the Air Operations Manual COMDTINST 3710_1 (series), the MST Shop at Air Station Kodiak distinguishes between a Weather Briefer and Forecaster. In addition to meeting the requirements set down in this qualification package, Weather Forecasters will have attended the Forecaster Apprentice Course at Keesler AFB. Furthermore, a Forecaster is expected to meet requirements in constructing a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast and possess superior skills in satellite analysis. Lastly be familiar with the updated “Local Weather Watch Guide” by MSTCS Jeff Estes.

It should be understood that MST’s provide a service based on requirements set forth in COMDTINST 3710_1 (series).

Section B. Flight Planning,
B.3.b. Weather
Clearance
Weather information entered on aircraft clearance forms shall be supplied by qualified meteorological personnel when such personnel are available.

Commanding officers may authorize, in writing, Marine Science Technicians who are graduates of an approved weather briefing school, and who are considered qualified, to prepare and sign flight weather briefing forms.

NOTE It must be understood that Marine Science Technicians are most likely not qualified forecasters and should only be expected to brief the flight crews using information and forecasts obtained from other sources.

STATE: to declare, or set forth; a condition. Recall and recite with authority.

EXPLAIN: to make understandable; to give reason or cause for.

COMPLETE: (1) to bring to an end and especially into a perfected state. (2) Follow a process or procedure from initial identification to submission of any required reports or forms.

IDENTIFY: to become aware by recognition of a pattern or set of attributes.

KNOW: otherwise know as “Be familiar with”; the recall and recognition of a pattern or set of attributes.

COMPREHEND: to see a relationship, concepts, and abstractions beyond the simple remembering of materials. Typically involves translating, interpreting, and estimating future trends; a higher degree of KNOW.

DESCRIBE: to give an account of in speech or writing.

DEMONSTRATE: (1) to show by reasoning. (2) To show the operation or working of. (3) To explain by using examples, experiments, or action. (4) To show proficiency in accomplishing a task by simulation or actual performance without actual follow through due to safety or efficiency consequences.

PERFORM: (1) to carry out an action or pattern of behavior. (2) To begin a task and carry through to completion in accordance with applicable instructions and regulations.

PQS: Performance Qualification Standard; this is a performance-based systematic approach to completing, either rating or unit, specific training in order to carry out missions assigned to the unit. These standards are to assist with the qualification process, providing clear cut guidance to what the expectations are.

PQG: Performance Qualification Guide; the performance-based systematic approach to completing the enlisted performance qualification for advancement. It consists of a nonresident distance learning course and a certification pamphlet.

SMS: Subject matter specialist: the person assigned to develop the specific rate distance learning courses.

SME: Subject Matter Expert: E9 who is the course writer for the rating, such as
SWE and all EOCT

SIGNATURE OF VERIFING OFFICIAL

RECORD OF VERIFYING OFFICERS

Air Station Kodiak
Aviation Operational Weather Briefer
(AOWB) PQS

Section I			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Aviation Administration Knowledge
Air Station Kodiak Policy / AirstaKod 3710.1 (series)

1.1 EXPLIAN COMDTINST M3710.1 (Series)  _______       _______
Ch. 3. B. 3. Weather Briefing Requirements

1.2 EXPLAIN when a DD Form 175-1 is required IAW COMDTINST M3710.1 (Series) _______ _______

1.3 KNOW specific unit requirements IAW _______ _______
AirSta Kodiak 3710.1 (Series) _______ _______
      Ch. 1, A, 5 Attendance at Weather Brief _______ _______
      Ch. 2, C, 3, Weather Restrictions _______ _______
      Ch. 2, C, 4, Take-off Minimums _______ _______
            Non-Operational _______ _______
            Operational _______ _______
       Ch. 3, A, 1, Helicopter Operations, Weather mins _______ _______
       Ch. 3, A, 3, Wind Effects on Ramp _______ _______
       Ch. 6, B, Aerospace Restrictions
         1. Kodiak Wildlife Refugee _______ _______
         5. Crown Mountain _______ _______
      Ch. 6, D, C-130 Low Vis Approach
         1. Purpose and History _______ _______
         2. Caution _______ _______
       Ch. 6, E, Airport Specific Procedure
         1. Adak _______ _______
         2. Attu _______ _______
         3. Amchitka _______ _______
         4. Dutch Harbor _______ _______
         5. Port Clarence _______ _______
         6. St. Paul _______ _______
         7. St. George _______ _______

1.4 EXPLAIN the following COMDTINST 3710.1 (Series)
General weather requirements Ch.3. Section D. _______ _______
Flight Planning - Weather
         a. General information _______ _______
         b. Departure weather requirements
         c. Standard & non-standard take off minimum _______ _______
         d. Destination weather requirements _______ _______
         e. Alternate weather requirements _______ _______
         f. Severe Weather _______ _______
                I. Icing _______ _______
                II. Turbulence/Thunderstorm _______ _______

1.5 EXPLAIN with list of frequently used TAF for local _______ _______
and deployed aircrafts, include routine transient aircrafts

1.6 KNOW the forecast Reference Notebook (FRN) 17 OWS References
         a. Shemya / ATTU _______ _______
         b. Adak _______ _______
         c. King Salmon _______ _______
         d. Elmendorf _______ _______
         e. Port Clarence _______ _______

1.7 DEMONSRATE knowledge and competency regarding Air Station Kodiak unit mishap plan. _______ _______
I.A.W. CGAS INST5102 Mishap Plan
Q:\Safety\MISHAP_PLAN\CURRENT MISHAP PLAN
         - Enclosure 9

1.8 KNOW what to do when CGAS Heavy Weather Bill is set._______ _______
         - Enclosure 11

1.9 STATE the areas in the Alaskan AOR
         a. Name all NWS regions in Alaska AND know what terrain is located within each area. _______ _______
         b. Visit the following locations
      (This is not a requirement for qualification)
         i. St. Paul _______ _______
         ii. Port Clarence _______ _______
         iii. Attu/Shemya _______ _______

1.10 DEMONSTRATE how to find airports and other areas outside of the Alaskan AOR, as this will relate to _______ _______
deployed and transient aircrafts.

Section II			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Weather Information and Applicable Resources

2.1 EXPAIN the Air Force OWS and the relationship CGAS Kodiak has with them. _______ _______

2.2 EXPLAIN the Navy FNMOC and the relationship CGAS Kodiak has with them. _______ _______

2.3 DEMONSTRATE knowledge of the National Weather Service structure and the relationship _______ _______
CGAS Kodiak has with them.
         - Visit the following NWS offices

         a. Kodiak NWS tower _______ _______
                  i. Observe a Radiosonde balloon launch _______ _______
Note: (Operations permitting; visiting the below locations will greatly enhance our relationship with this weather and hazard providers)

         b. Anchorage Forecast Office (AFO) _______ _______
         c. Alaskan Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) _______ _______
         d. Alaskan Volcanic Observatory (AVO) _______ _______

2.4 DESCRIBE the daily flight schedules and how they _______ _______
effect our day to day operations. List what information
can be found on them.

2.5 DEMONSTRATE the ability to retrieve climate data. _______ _______

2.6 IDENTIFY with other unusual natural phenomena _______ _______
possible in the AOR.
(e.g. Ice fog, Aurora Borealis being visible, etc)

2.7 DEMONSTRATE how to pull up tides, sunrise/sunset _______ _______
and moonrise/moonset form the “tides and currents”
program on the CGWSIII, AND the ability to find
other similar information from other credible websites.

Section III			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Aviation Weather Presentation skills

3.1 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE importance _______ _______
of presentation skills.
         a. Know needs of the audience
         b. Body language _______ _______
         c. Speaking with conviction _______ _______
         d. Looking at audience periodically _______ _______

3.2 DEMONSTRATE presentation skills by giving 2 training topics of your choice to the _______ _______
MST shop personnel. Practice to the satisfaction of the MST shop Chief or current shop supervisor.

3.3 EXPLAIN aviation needs during presentation for aircraft attached._______ _______

         a. When and how much it’s going to rain/snow _______ _______
         b. Temperature max / mins _______ _______
         c. Ceiling / visibility _______ _______
         d. How windy and from what direction and how this will effect landings / take off._______ _______
         e. Other natural hazards and phenomena’s _______ _______
                i. Volcanoes _______ _______
                ii. HF propagation (radio) _______ _______
                iii. Tsunami (if applicable) _______ _______
                iv. Earthquake location and magnitude _______ _______
                v. Noteworthy hurricanes in “lower 48” _______ _______

3.4 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE why each of slides in the Air Station Command Weather Brief _______ _______
are applicable to this unit.
See enclosure 10 for specifics about slide order and applicability.

Section IV			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Basic Weather Knowledge

4.1 DEMONSTRATE knowledge of ZULU time for the Alaska area during and after day _______ _______
light savings ADT/ AST time. Translate several given local times to ZULU.

4.2 DEMONSTRATE knowledge of ZULU (GMT) time and be able to proficiently convert between locations . _______ _______ globally

4.3 COMPREHEND knowledge of isopleths and how they _______ _______
are relevant to surface charts. _______ _______
         - Isobar _______ _______
         - Isohypse (aka height contours) _______ _______
         - Thickness lines _______ _______
         - Constant Pressure Surface _______ _______
         - Isotherm _______ _______
         - Isallobar / Height change contours _______ _______
         - Isotach _______ _______
         - Streamlines _______ _______
         - Isodrosotherms _______ _______
         - Isodop _______ _______
         - Isohyets _______ _______

                  1000 mb _______ _______
                  850 mb _______ _______
                  700 mb _______ _______
                  500 mb _______ _______
                  300 mb _______ _______

4.4 DEMONSTRATE competency basic meteorological conversions. Know what the different _______ _______
measurements are used for relating to both aviation and meteorology.
         - Knots _______ _______
         - Meters per second _______ _______
         - MPH / KPH _______ _______
         - Fahrenheit _______ _______
         - Celsius _______ _______
         - Kelvin _______ _______

4.5 DEMONSTRATE competency with regards to identifying surface and upper air observations. _______ _______
         - DESCRIBE the difference between a surface chart and Upper Air Chart. _______ ________
         - EXPLAIN the importance of:
                  - Temperature (T) _______ ________
                  - Dew Point (Td) _______ ________
                  - Dew point Depression (Tdd) _______ ________
                  - Pressure _______ ________
                  - Pressure Altitude _______ ________
         - DEMONSTRATE the ability interpret
                  - SFC station plots _______ ________
                  - Upper air station plots _______ ________

4.6 EXPLAIN the difference between high and low pressure types
          a. Cold-Core Low _______ ________
          b. Warm-Core Low _______ ________
          c. Cold-Core High _______ ________
         d. Warm-Core High _______ ________

4.7 EXPLAIN what Air Mass classifications are. _______ ________
         a. c (Continental)
         b. m (Maritime)
         c. T (Tropical)
         d. P (Polar)
         e. A (Arctic)
         f. H (Highland)

4.8 Be familiar with Surface Station Plot Interoperation _______ ________
   Wx_Symbols.pdf (See appendix 16)

4.9 COMPREHEND how to forecast clouds _______ ________
         a. adiabatic warming _______ ________
         b. adiabatic cooling
         c. Lower Condensation Level (LCL) _______ ________
         d. Cloud Condensation Level (CCL) _______ ________

4.10 KNOW what the planetary boundary layer is and how this layer influences weather._______ ________
         a. lower level moisture _______ ________
         b. cold over warm vs. warm over cold regarding stability. _______ ________

Section V			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Section V involves an Air Force approved spreadsheet (Appendix 6). The below knowledge and practical application are to help with understanding all aspect
of this form.

NOTE
CGAS Kodiak is not specifically required to provide a Dash-1. However, this form is all inclusive, and shall be used by the MST shop as the primary means of presenting applicable enroute and destination weather. Except for where noted, all blocks need to be filled in before presentation to the departing aircrews.

Flight Weather Briefing DD Form 175-1 (Modified form Excel spreadsheet)
‘Electronic TAF_DD-175-1’
Further instructions for this can be found on:
“SOP For Automatic DD Form 175-1 Procedure.doc” (Available only via Coast Guard Network)

5.1 DESCRIBE why and when the MST’s provide Dash 1’s for the pilots. _______ _______

5.2 DEMONSTRATE competency in filling out DD From 175-1 “dash-1’s” (Med /PMEL, SE Trainers, _______ _______
Attu log, Port Clarence Log and 1 to Japan) for the below locations.

         1) Medical/PMEL flight _______ _______
         2) SE Trainer _______ _______
         3) Attu Log _______ _______
         4) Port Clarence Log / St. Paul Log _______ _______
         5) Japan (or other overseas location) _______ _______

Part 1 Take off Data

5.3 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE correct way to fill out take off data blocks IAW _______ _______
“SOP for Automated DD Form 175-1 Procedures”

5.4 EXPALIN where take off information is found and what are acceptable takeoff alternative for local _______ _______
aircraft’s use.
I.E. Log flight to Attu will be heading west, depending on the weather the correct (on the way) airport would be King Salmon, however, all take off alternates are the decision of the Aircraft Commander.

5.5 EXPLAIN pressure and density altitude _______ _______
         Explain QFF _______ _______
         Explain QFE _______ _______
         Explain QNH _______ _______

5.6 KNOW where to find acceptable crosswind limit for local aircraft. If “Electronic DD-175-1 is used, _______ _______
this will be automatically configured.

5.7 DEMONSTRATE competency in Zulu timedifferences. See Basic Weather Knowledge _______ _______

Part 2 Enroute & Mission Data

5.8 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE correct way to fill out take off data blocks IAW _______ _______
“SOP for Automated DD Form 175-1 Procedures”

5.9 KNOW alternative sources for SOLAR / LUNAR times. Explain differences in: _______ _______
         a. Civil Twilight _______ _______
         b. Astronomical Twilight _______ _______
         c. Nautical Twilight _______ _______
         d. Daylight Savings _______ _______

5.10 KNOW how to find cloud at flight level and max cloud tops. _______ _______
Explain in the importance of: _______ _______
         a. Advisory / Watch / Warning
         b. Severe weather (I.A.W. NWS) _______ _______
                  1. Thunderstorm
                  2. Winter Storm _______ _______
                  3. Flooding _______ _______
         b. Turbulence _______ _______
         c. Icing _______ _______

Part 3 Aerodrome Forecast

5.11 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE the correct way to fill out take-off data blocks IAW _______ _______
“SOP for Automated DD Form 175-1 Procedures”

5.12 KNOW the difference between:
         - METAR Observations _______ _______
         - TAF’s _______ _______

5.13 DEMONSTRATE the ability to decode METAR observation
         - METAR or SPECI type of report _______ _______
         - CCCC—Station Identifier _______ _______
         - Date/time of observation _______ _______
         - Auto or COR _______ _______
         - Winds _______ _______
         - Variable wind direction _______ _______
         - Visibility _______ _______
         - Present weather/ obstructions to vision _______ _______

    DEMONTRATE the ability to ID Qualifiers

         - Intensity or Proximity _______ _______
         - Descriptor _______ _______
         - Precipitation _______ _______
          - Obscuration _______ _______
         - Other _______ _______
         I.E. +SHRASN BLPL
         - Temp / Dew Point _______ _______
         - Altimeter reading _______ _______

5.14 KNOW AND DEMONSTRATE the ability to read Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) _______ _______

         KNOW how to describe these parts: _______ _______
         - Airport Identifier _______ _______
          Date and Valid Times of Forecasts _______ _______
         - Message Type _______ _______
         - Ceiling _______ _______
         - Cloud Height _______ _______
         - Cloud Amount _______ _______
         - Visibility _______ _______
         - Weather and Obscurations to Visibility _______ _______
         - Surface Wind and direction _______ _______

5.15 KNOW the differences between these Ceiling and Visibility Categories _______ _______
         - VLIFR _______ _______
         - LIFR _______ _______
         - IFR _______ _______
         - MVFR _______ _______
         - VFR _______ _______

Note: MST Weather briefing colors are slightly different, as these colors provide a seeable contrast for the morning and afternoon weather briefs.
         VFR: white
         MVFR: orange
         IFR: red

Part 4 Comments / Remarks

5.16 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE the correct way to fill out Take-off data blocks IAW _______ _______
“SOP for Automated DD Form 175-1 Procedures”

Part 5 Briefing Record

5.17 EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE the correct way to fill out Take-off data blocks IAW_______ _______
“SOP for Automated DD Form 175-1 Procedures”

Section VI			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Transient Weather Support
A transient flight is an aviation term of a non-unit flight which while at this air station has requested amenities such as aviation fuel, weather, or any other amenity that will require the services of any Air Station personnel.

6.1 KNOW preliminary information needs to be obtained in order to provide a transient flight applicable weather._______ ________

         a. Departure time
         b. Destination
         c. Alternate destination
         d. Flight level
         e. Pilots names

6.2 KNOW what weather charts and additional weather products are needed _______ ________

Section VII			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

Ships (ALPAT), Deployed Helo’s (AVDET), and Misc. Weather Support

7.1 DEMONSTRATE how to put together and email standard formatted Ship’s/ALPAT weatherreport. _______ ________

7.2 DEMONSTRATE where to find ship’s location. _______ _______

7.3 DEMONSTRATE how to prepare and brief a standard “weather package” provided by the MST shop to adeployed aircrew. _______ _______

         a. Log flights (Port Clarence, Attu, St. Paul) _______ _______
         b. HSDN deployments _______ _______
         c. JIATIF deployments (usually provided by DoD) _______ _______

7.4 KNOW what rotor winged aircraft weather needs are. _______ _______
          a. low level winds / temperature _______ _______
          b. icing / turbulence _______ _______
          c. any other hazards not covered here _______ _______

Section VIII			Verifying
		Date Completed	Officer's
Task No.	Description		Initials

8.1 Complete a qualifing written and oral test ______ _______
This test will be proctored by the lead forecaster

See appendix 2

Appendix 1

SAMPLE DESIGNATION LETTER

Appendix 2

Aviation Operational Weather Briefer Test Guidelines

Operational Weather Briefer Qualification Test can be in the form of a board, written test, performance exercise, or through most appropriate means to ensure qualification is met.

This shall be used appropriately by qualified shop personnel, in order to ensure readiness of trainee. Questions will be related to the information required from this guidebook, but can be extended to further test the trainee in areas concerning weaknesses for the purpose on strengthening those area.

Appendix 3

AOWB Study Guide is also availabe in .PDF format (10.4 MB) on CG Central

Operational Weather Briefer Study Guide is used in conjunction with this Performance Qualification Guidebook simultaneously providing a questions and answers relationship.

USCG WSIII – CG Central access
Microsites Index > Operational Weather Briefer / Forecaster Home >

Appendix 4

References

List of required reading for AOWB

These books will contain all answer relevant to this PQS. Not everything needs to be read, but in order to answer questions within the PQS and provide a comprehendable answer, portions of these below books should be read.

1. Operational Weather Briefer / Forecaster Study Guide Book, 2008 by MSTC Estes on the CGWSIII:
Microsites Index > Operational Weather Briefer / Forecaster Home
2. MST “A” School curriculum for “Weather for MST’s”
3. Student Text, Forecaster Apprentice Course, AF 335th Training Squadron
4. Meteorology Today, by C. Donald Ahrens; An introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment.
5. Weather Map Handbook, by Tim Vasquez
6. Weather Forecasting Handbook, by Tim Vasquez
7. Red Book, by Tim Vasquez

List of References

8. DD Form 175, Military Flight Plan
9. FAA Form 7233-1, Flight Plan
10. DOD Form 1801, DOD International Flight Plan
11. CG Form 4377, Aircraft Flight Record
12. DD Form 175-1, Flight Weather Brief
13. National Weather Service On-line referenced throughout this guide. http://www.nwstc.noaa.gov/
14. Weather for the Mariner by William J. Kotsch, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
15. Meteorologist Jeff Haby http://www.theweatherprediction.com
16. A Pilot’s Guide to Weather Services http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/pilot.htm
17. Student Text, Forecaster Apprentice Course, AF 335th Training Squadron
18. Weather for the Mariner by William J. Kotsch, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
19. COMDTINST 3710.1 (Series) Air Operations Manual

Aviation Operational Weather Forecaster references

20 Aviation Weather by COMET http://www.meted.ucar.edu/topics_aviation.php
21. Distance Learning Aviation Courses http://www.meted.ucar.edu/dlac/website/index.htm
22. Distance Learning Mesoscale Meteorology Primer http://www.meted.ucar.edu/mesoprim/

List of credible web sites for obtaining the weather. There are hundreds for sites for weather support. It will be advisable now and into the future to stay close to the NWS, Air Force and Naval Weather sites, as they are the primary sources for much of this data, and imagery.

Anchorage Forecast Office http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/
Fairbanks Forecast Office http://pafg.arh.noaa.gov
Juneau Forecast Office http://pajk.arh.noaa.gov
Air Fore 17 OWS https://17ows.hickam.af.mil/
Transient and other alternate TAF’s can be found at http://www.airnav.com
Naval Meteorological site https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/public/
NWS training portal http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/
Lower 48: http://aviationweather.gov/
Alaskan Aviation Weather http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/
NWS Aviation Digital Data Service http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/
NWS low bandwidth site http://lowbandwidth.arh.noaa.gov/

Climate
http://lowbandwidth.arh.noaa.gov/climate.php -- Excellent Climate site for AK weather
http://www.weather.gov/climate/ -- select T/Td symbol
https://notus2.afccc.af.mil/SCIS/ -- Air Force Climate
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html

Phenomena
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/ - Atmospheric and optical phenomena examples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_phenomena - explanation and links
http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/ - aurora forecast

Earth hazards
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/
http://www.avo.alaska.edu/
http://avo-animate.images.alaska.edu/ftp_browser.php
http://puff.images.alaska.edu/index.shtml

HF propagation (radio) https://weather.afwa.af.mil/jaawin/index.jsp
Tsunami http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/
Earthquake location and magnitude http://earthquake.usgs.gov/
Hurricanes http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Sun rise / set / twilight / moon rise /set
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/index.php
http://www.sunrisesunset.com/

Appendix 5

DD Form 175-1

AUTOMATED DD FORM 175-1 SPREADSHEET PROCEDURES

REFERENCES: AFMAN 15-129 Attachment 8, DD Form 175-1 Excel Spreadsheet

DESCRIPTION: This SOP describes the DD Form 175-1 spreadsheet and explains the required procedures for its use. The DD Form 175-1 spreadsheet is meant to be an optional form for recording flight weather briefings. Completed (or set-up) flight weather briefings may also be saved electronically as well as e-mailed or faxed if required.

PURPOSE: The DD Form 175-1 spreadsheet was created to help shorten the time required to record a legible briefing. This is accomplished by automating (through the use of macros and formulas) many calculations such as pressure altitude, density altitude, cross wind, and valid times. Following the correct format is crucial for ensuring correct calculations.

EXAMPLE OF THE AUTOMATED DD FORM 175-1 SPREADSHEET

Appendix 6

AOWB “Quick Questions:”

1. Where are aviation weather briefer qualifications found?

2. How do Helos depart VFR when the Airport is IFR?

3. What kind of flight plan should a flight penetrating the ADIZ file?

4. Does a weather brief for VFR flights have to be recorded?

5. Can a H-65 be cleared into known light icing?

6. Do non-standard takeoff mins. apply to CG aircraft?

7. What is the max tailwind component for unit C-130?

8. Where can you find approach weather mins?

9. What standard height is the jet stream found at, and what millibar level?

10. What is a quasi-stationary front?

11. What does the identifier BR stand for on a TAF?

12. What is the difference between ZULU and GMT?

13. Where is the MISHAP plan found?

14. What federal agency is responsible for issuing warning and advisories?

Appendix 7

Recommended Guideline & Timeline for Becoming a Qualified AOWB

Guideline
The below guidelines are based on both knowledge involving specific reading materials and performance, being able to put together a Flight Weather Briefing form and to present a Operational Weather Brief – to the command aviation community.
The first is a list of tasks, whereas at the bottom of this page is a timeline which correlates with the list of tasks.

1) Reading list (See Enclosure 3) Study Guide Operational Weather Briefer (AOWB)

2) Weather Brief Presentations
- Two sources for each item (as stated in MST Weather Brief SOP)

3) Complete DD 175-1 Flight Weather Briefings

4) Present both Briefs with MST shop then with command when deemed ready by shop.

5) Test
- Present both briefs (Morning and Afternoon)
- PQS Briefer test – written AND oral

6) Complete PQS and Tests
- begin shadowed duty

________________________________________________________________

Timeline
Week 1 – Every other day (EOD) do #’s 1 and 2
Week 2 – EOD, do # 2
Week 3 – Duty, do # 3
Week 4 – Do # 2 and shadow duty
Week 5 – Do # 5 and shadow duty
Week 6 – do # 6 and shadow duty
Week 7 – Start qualified Duty Standing (normally a 1 in 4 rotation)

NOTE: There is no leave granted during the break in period. After member is begins breaking in they will need to (at a minimum) arrive at 0600 every other day and one weekend day for this 6 week break in period, until qualified. After week 6, member will begin have daily break in duty, if PQS is not completed.

Appendix 8

Local Weather Watch Guide 1984 by MSTC Hildebrandt (updated 2008 by MSTCS Estes)

This guidebook provides “local effects” studies conducted by the U.S. Navy during their presence on Kodiak Island before the Coast Guard was given the base.

Part 7 Kodiak Climatology
Part 8 Wind Flow at Kodiak
Part 9 - Not included -
Part 10 Wind Direction vs. Precipitation

Appendix 9

Air Station Kodiak Pre Mishap Plan / MST Weather Responsibilities

In case of an aviation mishap, the MST weather duty standard will be tasked with gathering the pertinent information as described in the units Mishap plan. Copy of MST portion is included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook.

Appendix 10

Recommended Standard Weather Report for Deployed Aircrews

The below are standard templates for remotely deployed aircraft who have limited to no connectivity. The cutters are able to receive emailed weather reports up to 500 kb. Template included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook.

Appendix 11

Air Station Kodiak “Heavy Weather Bill”

MST’s are not tasked with updating the ODO, as this has been established between the NWS Kodiak Tower and the Air Station. However, knowing the criteria is important. Template included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook

Appendix 12

Air Station Command Weather Brief Template

MST Weather Brief SOP is included as a template in the AOWB PQS Guidebook

Appendix 13

Memorandum of Agreement between 17 OWS and Air Station Kodiak

The complete and signed MOA is included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook. This MOA will need to be updated every few years as ndicated in the MOA.

Appendix 14

Alaskan National Weather Service Offices http://www.arh.noaa.gov/wxoffices.php

Appendix 15

NWS – A Pilots Guide to Weather Services

A Pilots Guide to Weather Services included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/pilot.htm

Appendix 16

Weather Symbology

“Weather Graph” forecasting tool included in the AOWB PQS Guidebook. <HERE>

Appendix 17

MST Weather Duty SOP

This memo standardizes practices set in place for all MST standing the weather watch.

Appendix 18

MST Shop Staffing and Qualification

This memo serves as written verification of the MST shop PAL (Personal Allowance List), and what qualification are needed both with standing the weather duty and the collateral duties.

Appendix 19

Alaskan Fish and Game Unit 8 (Kodiak Island)

Note: There is an MOA between ASK and Alaska Fish and Wildlife which specifically prohibits areas to conduct trainers, unless SAR is involved.

For the MST Weather brief, during hunting seasons of Brown Bear and Mountain Goat the season dates need to be included into the NOTAM page of the Weather Brief.
Brown Bear: Spring Season April 1 – May 15
Brown Bear: Fall Season October 25 – November 30
Mountain Goat: August 20 – October 25

Obviously this needs to be check on a biannual basis for any changes.

See Section I.3 or Page 13 for more information

Appendix 20

MST Fundamental Weather Basics

This presentation was put together for training other MST’s on rudimentary weather. This presentation should be a consolidated packet for MST Service Wide Examination study guide.