Vaisala - Aviation Weather Support

Weather is a major factor affecting the safety of air and ground traffic. Decades of experience in the design and production of weather measuring equipment puts Vaisala in the unique position of being able to provide unsurpassable and reliable aviation weather sensors, systems and services.

Vaisala delivers solutions to all weather related challenges in the airport environment. The solution portfolio includes:

• Automated weather observing systems
• Runway visual range systems
• Low-level windshear alert systems
• Thunderstorm warning systems
• Weather sensors
• Consultation, installation, training, and maintenance services

AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEMS

Vaisala's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) collects, processes and displays the surface meteorological data that is used in various reports and forecasts, and precision and non-precision approaches.

The system consists of state-of-the-art sensors and equipment, and a voice and data communication platform. The AWOS also incorporates peripheral devices, such as operator, observer and forecaster terminals, weather displays, and printers.

Vaisala aviation weather systems comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) regulations. The AWOS in use in North America is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

LOW-LEVEL WINDSHEAR ALERT SYSTEMS

Low-level windshear is a hazard to aircraft during take-off and final approach. The Vaisala Low-Level Windshear Alert System (LLWAS) is a ground-based system that simultaneously detects windshear and microburst events in runway corridors and gives visual and audio alerts to ATC and other airport personnel.

With a Vaisala LLWAS in place, ATC personnel can warn pilots when windshear penetrates runway corridors so they can take appropriate evasive action. In addition to safety, advanced warning also improves sequencing of traffic to shorten or prevent delays in arrivals and departures.

RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE SYSTEMS

The Vaisala Runway Visual Range (RVR) system provides fully automated runway visual range assessment and reporting for airports. The key instrument in an RVR system is the visibility sensor, which measures the current visibility conditions of the runway in use.

The sensor types endorsed by the ICAO are the transmissometer and the forward scatter sensor. Both types are manufactured by Vaisala. Although RVR systems can be deployed as stand-alone systems, they are typically integrated in a completely automated weather observing system.

ACCOMMODATING DIFFERENT LIFE CYCLE PHASES

Vaisala offers a comprehensive range of aviation weather services to accommodate different lifecycle phases. These services ensure the best performance, data availability, efficiency and safety of high-quality measurement systems.

The services offered by Vaisala include:

• Site consultation
• Delivery project management
• Sensor installation
• Software integration
• Maintenance agreements
• Modernization
• Network operation
• Training of personnel

These services are delivered worldwide, either directly or through local resources, to ensure that all projects are handled in a safe, secure, and cost-efficient manner.

REMOTE AND PROACTIVE MONITORING

Vaisala currently maintains over 250 non-federal AWOS nationwide. Combined with a traditional, preventive maintenance schedule, proactive monitoring ensures a highly cost-efficient total maintenance system, minimizing unplanned downtime while maximizing safety and operational availability.

Remote monitoring provides real-time information on the system and sensor status, allowing Vaisala maintenance personnel to take corrective action, often before a customer realizes there is a problem.

With proactive monitoring, an important benefit is the prospect of saving money. The proactive monitoring makes this possible by optimizing operation and availability under all conditions, minimizing the amount of inspection and replacing parts at the optimal time.