bobthebowler
18th Nov 2012, 10:13
Hi all,
I fly at YBSU which is controlled for most of the day, and becomes CTAF overnight.
The AWIS broadcasts on 119.8, and Information Zulu on VOR 114.2
I've noticed, however, that before the tower opens each morning, and the staff are in there preparing to open, the AWIS broadcast changes to Information Zulu and there is no broadcast of any weather information on any frequency from this point until the tower opens with the ATIS. I usually see them in the tower up to an hour before opening time, which is when the AWIS drops out.
I asked one of our controllers if this is meant to happen, and he said it is normal. I then asked how I am expected to get local WX details without the AWIS and he gave me the AWIS phone number to call.
But...what if I was airborne inbound to SU? Surely I'm not expected to use my phone to dial up the AWIS because they shut it off in preparation for the tower opening?
Could someone please shed some light on this, I'm stumped as to whether this is standard practice, or our controllers just do things their own way?
Cheers,
Rob
I fly at YBSU which is controlled for most of the day, and becomes CTAF overnight.
The AWIS broadcasts on 119.8, and Information Zulu on VOR 114.2
I've noticed, however, that before the tower opens each morning, and the staff are in there preparing to open, the AWIS broadcast changes to Information Zulu and there is no broadcast of any weather information on any frequency from this point until the tower opens with the ATIS. I usually see them in the tower up to an hour before opening time, which is when the AWIS drops out.
I asked one of our controllers if this is meant to happen, and he said it is normal. I then asked how I am expected to get local WX details without the AWIS and he gave me the AWIS phone number to call.
But...what if I was airborne inbound to SU? Surely I'm not expected to use my phone to dial up the AWIS because they shut it off in preparation for the tower opening?
Could someone please shed some light on this, I'm stumped as to whether this is standard practice, or our controllers just do things their own way?
Cheers,
Rob