AWH 2-5

Chapter 2, Aviation Weather Service Program 2-5 2.3.2 Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) An ARTCC is a facility established to provide air traffic control (ATC) service to pilots operating on instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plans within controlled airspace, principally during the en route phase of flight. When equipment capabilities and controller workload permit, certain advisory/assistance services may be provided to pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR). En route controllers become familiar with pertinent weather information and stay aware of current weather information needed to perform ATC duties. En route controllers advise pilots of hazardous weather that may impact operations within 150 nautical miles (NM) of the controller’s assigned sector or jurisdiction and may solicit Pilot Weather Reports (PIREP) from pilots. 2.3.3 Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), Central Radar Approach (CERAP) An airport traffic control tower (ATCT) is a terminal facility that uses air-to-ground communications, visual signaling, and other devices to provide ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of an airport or on the movement area. Terminal controllers become familiar with pertinent weather information and stay aware of current weather information needed to perform ATC duties. Terminal controllers advise pilots of hazardous weather that may impact operations within 150 NM of the controller’s assigned sector or area of jurisdiction and may solicit PIREPs from pilots. ATCTs and TRACONs may opt to broadcast hazardous weather information alerts only when any part of the area described is within 50 NM of the airspace under the ATCT’s jurisdiction. 2.3.4 Flight Service The FAA delivers flight services to pilots in the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. For pilots in the CONUS, services are available by phone at 1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433). For pilots in Alaska call 1-833-AK-BRIEF (1-833-252-7433). Services include, but are not limited to, pre-flight weather briefings, flight planning, and in-flight advisory services. 2.3.4.1 FAA Weather Camera Program Flight Service also delivers the FAA’s Aviation Weather Camera Network. It features an expanding network of camera sites in Alaska, Hawaii, and the CONUS. Weather cameras provide pilots in certain areas with snapshots of current conditions at a specific location, enabling pilots to have additional information for improved decision making. Services may be obtained by visiting the Aviation Weather Cameras website (found in Appendix G). See Section 3.3.3.2 and Section 24.9 for additional information. 2.4 Department of Defense (DOD) The DOD is a key partner with the FAA and NWS in the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) program. Various branches of the DOD provide their own weather support, but this is beyond the scope of this handbook. 2.5 Commercial Weather Information Providers Commercial weather information providers are a major source of weather products for the aviation community. In general, they produce proprietary weather products based on NWS information with formatting and layout modifications but no material changes to the weather information itself. This is also referred to as “repackaging.”