D-ATIS Rules

[dundonald]

Hi All

newbie here so please be gentle!!

ok what are the rules for D-ATIS messages, tried to find a link on this but all I found so far was that if cloud base is above 5000 ft and vis is > 10k then its cavok, what I am interested in is if there is a rule which concerns 10000 ft limit on cloud base.

the reason is pretty simple , working on a D-AITS fault thta was reported by a sim operator and trying to verify what he says, so any and all help would be appreciated

thx

[Spitoon]

In simple terms, the information on a D-ATIS should be exactly the same as on the Voice-ATIS.

[supraspinatus]

CAVOK requirements: There are no clouds below 5000 feet above aerodrome level or minimum sector altitude (whichever is higher) and no cumulonimbus or towering cumulus in any altitude. Visibility is at least 10 kilometres. And no current or forecast significant wx (like precipitation).

We also report all cloud layers above if there are any below 5,0'.

e.g. FEW030 SCT130 etc.

if no sig wx, vis is 10+ and no clouds below 5,0': CAVOK.

[chevvron]

As far as I'm aware, aerodrome METARs aren't required to report cloud if it is above 5000ft agl., hence ATIS shouldn't do either.

[Wojtus]

If there are clouds above 5000', use "CAVOK" or "No significant clouds". If no clouds at all, use "Sky clear".

[Spitoon]

I hate to be too pedantic here but....what gets reported may well depend on whether the report is prepared for use by ATC or to be coded up for dissemination as a METAR. The rules for the two are subtly different. If I recall correctly, ATIS should broadcast the latest weather report (to ATC) not the METAR......but I'm dredging this stuff up from a long time ago! The definitive docs are Annex 3 and 11.