Section 3. Radar Weather Report (SD/ROB)
9-3-1. GENERAL
a. Individual radar weather reports, identified as
SD/ROB, are collected by the National Meteorologi-
cal Center (NMC) Suitland, Maryland. These reports
are entered by Weather Service Offices on the Radar
Report and Warning Coordination (RAWARC)
circuits. NMC also collects radar report bulletins
from military reporting locations and Canada.
b. When normal entry is not possible, SD/ROB
reports can be entered on Service A circuits upon
request by NWS RAWARC entry stations.
9-3-2. SCHEDULE
Radar weather reports are transmitted on Service A
by WMSC at H+56 to H+00 each hour. These reports
are not scheduled transmissions but are given priority
handling during this 4-minute time frame.
9-3-3. DISTRIBUTION
a. Radar weather reports are sent to WMSCR by
NMC each hour for distribution. These reports are
received on an unscheduled basis and can be expected
to appear during any unscheduled distribution period.
b. Each individual WMSCR circuit receives a
unique collection based upon their requirements.
Circuit distribution lists are filed at circuit control
facilities.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-4-1 Winds and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FD)
Section 4. Winds and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FD)
9-4-1. GENERAL
Winds and Temperature Aloft Forecasts (FD) are
computer-prepared and issued by the NMC at
Suitland, Maryland. The forecasts are valid
6_(FD1/8), 12_(FD2/9), and 24_(FD3/10) hours after
the observation date/times of 0000Z and 1200Z upon
which they are based. An unscheduled amendment to
an FD may be prepared and issued by a WSFO.
9-4-2. LEVELS FORECAST
Dependent upon station elevation, FD1/2/3 wind
forecasts are issued for the following levels: 3, 6, 9,
12, 18, 24, 30, 34, and 39 thousand foot levels. The
first level for which a wind forecast is issued is
1,500_feet or more above the station elevation.
Temperature is forecast for all wind levels, except the
3,000 foot level, that are 2,500_feet or more above the
station. The minus signs are deleted preceding the
temperatures at the 30, 34, and 39_thousand foot
levels. FD8/9/10 are for the 45,000 and 53,000_foot
levels. They are not normally disseminated on
Service_A, but are available on request/reply.
9-4-3. SCHEDULES
TBL 9-4-1
Winds/Temperature Aloft Forecast Schedules
Type
Base Data
Time
Valid for For use (period)
FD1/8 0000Z 0600Z 0500-0900Z
FD2/9 0000Z 1200Z 0900-1800Z
FD3/10 0000Z 0000Z 1800-0500Z
FD1/8 1200Z 1800Z 1700-2100Z
FD2/9 1200Z 0000Z 2100-0600Z
FD3/10 1200Z 1200Z 0600-1700Z
9-4-4. DISTRIBUTION
All FDs are transmitted to the WMSC by NMC.
Distribution by the WMSC is accomplished in
accordance with established program requirements.
Amended FD data prepared and entered by a WSFO
is distributed to the same users as the original product
prepared by NMC.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-5-1 Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF)
Section 5. Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF)
9-5-1. GENERAL
Twenty-four hour Terminal Forecasts (TAFs) for
selected U.S. terminals are prepared by NWS forecast
offices and forwarded to the WMSCR for
distribution. Similar forecasts for the U.S. Military,
Canada, and Mexico are sent to WMSC from the
NMC and Air Weather Service (AWS ) for
distribution.
9-5-2. TERMINAL FORECAST
SCHEDULES
TAFs are prepared four times a day and are issued at
2330, 0530, 1130, and 1730 UTC.
9-5-3. DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of TAFs is made by WMSCR in
accordance with a predetermined list for each circuit
based upon intracircuit coordinated requirements.
WMSCR Identifier Index of Individual Aviation
Weather Reports. (Use RQ Procedures.)
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-6-1 Aviation Area Forecast (FA)
Section 6. Aviation Area Forecast (FA)
9-6-1. GENERAL
a. Aviation Area Forecasts (FA) are available
through the WMSC and provide an overview of
weather conditions which could impact aviation
operations. FAs are issued by the National Aviation
Weather Advisory Unit (NAWAU) in Kansas City,
Missouri, for the conterminous U.S. land and coastal
waters by areas (Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountain,
North-Central U.S., South-Central U.S., Northeast
U.S., Southeast U.S.). The areas are delineated along
state boundaries and are specified in the NWS
Operations Manual, Chapter D-20. The FAs for
Alaska and Hawaii are issued by the WSFOs located
in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, Alaska, and
Honolulu, Hawaii. The geographical areas of
coverage for the appropriate WSFOs are specified in
Chapter D-20 of the NWS Operations Manual.
(Canadian and Mexican FAs are also available
through the WMSC.)
b. FAs consist of two sections with each section
being transmitted with a unique communications
header. This allows each section to be replaced when
needed instead of amending or correcting the affected
FA, to provide a current and complete area forecast.
Inflight advisories (including WSTs) amend the FA;
however, when necessary, the appropriate section of
the FA will be replaced by the issuing NWS office.
The two FA sections and their communications
headers are as follows (iii denotes the FA location
identifier; e.g., ANC, CHI, etc.):
1. iiiS-Synopsis.
2. iiiI-Icing and Freezing Level.
3. iiiT-Turbulence.
4. iiiC-Significant Clouds and Weather.
9-6-2. AVIATION AREA FORECAST (FA)
SCHEDULE
a. FAs are prepared three times a day in the
contiguous 48 States and Alaska, and four times a day
in Hawaii. All scheduled transmission times are in
UTC and listed by daylight/standard times. The times
in the contiguous U.S. are in TBL 9-6-1.
TBL 9-6-1
Area Forecast Schedule
Time Zones Areas Issuance Times
Central CHI/DFW 0130/0230
0930/1030
1830/1930
Eastern BOS/MIA 0030/0130
0830/0930
1730/1830
Mountain SLC 0230/0330
1030/1130
1930/2030
Pacific SFO 0230/0330
1030/1130
1930/2030
b. The Alaska and Pacific NWS Regional
Headquarters have authority to schedule FAs to meet
user requirements. These are issued at the following
times. (See TBL 9-6-2.)
TBL 9-6-2
Alaska/Pacific Area Forecast Schedule
Issuance ANC and FAI JNU HNL
1st 0640Z 0640Z 0340Z
2nd 1440Z 1340Z 0940Z
3rd 2240Z 2240Z 1540Z
4th 2140Z
c. The Gulf FA is prepared twice daily. The
issuance times in UTC or Z depend on whether
LDT/LST is in effect and are as follows:
1. 1st issuance 1040/1140.
2. 2nd issuance 1740/1840.
9-6-3. DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of FAs is made by WMSC in accordance
with a predetermined list for each circuit based upon
intracircuit coordinated requirements.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-7-1 Severe Weather Forecasts
Section 7. Severe Weather Forecasts
9-7-1. GENERAL
Severe Weather Forecasts, Bulletins, Status Reports,
and Alerts are filed at irregular intervals by the NWS
Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norm an,
Oklahoma, and transmitted to WMSC for distribu-
tion. The alert (SPC AWW) is a preliminary
announcement of a forthcoming severe weather
watch and includes all information required for
aviation purposes. Stations may obtain the Severe
Weather Watch (SPC WW) from WMSC if desired.
The WW number is included in the text of the AWW.
9-7-2. DISTRIBUTION
Upon receipt of SPC AWW alert, the WMSC will
immediately interrupt the active task on selected
Service A circuits and transmit the report. Severe
weather status reports (WW-A) are never urgent.
These are relayed unscheduled.
9-7-3. SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK
NARRATIVE (AC)
In addition to Severe Weather Forecast, the Storm
Prediction Center will frequently file for transmis-
sion a Severe Weather Outlook Narrative, which will
contain a brief evaluation of present and expected
surface and upper air criteria conducive to severe
local storms. These are assigned report type “AC.”
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-8-1 Flight Advisories (SIGMET/WS-AIRMET/WA-Convective SIGMET/WST)
Section 8. Flight Advisories
(SIGMET/WS-AIRMET/WA-Convective SIGMET/WST)
9-8-1. GENERAL
Flight Advisories are issued by the NAWAU in
Kansas City, Missouri, for the conterminous U.S. and
the appropriate WSFO in Alaska and Hawaii to
provide notice of potentially hazardous weather
conditions by amending or supplementing portions
of the valid FA. The report type designator WS for
SIGMETs, WST for Convective SIGMETs, and WA
for AIRMETs is used to effect selective distribution.
The text of the message identifies which advisory is
being transmitted. WSs are identified with letters N
(NOVEMBER) through Y (YANKEE) with the
exception of S (SIERRA) and T (TANGO). WAs are
identified with the letters S (SIERRA), T (TANGO)
and Z (ZULU). The latest message for each system is
kept in the computer's active storage file by the
WMSC: WA for 360 minutes, WS for 240 minutes,
and WST for 45 minutes.
NOTE-
Honolulu issues international SIGMETs available as
WSPA1 PHNL and WSPA2 PHNL, which are retained by
WMSC for 360 minutes.
9-8-2. DISTRIBUTION
SIGMETs, both WST/WS, are distributed unsched-
uled to all Service A circuits. AIRMET data is
distributed as a scheduled product at 0145Z and every
6 hours thereafter, and any updates or amendments
issued between scheduled periods will be a complete
replacement for the previously issued AIRMET.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-9-1 Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB)
Section 9. Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB)
9-9-1. GENERAL
The Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB) and
synopsis for selected routes are prepared by
NWS FOs and forwarded to the WMSC for
distribution. All times are in UTC and listed by
daylight/standard times. (See TBL 9-9-1.)
TBL 9-9-1
Transcribed Weather Broadcast/Synopsis
Issuance Times
Time Zones
daylight
standard
daylight
standard
daylight
standard
Central 0130/0230 0930/1030 1830/1930
Eastern 0030/0130 0830/0930 1730/1830
Mountain 0230/0330 1030/1130 1930/2030
Pacific 0330/0430 1130/1230 2030/2130
a. The morning and mid-day TWEB and synopsis
will be valid for 12 hours. The evening TWEB and
synopsis will be valid 18 hours with no outlook.
b. Eastern and Central TWEBs shall not be
entered prior to H+20 for hours 10, 17, and 22 UTC.
Mountain and Pacific TWEBs shall not be entered
prior to H+20 for hours 11, 18, and 23 UTC.
9-9-2. CROSS-COUNTRY ROUTES
WMSC's storage contains a selection of combined
individual route segments that defines cross-country
routes. These routes are defined in AC 00-45.
Section 4 defines the route segment and lists the
number for each cross-country route.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-10-1 Meteorological Impact Statement (MIS)
Section 10. Meteorological Impact Statement (MIS)
9-10-1. GENERAL
A Meteorological Impact Statement (MIS) is an
unscheduled planning forecast. It is an air traffic
oriented forecast intended for ARTCC, Air Traffic
Control System Command Center Weather Unit
(DCCWU), Air Traffic Control System Command
Center (ATCSCC), and hub terminal air traffic
facility specialists responsible for making flow
control and flow control-related decisions. It enables
these specialists to include the impact of expected,
specified local and/or national weather conditions in
making these decisions.
9-10-2. CRITERIA
a. The MIS describes adverse weather conditions
which are expected to begin generally within 4-to-12
hours after the statement's issuance. It can also
describe conditions existing when the CWSU begins
daily operations if the existing conditions will
continue for at least 3 hours, or it can describe
conditions existing at the time a briefing is issued. As
a minimum, an MIS will be issued when:
1. Any of the following conditions occur or are
forecast to occur:
(a) Conditions meeting Convective SIGMET
criteria. (See the Weather Service Operations Manual
(WSOM), Chapter D-22.)
(b) Moderate or greater icing.
(c) Moderate or greater turbulence.
(d) Heavy precipitation.
(e) Freezing precipitation.
(f) Conditions at, or approaching, low IFR.
(See WSOM, Chapter D-21.)
(g) Surface winds, including gusts of 30 knots
or greater.
(h) Low level wind shear (within 2,000 feet of
the surface).
(i) Volcanic ash, dust storms, or sandstorms.
2. The above conditions will, in the forecaster's
judgment, impact the flow of air traffic within the
ARTCC area of responsibility.
3. The forecast lead time (the time between the
issuance of an MIS and the onset of the
phenomenon), in the forecaster's judgment, is
sufficient to make the issuance of a CWA premature
or unnecessary.
b. The MIS will describe the location of the
phenomenon using ARTCC relevant points of
reference, such as VORs, and will include the height,
extent, intensity, and movement of the phenomenon.
MISs will be numbered sequentially, beginning at
midnight local time each day. Forecasters should be
aware that the MIS is disseminated and stored as a
replaceable product. This means that each MIS
issuance must contain all of the pertinent and known
details of the conditions meeting MIS issuance
criteria including the continuing conditions de-
scribed in previously issued MISs.
c. The format of the MIS communications header
is: (ARTCC designator) MIS (issuance number)
VALID (issuance date/time-valid until date/time in
UTC)/..FOR ATC PLANNING PURPOSES
ONLY.._/(text).
EXAMPLE-
ZJX MIS 02 VALID 111345-120100
..FOR ATC PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY..
SCT TSTMS WITH HVY PCPN ALG N/S RTES S OF ILM
AND E OF SAV/OMN LN DVLPG BY 16Z MAX TOPS
350/400. ELSW ZJX AREA TSTMS WITH HVY PCPN
FRMG IN SHRT LNS OR CLUSTERS AFT 17Z WITH
FEW RCHG EXTRM. CELLS MOVG GENLY SEWD 10
KTS CONT THRU 00Z CONDS LWRG OCNLY TO LIFR
IN HVY PCPN AFT 17Z.
NOTE-
The format of the MIS communications header must be
followed exactly if the product is to be distributed through
AISR.
9-10-3. DISTRIBUTION
The MIS will be distributed to ARTCC area
supervisors and traffic management coordinators and
will be entered through FAA AIS R and other
communications media to make it available for
dissemination to other FAA and NWS facilities,
including adjacent CWSUs and locally designated
hub terminal facilities. Distribution may be made
directly by the CWSU meteorologist or through the
weather coordinator position. When a MIS is issued
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-10-2 Meteorological Impact Statement (MIS)
concurrently with a briefing, the MIS will be
distributed through those media to facilities
mentioned above which do not receive an
alphanumeric version of the briefing's contents.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-11-1 Center Weather Advisory (CWA)
Section 11. Center Weather Advisory (CWA)
9-11-1. GENERAL
A Center Weather Advisory (CWA) is an unsched-
uled weather advisory. It is issued for the guidance of
ARTCC personnel, designated FAA facilities, Air
Traffic Control System Command Center Weather
Unit (DCCWU) meteorologists, and air crews
inflight to anticipate or avoid adverse weather
conditions in terminal and en route environments.
9-11-2. CRITERIA
a. The CWA is not a flight planning document. By
nature of its short lead time, it reflects weather
conditions in existence at the time of issuance or
conditions beginning within the next 2 hours. If
conditions are expected to persist beyond the time of
the valid period and/or if conditions extend beyond
the ARTCC area, statements to this effect should be
included in the text. The CWSU will issue a CWA:
1. When necessary as a supplement to an
existing WS (including WSTs), to an existing WA, or
to an existing FA section. The issuance of a CWA
under these circumstances should be limited to
occasions when, in the judgment of the CWSU
meteorologist, real time information adequately
supports the issuance of a redefining statement
update or advanced amendment. Such real time
information regarding the phenomenon covered by a
NAWAU product may be pilot reports, radar satellite,
or information from other sources. The purpose of the
CWA, under these circumstances, is to improve or to
update the definition of the phenomenon in terms of
relevance to users in the ARTCC area regarding the
phenomenon's location, movement, extent, and
intensity. A CWA, for example, describing an IFR
WAs area of low IFR (LIFR) conditions in terms of
ARTCC reference points would be a valid
redefinition of the location and intensity relevant to
the ARTCC's area and would meet documented
requirements.
2. When an inflight advisory has not yet been
issued, but the observed or expected weather
conditions meet WS or WA criteria based on current
pilot reports and reinforced by other sources of
information concerning existing meteorological
conditions. In this situation, the CWS U
meteorologist should call the appropriate forecaster
at the NAWAU or appropriate Alaska WSFO. If the
CWSU forecaster determines that it is necessary to
issue a CWA to allow lead time while the WS/WA is
being prepared, the CWA will be issued, and the
CWA should indicate that a WS/WA will be issued
shortly.
3. The CWSU meteorologist may issue a CWA
when observed, or developing weather conditions do
not meet WS (including WST) or WA criteria but
current pilot reports or other weather information
sources indicate that an existing, or anticipated,
meteorological phenomena will adversely affect the
safe flow of air traffic within the ARTCC area of
responsibility. In this situation, the data available
must be sufficient, in the judgment of the CWSU
meteorologist, to support both the issuance of such an
advisory and, if necessary, its continuation.
b. The CWA will describe the location of the
phenomenon using ARTCC relevant points of
reference, such as VORs, and will include the height,
extent, intensity, and movement of the phenomenon.
Each CWA will have a phenomenon number (1
through 6) immediately following the ARTCC
identifier in the CWA message heading. A separate
phenomenon number will be assigned to each
meteorologically distinct condition or group of
conditions, such as jetstream clear air turbulence or
LIFR/icing conditions northwest of a low pressure
center. The use of phenomenon numbers make it
possible to store and disseminate up to six unrelated
CWA conditions with each condition capable of
being updated. Forecasters should be aware that the
CWA is stored and disseminated as a replaceable
product. This means that each subsequent CWA
issuance must contain all the pertinent and known
details of the conditions meeting CWA issuance
criteria, including the continuing conditions de-
scribed in the previously issued CWAs. CWAs will
also be numbered sequentially, beginning at
midnight local time each day. The sequential CWA
issuance number will be followed by the related
two-digit, alphanumeric designator for inflight
advisories in effect if applicable. The CWA
communications heading will also contain the CWA
date/time of issuance in UTC and the “valid until”
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
9-11-2 Center Weather Advisory (CWA)
date/time in UTC. The difference between these two
times will not exceed 2 hours.
c. The format of the CWA communications header
is: (ARTCC designator)(phenomenon number) CWA
(date/time issued in UTC)/(ARTCC designator)
CWA (issuance number) VALID UNTIL (date/time
in UTC)/(FROM) (affected area)/(text).
EXAMPLE-
ZOB1 CWA 032141
ZOB CWA 101 VALID UNTIL 032300
FROM 10S DET TO 40N DJB TO 40E SBN TO 80SE MKG
LN SEV TSTMS WITH EXTRM PCPN MOVG FROM
2525 3/4 INCH HAIL RPRTD LAST 5 MINS 20 SW YIP.
TSTMS WITH HVY TO EXTRM PCPN CONTG DTW
AREA BYD 2300
ZKC1 CWA 121528
ZKC CWA 102 VALID UNTIL 121728
STL DIAM 30 NM. NMRS RPTS OF MOD TO SEV ICG
080/090.. LGT OR NEG ICG RPTD 040/120 RMNDR OF
ZKC AREA AND NE OF AREA.
NOTE-
The format of the CWA communications header must be
followed exactly if the product is to be distributed through
the AISR.
9-11-3. DISTRIBUTION
The CWA will be distributed to ARTCC area
supervisors and traffic management coordinators and
will be entered through FAA AIS R and other
communications media to make it available for
dissemination to other FAA and NWS facilities.
Distribution may be made directly by the CWSU
meteorologist or through the weather coordinator
position.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
10-1-1 General
Chapter 10. Data Communication Systems
Section 1. General
10-1-1. TYPES OF DATA ACCEPTABLE
ON FAA DATA COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEMS
a. Distress messages.
b. Messages concerning safety to human life.
c. Flight movement/control/safety messages.
d. Aviation meteorological observations/fore-
casts/warnings.
e. Administrative messages which pertain to FAA
personnel, facilities, or property.
f. Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) data.
10-1-2. PRIORITY MESSAGES
(See TBL 10-1-1.)
TBL 10-1-1
Priority Messages
Priority Message Types Action Required
SS Involves safety of
life or property.
Restricted to
emergency
situations.
Transmit
immediately to all
addressees and
deliver to all
internal/external
offices you are
responsible for.
DD Priority operational
and circuit control
data.
Same as above.
FF on local
agreements
Flight movement
and control data
relating
safe/efficient
operation of
aircraft. Also for
administrative data
of a directive
nature.
Transmit
immediately, make
internal/external
delivery during
next available
administrative
work day if office
is closed. Delivery
may be required to
duty officer,
dependent.
GG Meteorological,
NOTAM and
routine
administrative
data.
Transmit
immediately, make
internal/external
delivery by
10:30AM of the
next business day.
10-1-3. GENERAL NOTICES
a. GENOTs are transmitted by Washington
Headquarters Message Center (RWA/KRWAYAYX)
via NADIN.
b. RENOTs are transmitted through NADIN by
the ROC.
c. All administrative centers (headquarters/re-
gional/aeronautical offices) are staffed 24 hours per
day. The FAA Technical Center is only staffed from
0600-2200 local, from Monday through Friday.
Messages sent to them will be acknowledged/dis-
seminated as appropriate during those hours.
d. Administrative messages should be restricted
to 20 lines of text and 69 characters per line.
Messages exceeding this length shall be sent in
individual parts. Facilities who miss a RENOT or
GENOT should attempt to obtain it from adjacent
facilities, then the ROC. ROC will relay requests to
RWA for retransmisssion of GENOTs.
NOTE-
OASIS. OASIS will automatically break down long
General Facility Messages (exceeding 20 lines) into
parts before they are transmitted.
e. Facilities receiving administrative messages
shall not acknowledge unless the message is
numbered. Message originators desiring an acknowl-
edgement shall add a number line as the first line of
text.
EXAMPLE-
DCA002 CLE DAY
(TEXT)
10-1-4. GROUP CODES
a. NADIN has established group codes to allow
message originators to input a single address, which
will result in dissemination to a selected number of
facilities.
b. System-wide group codes have been estab-
lished for the primary use of RWA/KRWAYAYX and
the ATC System Command Center (KCFCZDZX).
These codes are KDOMYFYX and KDOMYYYX
respectively.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
10-1-2 General
c. A group code has also been established for each
regional office and ARTCC primarily for the issuance
of RENOTs and all ARTCC instructions. They are as
follows for Regional Offices in TBL 10-1-2 and
ARTCCs in TBL 10-1-3.
TBL 10-1-2
Region Group Code
Region ID Region ID
Alaska PANCYGYX Northwest
Mountain
XST
Central XKC Southern XTL
Eastern XNY Southwest XFE
Great
Lakes
XGC Western-
Pacific
XLA
New
England
XBW
TBL 10-1-3
ARTCC Group Code
ARTCC ID ARTCC ID
Albuquerque XXI Kansas City XXS
Atlanta XXN Los Angeles XXF
Boston XXU Memphis XXM
Chicago XXC Miami XXL
Cleveland XXD Minneapolis XXE
Denver XXO New York XXR
Ft. Worth XXJ Oakland XXG
Houston XXH Salt Lake City XXP
Indianapolis XXA Seattle XXT
Jacksonville XXK Washington XXQ
NOTE-
All of the group codes can be converted to a full
eight-character address by placing a K in front of and
YFYX following the three characters listed in TBL 10-1-2
and TBL 10-1-3. OASIS facilities must use the full
eight-character address when using group codes.
d. Several other group codes exist for addressing
selected groups of ATC facilities. To support MTR
data transmission specifically, additional two-letter
codes were developed to include all AFSS/FSS
facilities within particular states or areas. Those
states with only one AFSS/FSS, or those with all
M1FC facilities, are not included in these codes. All
M1FC facilities are served by the address KAWPY-
FYX. The two-letter identifiers are as follows in
TBL 10-1-4:
TBL 10-1-4
Two-letter identifiers
AK AR CA KY NC PA
TN WA WV
e. In addition, the following seven-group codes
were established that include multiple states:
KFSSYFCE (CENTRAL AREA)
AR-IN-IL-KY-MO-TN
KFSSYFEA (EAST COAST AREA)
MD-NC-NJ-VA-WV
KFSSYFNE (NORTHEAST AREA)
CT-ME-VT
KFSSYFNP (NORTHERN PLAINS AREA)
ID-MT-ND-NE-SD-WY
KFSSYFSE (SOUTHEAST AREA)
AL-FL-GA
KFSSYFWC (WEST COAST AREA)
AZ-CA-NV-OR
f. M1FC contains a group code for Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA). All VFR flight plans
are automatically transmitted to the destination and
DEA at the time of activation.
NOTE-
All filed flight plans, as well as all logged inflight,
preflight, flight watch and contact briefings, are
transmitted to the Air and Marine Operations Center
(AMOC) using the address KRIVYYYX. These transmis-
sions are transparent to the OASIS facility.
g. The group code KSARYCYX has been
established to assist in the processing of INREQs and
ALNOTs.
10-1-5. MESSAGE FORMATS
a. Personnel should adhere to the transmit formats
defined for systems in use; i.e., M1FC, AISR. Failure
to comply can result in the message being rejected by
either NADIN or WMSC. This may result in
nondelivery to the intended recipients.
b. Full keyboard punctuation is allowed on all
messages destined for internal FAA, DOD, NWS
dissemination. For international dissemination,
punctuation should be limited to those characters
identified in pertinent ICAO documents.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
10-1-3 General
c. Contractions and abbreviations should be used
to shorten data transmissions to the extent possible.
In no case should one be used that is not documented
in FAAO JO 7340.2, Contractions. For international
communications, be aware that the foreign corres-
pondent may not understand all FAA contractions
and may not have a full command of the English
language. Care should be exercised in international
communications to avoid slang phrases and
non-ICAO approved abbreviations.
d. RQ/WQ. This message is used when requesting
an individual report(s). It consists of the keywords
/RQ for AISR or VM for M1FC for individual
requests from the global and local data base; /WQ for
AISR or NS RQ for M1FC for individual reports
from WMSC. To avoid circuit congestion, requests
for this type of data may not exceed one line. The
following kinds of data may be requested using these
keywords: SA, NTM, FD1, FD2, FD3, SW, SD, and
FT. The reply to the request for an SA will include the
basic METAR and any subsequent Specials (SPECI),
amendment, or correction. It will also include all
current NOTAM and PIREPs (UA/UUA) for that
weather location. A request for SP will return only the
METAR and any SPECIs for that hour. The response
to NOTAM requests will include all current NOTAM
for the NOTAM file specified, while requests for an
FD or FT will include the current forecast and the
latest amendments issued.
NOTE1. OASIS facilities, use the WMSCR Transmit Request
dialog box for retrieval of WMSCR data. Requests can be
made for individual weather reports by selecting
REPORT as the RR Type. Detailed instructions are
contained in the WINGS online help and the WINGS
System Users Guide. Designated workstations, normally
restricted to OS/CIC, must be enabled in order to use this
function.
2. This procedure is adequate to facilitate reviewing
weather trends; but for briefing purposes, the SA request
should be used to ensure all en route and/or terminal
NOTAM data pertinent to the flight is available.
EXAMPLE(This example is a request for the latest hourly
observation and terminal forecast for JFK from WMSC.)
AISR
/WQ JFK SA JFK FT
M1FC
NS RQ JFK SA JFK FT
EXAMPLE(To obtain headers when requesting FD data, the input
message should contain the word DATA when requesting
U.S. FDs and FCST when requesting Canadian FDs.)
AISR
/RQ DATA FD1 SFO FD1 FCST FD1
YYZ FD1
M1FC
NS RQ DATA FD1 SFO FD1 FCST FD1
YYZ FD1
e. WC. This message is used for requesting
information, such as that contained in the SACA20
KWB C, which is available at the WMSC in
collective form only. Only five collectives shall be
called for in a request.
NOTE-
OASIS facilities, use the WMSCR Transmit Request
dialog box for retrieval of WMSCR data. Requests can be
made for WMO products by selecting WMO as the RR
Type. Detailed instructions are contained in the WINGS
online help and the WINGS System Users Guide.
Designated workstations, normally restricted to OS/CIC,
must be enabled in order to use this function.
EXAMPLE-
AISR
/WC SACA20 KWBC
f. RC. This message is used to retrieve a collective
from the local data base. Non-AISR facilities use it
for retrieving data listed in subpara 10-1-5e. Limit
requests to one at a time.
NOTE-
OASIS does not support this function.
EXAMPLE-
M1FC
NS RC SACA20 KWBC
g. RL/WL. The RL function has been set aside for
the use of the AWP in M1FC. The AWP is the only
facility able to use the RL keyword in M1FC. The
WL function should be coordinated with WMSC
prior to use by a AISR facility. This message is used
in requesting a group of reports, forecasts, or a
mixture of these to meet specific requirements. In this
type of message, inform ation is requested by
specifying a single predetermined list. Only one list
may be requested in each message. The lists are
intended to provide groupings of individual reports,
such as the observations and/or forecasts for all
locations in a metropolitan area or along an airway.
7/31/08 JO 7110.10T CHG 1
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
10-1-4 General
NOTE-
OASIS does not support this function.
10-1-6. WMSCR NEGATIVE RESPONSE
MESSAGES
a. WMSCR automatically generates a negative
response to request/reply inputs for which it cannot
deliver.
1. NO REPORT AVBL. This response means
the current data has not been received by WMSCR.
2. NOT IN SYSTEM. This response means
WMSCR does not receive and store the requested
data.
3. INVALID FORMAT. This response means
the computer cannot process the request because of an
input error.
b. WMSCR will generate only one negative
response message to an RQ transmission that
requests multiple reports and only when none of the
data requested can be delivered.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
11-1-1 General
Chapter 11. Airport Lighting and Visibility Aids
Section 1. General
11-1-1. AIRPORT LIGHTING
a. General Lighting. Operate airport lighting in
accordance with associated tables except:
1. As requested by the pilot.
2. As required by facility directives or letters of
agreement to meet local conditions or requirements.
3. As specialist deems necessary if not contrary
to pilot's request or local directives.
b. Emergency Lighting. When it appears that an
em ergency has or will occur, provide for the
operation of all appropriate airport lighting aids in
accordance with local procedures and/or as required.
11-1-2. OBSTRUCTION LIGHTS
If controls are provided, operate the lights between
sunset and sunrise.
11-1-3. ROTATING BEACON
If controls are provided, turn on the rotating beacon:
a. Between sunset and sunrise.
b. Between sunrise and sunset when the reported
ceiling or visibility is below basic VFR minima.
11-1-4. APPROACH LIGHTS
Operate approach lights:
a. Between sunset and sunrise when one of the
following conditions exists:
1. They serve the landing runway.
2. They serve a runway to which an approach is
being made but aircraft will land on another runway.
b. Between sunrise and sunset when the ceiling is
less than 1,000_feet or the prevailing visibility is
5_miles or less and approaches are being made to:
1. A landing runway served by the lights.
2. A runway served by the lights but aircraft are
landing on another runway.
NOTE-
In the interest of energy conservation, the approach
lighting system should be turned off when not needed for
aircraft operations.
11-1-5. ALS INTENSITY SETTINGS
Operate intensity controls in accordance with the
values depicted. (See TBL 11-1-1.)
TBL 11-1-1
ALS Intensity Setting
Step
Visibility (Applicable to runway served by lights)
Day Night
5 Less than 1 mile.*
When
requested.
4 1 to but not including 3 miles.
When
requested.
3 3 to but not including 5 miles.
Less than 1
mile.*
2 5 to but not including 7 miles.
1 to 3 miles
inclusive.
1 When requested.
Greater than
3 miles.
* and/or 6,000 feet or less of RVR on the runway
served by the ALS and RVR.
Note.- Daylight steps 2 and 3 provide recommended
settings applicable to conditions in ALS Intensity
Settings.
11-1-6. SEQUENCED FLASHING LIGHTS
Operate sequenced flashing lights when the visibility
is less than 3 miles and instrument approaches are
being made to the runway served by the associated
ALS.
NOTE-
SFLs are a component of the ALS and cannot be operated
when the ALS is off.
11-1-7. RUNWAY EDGE LIGHTS
Operate the runway edge light system(s) serving the
runway(s) in use as follows:
a. Between sunset and sunrise.
1. For departures when an aircraft calls for
airport advisory or requests the lights be turned on
until the aircraft reports departing the airport area or
15 minutes after the last contact with the aircraft.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
11-1-2 General
2. For arrivals when an aircraft calls for airport
advisory or when the associated approach control
advises that an aircraft is on approach until the aircraft
reports/is observed clear of the runway or 15_minutes
after last radio contact or arrival time.
b. Between sunrise and sunset, turn the lights on
when the surface visibility is less than 2_miles as
described in subparas 11-1-7a1 and a2.
c. The specialist considers it necessary, or it is
requested by a pilot and no other known aircraft will
be adversely affected.
d. Do not turn on the runway edge lights when a
NOTAM closing the runway is in effect.
e. Alaska. The runway lights should remain on
from the end of civil twilight to the beginning of civil
twilight. If the runway lights are operated part-time
in this period, broadcast a warning over the airport
advisory frequency 2_minutes before turning the
lights off.
11-1-8. CHANGING LIGHTED RUNWAYS
a. To switch lights:
1. Advise all known aircraft that the lights are to
be changed, specifying the runway to be lighted.
2. Turn on the lights for the new runway
30_seconds before turning off the other runway lights,
equipment permitting.
b. When a pilot requests that other than the
favored runway be lighted and two runways cannot
be lighted simultaneously, comply with the request if
you have no knowledge of the lighted runway being
in use. Advise all known aircraft.
11-1-9. SIMULTANEOUS APPROACH AND
RUNWAY EDGE LIGHT OPERATION
Turn on the runway edge lights for the runway in use
whenever the associated approach lights are on. If
multiple runway light selection is not possible, you
may leave the approach lights on and switch the
runway lights to another runway to accommodate
another aircraft.
11-1-10. MALSR ODALS
Operate MALSR/ODALS that have separate on-off
and intensity setting controls in accordance with
TBL 11-1-2 and TBL 11-1-3.
NOTE-
Application concerns use for takeoffs/landings/ap-
proaches and does not preclude turning lights on for use
of unaffected portions of a runway for taxiing aircraft,
surface vehicles, maintenance, repair, etc.
TBL 11-1-2
Two-Step MALS/One-Step RAIL
Setting
Visibility
Day Night
MALS HI-RAIL
ON
Less than 3 miles.
Less than 3
miles.*
MALS LOW When requested.
3 miles or
more.
*At locations providing part-time flight service, the
MALSR shall be set to low intensity during the hours of
darkness when the station is unmanned.
TBL 11-1-3
Three-Step MALS/Three-Step RAIL
Setting
Visibility
Day Night
3 Less than 2 miles. Less than 1 mile.
2 2 to 5 miles inclusive.
1 to but not
including 3 miles.*
1 When requested. 3 miles or more.
*At locations providing part-time flight service, the
air-to-ground radio link shall be activated during the
hours of darkness when the station is unmanned. If there
is no radio air-to-ground control, the MALSR shall be
set on intensity step #2 during the hours of darkness
when the station is unmanned. (Reference- FAAO JO
7210.3, Para 10-6-4, Approach Light Systems.)
11-1-11. HIRL ASSOCIATED WITH MALSR
Operate HIRL that controls the associated MALSR in
accordance with the intensity setting in TBL 11-1-4.
TBL 11-1-4
HIRL Associated with MALSR
Step
Visibility
Day Night
5 Less than 1 mile. When requested.
4
1 to but not including
2 miles.
Less than 1 mile.
3
2 to but not including
3 miles.
1 to but not
including 3 miles.
2
When requested. 3 to 5 miles
inclusive.
1 When requested. More than 5 miles.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
11-1-3 General
NOTE-
When switching from a given brightness step setting to a
lower setting, rotation of the brightness control to a point
below the intended step setting and then back to the
appropriate step setting will ensure that the MALSR will
operate at the appropriate brightness.
11-1-12. MEDIUM INTENSITY RUNWAY
LIGHTS
Operate MIRL or MIRL which control the associated
MALSR in accordance with the TBL 11-1-5.
TBL 11-1-5
HIRL Intensity Setting
Step
Visibility
Day Night
3 Less than 2 miles. Less than 1 mile.
2 2 to 3 miles. 1 to 3 miles.
1
When requested. More than 3
miles.
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.10, para 11-1-11 Note.
11-1-13. HIGH INTENSITY RUNWAY,
RUNWAY CENTERLINE, AND TOUCHDOWN
ZONE LIGHTS
Operate high intensity runway and associated runway
centerline and touch-down zone lights in accordance
with TBL 11-1-6.
TBL 11-1-6
HIRL, RCLS, TDZL Intensity Setting
Step
Visibility
Day Night
5 Less than 1 mile.* When requested.
4
1 to but not including
2 miles.
Less than 1 mile.
3
2 to but not including
3 miles.
1 to but not
including 3 miles.
2 When requested.
3 to 5 miles
inclusive.
1 When requested. More than 5 miles.
* and/or appropriate RVR/RVV equivalent.
11-1-14. HIRL CHANGES AFFECTING RVR
Keep the appropriate approach controller or PAR
controller informed, in advance if possible, of HIRL
changes that affect RVR.
11-1-15. HIGH SPEED TURNOFF LIGHTS
Operate high speed turnoff lights whenever the
associated runway lights are used for arriving aircraft.
Leave them on until the aircraft has either entered a
taxiway or passed the last light.
11-1-16. RUNWAY END IDENTIFIER
LIGHTS
When separate on-off controls are provided, operate
runway end identifier lights when the associated
runway lights are lighted. Turn the REIL off after:
a. An arriving aircraft has landed.
b. A departing aircraft has left the traffic pattern
area.
c. It is determined that the lights are of no further
use to the pilot.
11-1-17. TAXIWAY LIGHTS
Operate taxiway lights serving the taxiways, or
portions thereof, in use between sunset and sunrise
before an aircraft taxies onto the taxiway (normally
at the time taxi information is issued) and until it
taxies off it.
11-1-18. VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE
INDICATORS (VASIs)
The VASI system with remote on-off switching shall
be operated when it serves the runway in use and
where intensities are controlled in accordance with
TBL 11-1-7 and TBL 11-1-8.
TBL 11-1-7
VASI Intensity Setting, Two-Step System
Step Period: Condition
High Day: Sunrise to sunset.
Low Night: Sunset to sunrise.
TBL 11-1-8
VASI Intensity Setting, Three-Step System
Step Period: Condition
High Day: Sunrise to sunset.
Medium Twilight: From sunset to 30 minutes after
sunset and from 30 minutes before sunrise
to sunrise, and during twilight in Alaska.
Note.- During a 1 year period, twilight may
vary 26 to 43 minutes between 25 and 49
degrees N latitude.
Low Night: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30
minutes before sunrise.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
11-1-4 General
NOTE1. During a 1-year period, twilight may vary 26 to 43
minutes between 25 and 49 degrees N latitude.
2. The basic FAA standard for VASI systems permits
independent operation by means of photoelectric device.
This system has no on-off control feature and is intended
for continuous operation. Other VASI systems in use
include those that are operated remotely from the control
tower. These systems may consist of either a photoelectric
intensity control with only an on-off switch, a two-step
intensity system, or a three-step intensity system.
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 10-6-5, Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)
Systems.
11-1-19. VISIBILITY AIDS - GENERAL
a. Where RVR/RVV equipment is operational,
irrespective of subsequent operation or nonoperation
of navigational or visual aids for the application of
RVR/RVV as a takeoff or landing minima, furnish the
values for the runway in use in accordance with
para 11-1-20, RVR/RVV.
b. Issue current touchdown RVR/RVV for the
runway(s) in use:
1. When prevailing visibility is 1 mile or less
regardless of the value indicated.
2. When RVR/RVV indicates a reportable value
regardless of the prevailing visibility.
NOTE-
Reportable values are: RVR 6,000 feet or less; RVV 1-1/2
miles or less.
3. When it is determined from a reliable source
that the indicated RVR value differs by more than 400
feet from the actual conditions within the area of the
transmissometer, the RVR data is not acceptable and
shall not be reported.
NOTE-
A reliable source is considered to be a certified weather
observer, air traffic controller, or pilot.
4. When the observer has reliable reports, or has
otherwise determined that the instrument values are
not representative of the associated runway, the data
shall not be used.
11-1-20. RVR/RVV
a. Provide RVR/RVV information by stating the
runway, the abbreviations RVR/RVV, and the
indicated value. When issued along with other
weather elements, transmit these values in the normal
sequence used for weather reporting.
b. When there is a requirem ent to issue an
RVR/RVV value and a visibility condition greater or
less than the reportable values of the equipment is
indicated, state the condition as MORE than or LESS
than the appropriate minimum or maximum readable
value.
c. When a readout indicates a rapidly varying
visibility condition (1,000 feet or more for RVR; one
or more reportable values for RVV), report the current
value followed by the range of visibility variance.
11-1-21. OPERATION OF LANDING
DIRECTION INDICATOR
Align the landing direction indicator with the favored
or designated runway.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
12-1-1 General
Chapter 12. Interphone Communications
Section 1. General
12-1-1. PURPOSE
a. The procedures and phraseologies contained in
this chapter apply to interfacility and intrafacility
telephone communications conducted from any
position of operation.
b. Interphone use is restricted to authorized
official business only.
c. Monitor interphones continuously. At facilities
without ringers keep speaker volume at a level
sufficient to hear all transmissions. In the event of
interphone failure, use authorized back-up proce-
dures; i.e., commercial telephone, aircraft radio relay.
d. Use the words or phrases in interphone
communications as contained in the Pilot/Controller
Glossary.
12-1-2. INTERPHONE TRANSMISSION
PRIORITIES
Give priority to interphone transmissions as follows:
a. First priority. Emergency messages including
essential information on aircraft accidents or
suspected accidents. After actual emergency has
passed, give a lower priority to messages relating to
an accident.
b. Second priority. Clearance and control instruc-
tions.
c. Third priority. Movement and control messages
using the following order of precedence when
possible:
1. Progress reports.
2. Departure or arrival reports.
3. Flight plans.
d. Fourth priority. Movement messages on VFR
aircraft.
e. Fifth priority. General messages; e.g., outages.
12-1-3. PRIORITY INTERRUPTION
The words “break for emergency” or “break for
control” may be used to interrupt lower priority
messages when it is necessary to transmit an
emergency or control message.
12-1-4. MESSAGE INITIATION
Initiate interphone messages as follows:
a. Assure line is not in use.
PHRASEOLOGY-
LINE CLEAR?
b. If line is not in use, establish contact with the
desired facility and/or position.
EXAMPLE-
Manual signaling:
FSS-(Signals center manually).
Center- “Anchorage Center” or “Sector D-5.”
FSS- “Kenai radio. Kenai progress Apache One Two
Three.”
Center- “Go ahead”
FSS- “Over Kenai...etc.” “L-H”
Center- “Roger Apache One Two Three.” “C-M”
Voice signaling:
FSS- “Seattle Center, McMinnville Radio, Clear-
ance Request.“
Center “Seattle Center, Go Ahead.”
FSS- “Request Clearance, Army ......etc.”
c. When initiating calls on interphone voice lines,
identify the line on which the call is being made.
EXAMPLE-
FSS - “Indianapolis Center, Dayton Radio on the 82 line,
departure.”
d. When calling or replying on an interphone line
which connects only two facilities, you may omit the
facility's name.
EXAMPLE“Radio, inbound estimate.”
e. FSS/AFSS.
1. Inflight position. State the name of the FSS
followed by the word RADIO and position, if
appropriate.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
12-1-2 General
EXAMPLE“Fairbanks Radio.”
2. Flight Watch position. State the name of the
associated ARTCC followed by the words FLIGHT
WATCH.
EXAMPLE“Indianapolis Flight Watch.”
NOTE-
During transition to EFAS consolidation, nonconsoli-
dated facilities will state the name of the parent AFSS/FSS
facility followed by the words FLIGHT WATCH.
12-1-5. MESSAGE TERMINATION
Terminate interphone messages with your operating
initials.
EXAMPLE“V-N.”
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
13-1-1 General
Chapter 13. NAVAID Monitoring
Section 1. General
13-1-1. PURPOSE
Facility responsibility for monitoring of NAVAIDs is
assigned by the Flight Services Operations Area
Office. Because NAVAIDs and their monitoring
equipment are continuously changing, use the
procedures contained in this chapter as they apply.
13-1-2. DUTIES
At facilities assigned responsibility for monitoring
NAVAIDs, check status as part of watch checklist.
13-1-3. MALFUNCTIONS
Take the following action when an air traffic system
component malfunctions:
a. Try to restore the aid to normal operation,
unless Technical Operations Services requests
otherwise.
b. If able to restore it, record the incident on FAA
Form 7230-4.
c. If unable to restore it, discontinue its use and:
1. Notify the appropriate IFR control facility/
sector.
2. Notify the appropriate AFSS/FSS as neces-
sary.
3. Notify maintenance personnel as required.
4. Take appropriate NOTAM actions.
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 3-5-1, NAVAID Monitoring and FAAO 7930.2
Para 4-2-3, NOTAM for NAVAID in Different FSS Flight Plan Area.
5. Record on FAA Form 7230-4.
d. If a monitor indicates a NAVAID malfunction,
but aircraft or maintenance personnel report the
NAVAID is operating normally, take actions and
make notifications in accordance with subpara
13-1-3c.
13-1-4. AIRCRAFT REPORTED
MALFUNCTIONS
a. Aircraft reported NAVAID malfunctions are
subject to varying circumstances. When an aircraft
reports a ground-based NAVAID malfunction, take
the following action:
1. Request a report from a second aircraft.
2. If the second aircraft reports normal
operations, continue use and, if able, inform the first
aircraft. Record the incident on FAA Form 7230-4.
3. If the second aircraft confirms the malfunc-
tion or, in the absence of a second aircraft report, take
NAVAID restoral action.
4. If normal operation is reported after restoral
action is taken, continue use, record the incident on
FAA Form 7230-4, and notify appropriate mainte-
nance personnel.
5. If continued malfunction is reported after
restoral action is taken, request advice from
maintenance personnel on whether the NAVAID
should be shut down. In the absence of a second
aircraft report, advise maintenance personnel of the
time of the initial aircraft report and the estimated
time a second aircraft report could be obtained.
b. When an aircraft reports a GPS/GNSS
anomaly:
1. Request the following information:
(a) Aircraft call sign and type aircraft.
(b) Date and time of the occurrence.
(c) Location of anomaly.
(d) Altitude.
2. Record the incident on FAA Form 7230-4.
3. Forward this information to the local Traffic
Management Unit (TMU) and local Maintenance
Control Center (MCC) personnel.
c. When an aircraft reports a WAAS anomaly,
request the following information and/or take the
following actions:
1. Determine if the pilot has lost all WAAS
service.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
13-1-2 General
EXAMPLE“Are you receiving any WAAS service?”
2. If the pilot reports receipt of any WAAS
service, acknowledge the report and continue normal
operations.
3. If the pilot reports loss of all WAAS service,
report as a GPS anomaly using procedures in
paragraph 13-1-4b.
13-1-5. ADJUSTMENTS TO NAVAIDs
Notify the appropriate air traffic control facility
before any adjustment (including a transmitter
change) to a VOR, TACAN, or DME transmitter is
made which might cause a momentary interruption or
an abnormal indication on aircraft instruments.
13-1-6. NAVAID FLIGHT CHECK
Provide maximum assistance to aircraft engaged in
flight inspection of NAVAIDs. Unless otherwise
agreed to, maintain direct contact with the pilot and
provide information regarding known traffic in the
area and request the pilot's intentions.
NOTE1. Many flight inspections are accomplished using
automatic recording equipment. An uninterrupted flight is
necessary for successful completion of the mission. The
workload for the limited number of aircraft engaged in
these activities requires strict adherence to a schedule.
2. Flight inspection operations which require special
participation of ground personnel, specific communica-
tions, or radar operation capabilities are considered to
require special handling. These flights are coordinated
with appropriate facilities before departure.
13-1-7. MONITORING OF NAVAIDs BY
TECHNICAL OPERATIONS SERVICES
PERSONNEL
Maintenance personnel may assume monitor of any
navigational aid provided they coordinate with the
responsible air traffic monitor facility. Record the
time on FAA Form 7230-4 that maintenance
personnel assume monitor responsibility for each
NAVAID and the time they return monitor
responsibility to the facility.
NOTE-
When maintenance personnel silence the monitoring
systems of any NAVAID, they will assume responsibility
for the monitoring function.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-1 General
Chapter 14. Phraseology
Section 1. General
14-1-1. PURPOSE
This chapter prescribes standardized procedures and
phraseologies to be used by flight service personnel
when communicating weather and aeronautical
information in broadcast, radiotelephone, and
interphone communications. Where position or
procedure-specific phraseology is required, refer-
ence is to be made to the relevant chapter of this order.
14-1-2. PHRASEOLOGY
The annotation PHRASEOLOGY denotes the
prescribed words and/or phrases to be used in
communications.
NOTE-
Specialists may, after first using the prescribed
phraseology for a specific procedure, rephrase the
message to ensure the content is understood. Good
judgment shall be exercised when using nonstandard
phraseology.
14-1-3. WORDS AND PHRASES
Use the words or phrases in broadcast, radiotele-
phone, and interphone communications as contained
in the Pilot/Controller Glossary.
14-1-4. ANNOUNCING MISSING ITEMS
With the exception of RVR, announce the word
“missing” when any item or component of a weather
report is not reported, or in place of unreadable or
obviously incorrect items or portions of weather
reports. When appropriate, instead of speaking the
name of several locations with missing reports,
announce: “Other scheduled reports missing.”
NOTE-
On occasion, a parameter from an automated observation
may be reported as missing in the body of the report but
is available as a manually reported parameter in the
remarks section. When the report is spoken, include the
manually reported element in its proper sequence within
the report.
14-1-5. ICAO PHONETICS
Use the ICAO pronunciation of numbers and, as
necessary, individual letters for clarity. The ICAO
radiotelephony alphabet and pronunciation guide are
contained in TBL 14-1-1.
TBL 14-1-1
ICAO Pronunciation
Character Word Pronunciation
0 Zero ZEE-RO
1 One WUN
2 Two TOO
3 Three TREE
4 Four FOW-ER
5 Five FIFE
6 Six SIX
7 Seven SEV-EN
8 Eight AIT
9 Nine NIN-ER
A Alfa AL-FAH
B Bravo BRAH-VOH
C Charlie CHAR-LEE
D Delta DELL-TAH
E Echo ECK-OH
F Foxtrot FOKS-TROT
G Golf GOLF
H Hotel HOH-TELL
I India IN-DEE-AH
J Juliett JEW-LEE-ETT
K Kilo KEY-LOH
L Lima LEE-MAH
M Mike MIKE
N November NO-VEM-BER
O Oscar OSS-CAR
P Papa PAH-PAH
Q Quebec KEH-BECK
R Romeo ROW-ME-OH
S Sierra SEE-AIR-AH
T Tango TANG-GO
U Uniform YOU-NEE-FORM
V Victor VIK-TAH
W Whiskey WISS-KEY
X X-ray ECKS-RAY
Y Yankee YANG-KEY
Z Zulu ZOO-LOO
NOTE-
Syllables to be emphasized in pronunciation are in bold
face.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-2 General
14-1-6. RELAY OF ATC
COMMUNICATIONS
Prefix a clearance, information, or a request for
information which will be relayed from a control
facility to an aircraft with the appropriate phrase
“A-T-C clears,” “A-T-C advises,” or “A-T-C
requests.”
14-1-7. EXPEDITIOUS COMPLIANCE
a. Use the word “immediately” only when
expeditious compliance is required to avoid an
imminent situation.
b. Use the word “expedite” only when prompt
compliance is required to avoid the development of
an imminent situation.
c. In either case, and if time permits, include the
reason for this action.
14-1-8. WEATHER PHRASEOLOGY
Use the following phraseology and procedures for
stating surface weather observations and for
information similarly encoded in other aviation
weather products and forecasts.
a. Location.
1. Announce the geographic name (not the
identifier) once for communications.
EXAMPLE“Paducah.”
2. When the location name is duplicated within
500 miles, follow the location name with the state
name.
EXAMPLE“Columbus, Ohio.”
3. When weather reports originate at more than
one airport at the same geographical location,
identify the airport.
EXAMPLE“Anchorage, Anchorage Merrill.”
“Chicago O'Hare.”
4. Where it is considered necessary and is
requested by the military base commander, broadcast
military observations by stating the location, the
name of the airport if different, and the controlling
military branch.
EXAMPLE“Andrews Air Force Base.”
“Elmendorf, Elmendorf Air Force Base.”
“Fort Riley, Marshall Army Air Field.”
“Norfolk Naval Air Station.”
b. If AUTO appears after the date/time element,
follow location announcement with the phrase
AUTOMATED.
PHRASEOLOGY(Location) AUTOMATED.
c. If a special report is the most recent observation
available, follow the location with the words
SPECIAL REPORT, (last two digits of the time)
OBSERVATION. Use data from the record report to
fill in the item s not included in the special
observation, such as temperature and dew point.
d. If the weather data is not available, state the
location and the word MISSING.
e. Wind Direction and Speed. Announce surface
wind direction and speed by stating the word WIND
followed by the separate digits of the wind direction
to the nearest 10 degrees and the separate digits of the
speed. A “G” between two wind speed values is
announced as GUSTS. State local wind as it appears
in the report. Announce the variability of wind at the
end of the wind group. (See TBL 14-1-2.)
TBL 14-1-2
Wind Direction and Speed
Wind Phraseology
00000KT WIND CALM.
26012KT WIND TWO SIX ZERO AT ONE
TWO.
29012KT
260V320
WIND TWO NINER ZERO AT
ONE TWO WIND VARIABLE
BETWEEN TWO SIX ZERO AND
THREE TWO ZERO.
30008KT WIND THREE ZERO ZERO AT
EIGHT.
36012G20KT WIND THREE SIX ZERO AT ONE
TWO GUSTS TWO ZERO.
VRB04KT WIND VARIABLE AT FOUR.
f. Visibility.
1. State the word VISIBILITY followed by the
visibility values in miles and/or fractions of miles,
except announce values indicated by the figure 0 as
ZERO. Announce the separate digits of whole
numbers as applicable. (See TBL 14-1-3.)
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-3 General
TBL 14-1-3
Visibility
Contraction Phraseology
0SM Visibility zero.
1
/16SM Visibility one sixteenth.
1
/8SM Visibility one eighth.
M1 /4
SM Visibility less than one quarter.
3
/4SM Visibility three quarters.
11 /2SM Visibility one and one-half.
8SM Visibility eight.
25SM Visibility two five.
NOTE-
When visibility is less than 3 miles and variable, this
information is reported in the remarks.
2. When stating AUTOB visibility values,
announce the visibility in accordance with the
reportable categories depicted in TBL 14-1-4 and
TBL_14-1-5.
TBL 14-1-4
Visibility Reading
Reading Visibility Values
0 less than 15
/16
1 1 - 1 7
/8
2 2 - 2 7
/8
3 3 - 3 1
/2
4 3 1
/2 - 4 1
/2
5 4 1
/2 - 5 1
/2
6 5 1
/2 - 6 1
/2
7 6 1
/2 - 7 1
/2
8 above 7 1
/2
TBL 14-1-5
Visibility Reading
Reading Phraseology
BV0 “Visibility less than fifteen sixteenths.”
BV3 “Visibility three to three and one-half.”
BV8 “Visibility more than seven and one-half.”
3. If an AUTOB visibility report consisting of
three values is encountered, it is decoded as depicted
below.
EXAMPLE“BV786”
6 = minimum visibility during past 10 minutes.
7 = present visibility.
8 = maximum visibility during past 10 minutes.
g. RVR/RVV.
1. Provide RVR/RVV information by stating
the runway, “visual range” or “visibility value,” as
appropriate, and the indicated value. The
abbreviations “R-V-R” or “R-V-V” may be spoken
in lieu of “visual range” or “visibility value.” When
the indicated values are separated by a V, preface the
values with the words VARIABLE BETWEEN,
followed by the first value, the word AND, then the
second value. (See TBL 14-1-6.)
TBL 14-1-6
RVR/RVV
RVR/RVV Phraseology
R36VV11/2 “Runway three six, R-V-V one
and one-half.”
R05LVV1V2 “Runway five left, R-V-V
variable between one and two.”
R18/2000V3000FT “Runway one eight, R-V-R
variable between two thousand
and three thousand. Or Runway
one eight visual range variable
between two thousand and three
thousand.”
R26R/2400FT “Runway two six right visual
range two thousand four
hundred.”
2. When there is a requirement to issue an RVR
or RVV value and a visibility condition greater or less
than the reportable values of the equipment is
indicated, state the condition as MORE THAN or
LESS THAN the appropriate minimum or maximum
readable value. (See TBL 14-1-7.)
TBL 14-1-7
RVR/RVV
RVR/RVV Phraseology
R16/M0600FT ``Runway one six runway
visual range less than six
hundred. Or Runway one six
R-V-R less than six
hundred.''
R36L/M0600V2500FT ``Runway three six left,
R-V-R variable between
less than six hundred and
two thousand five hundred.
Or Runway three six left
visual range variable
between less than six
hundred and two thousand
five hundred.''
R36/P6000FT ``Runway three six R-V-R
more than six thousand. Or
Runway three six visual
range more than six
thousand.''
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-4 General
h. Weather ElementsTBL 14-1-8 depicts sample
phraseology for weather element contractions.
Intensity refers to precipitation, not descriptors.
Proximity is spoken after the phenomenon to which
it refers. Descriptors are spoken ahead of weather
phenomenon with the exception of ``showers'' which
is spoken after the precipitation. TBL 14-1-9
contains a complete list of weather elements and
appropriate phraseology.
i. Ceiling and Sky Coverage.
1. State sky coverage in the same order as
reported on the weather observation. Announce
ceiling as follows: (See TBL 14-1-10.)
TBL 14-1-8
Examples of Combining Intensity, Descriptors and
Weather Phenomenon.
Contractions Phraseology
BLSN BLOWING SNOW
-FZRAPL LIGHT FREEZING RAIN, ICE
PELLETS
FZRA FREEZING RAIN
FZDZ FREEZING DRIZZLE
MIFG SHALLOW FOG
-SHRA LIGHT RAIN SHOWERS
SHRA RAIN SHOWERS
SHSN SNOW SHOWERS
TSRA THUNDERSTORM, RAIN
+TSRA THUNDERSTORM, HEAVY RAIN
(SHOWERS)1
+TSRAGR THUNDERSTORM, HEAVY
RAIN, HAIL
VCSH SHOWERS IN THE VICINITY
1
Since thunderstorms imply showery precipitation,
``showers'' may be used to describe precipitation that
accompany thunderstorms.
TBL 14-1-9
Weather Elements
INTENSITY
or
PROXIMITY
1
DESCRIPTOR
2
PRECIPITATION
3
OBSCURATION
4
OTHER
5
- Light MI Shallow DZ Drizzle BR Mist PO Well-
Developed
Dust/Sand
Whirls
BC Patchy RA Rain FG Fog SQ Squalls
Moderate
(No Qualifier)
DR Low Drifting SN Snow FU Smoke FC
+FC
Funnel Cloud,
Tornado or
Waterspout
BL Blowing SG Snow Grains DU Dust SS Sandstorm
+ Heavy SH Showers IC Ice Crystals SA Sand DS Duststorm
TS Thunderstorm PL Ice Pellets HZ Haze
VC In the Vicinity FZ Freezing GR Hail PY Spray
PR Partial GS Small Hail or
Snow Pellets
(_1/4”)
VA Volcanic Ash
UP *Unknown
Precipitation
* Automated stations only.
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-5 General
TBL 14-1-10
Ceiling and Sky Coverage
Designator Phraseology
BKN0001 SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED
BKN000
CEILING LESS THAN FIVE
ZERO BROKEN
FEW0001 SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED
FEW000
FEW CLOUDS AT LESS THAN
FIVE ZERO
(lowest layer aloft)
BKN/OVC
(precede with) CEILING
SCT0001 SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED
SCT000
LESS THAN FIVE ZERO
SCATTERED
VV INDEFINITE CEILING
1
Surface-based obscurations. Requires remarks,
i.e. RMK FG SCT000, FU BKN000, etc.
No remark means the layer is aloft.
2. State cloud heights in tens, hundreds and/or
thousands of feet. (See TBL 14-1-11.)
TBL 14-1-11
Cloud Heights
Number Phraseology
0001 ZERO
003 THREE HUNDRED
018 ONE THOUSAND EIGHT
HUNDRED
200 TWO ZERO THOUSAND
1
Spoken as zero only when used with VV.
NOTE1. When the ceiling is less than 3,000 feet and variable,
the variable limits will be reported in the remarks.
2. When communicating weather information on the
TIBS broadcast or telephone, specialist may announce
cloud heights in either group form or in hundreds or
thousands of feet, such as seventeen thousand or one
seven thousand.
3. Announce sky conditions as indicated below.
(See TBL 14-1-12.)
TBL 14-1-12
Sky Conditions
Contraction Phraseology
BKN (height) BROKEN
CLR1 CLEAR BELOW ONE TWO
THOUSAND
FEW FEW CLOUDS AT (height)
OVC (height) OVERCAST
SCT (height) SCATTERED
SKC CLEAR
1
Automated weather reports.
4. The following are examples of broadcast
phraseology of sky and ceiling conditions:
(See TBL 14-1-13.)
TBL 14-1-13
Sky and Ceiling Conditions
Condition Phraseology
BKN000
BKN010
BKN050 RMK
FG BKN000
SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED,
CEILING ONE THOUSAND
BROKEN, FIVE THOUSAND
BROKEN. FOG OBSCURING
FIVE TO SEVEN EIGHTS OF THE
SKY.
BKN010 CEILING ONE THOUSAND
BROKEN.
SCT000
SCT020
OVC035 RMK
FG SCT000
SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED,
TWO THOUSAND SCATTERED,
CEILING THREE THOUSAND
FIVE HUNDRED OVERCAST.
FOG OBSCURING THREE TO
FOUR EIGHTS OF THE SKY.
SCT020
OVC250
TWO THOUSAND SCATTERED,
CEILING TWO FIVE THOUSAND
OVERCAST.
VV000 INDEFINITE CEILING ZERO.
VV012 INDEFINITE CEILING ONE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED.
j. Announce surface temperature and dew point by
stating the words TEMPERATURE or DEWPOINT,
as appropriate, followed by the temperature in
degrees Celsius. Temperatures below zero are
announced by prefixing the word MINUS before the
values. (See TBL 14-1-14.)
JO 7110.10T 2/14/14-1-6 General
TBL 14-1-14
Temperature/Dewpoint
Reading Phraseology
02/M01 ``Temperature two, dew point minus
one.''
04/02 ``Temperature four, dew point two.''
18/13 ``Temperature one eight, dew point one
three.''
k. Altimeter Setting.
1. State the word ALTIMETER followed by the
four digits of the altimeter setting. (See
TBL_14-1-15.)
TBL 14-1-15
Altimeter Setting
Altimeter Setting Phraseology
A2989 ``Altimeter two niner eight niner.''
A3001 ``Altimeter three zero zero one.''
A3025 ``Altimeter three zero two five.''
2. Identify the source of all altimeter settings
when issued, if not given as part of an identified
surface observation. Provide the time of the report if
more than one hour old.
PHRASEOLOGY(airport name) (time of report if more than one hour old)
ALTIMETER (setting).
3. If a request for the altimeter setting in
MILLIBARS is received, announce the separate
digits of the millibar equivalent value, using the
millibar conversion chart, followed by the word
MILLIBARS. If the millibar setting is not a whole
number, always round down. (See TBL 14-1-16.)
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.10, subpara 4-3-5f.
TBL 14-1-16
Millibar Conversion
Millibar Conver-
sion
Phraseology
956.3 ``Altimeter niner five six
millibars.''
1002.0 ``Altimeter one zero zero two
millibars.''
1058.9 ``Altimeter one zero five eight
millibars.''
4. When altimeter is in excess of 31.00:
(a) Advise all aircraft.
PHRASEOLOGY``ALTIMETER IN EXCESS OF THREE ONE ZERO
ZERO. HIGH PRESSURE ALTIMETER PROCEDURES
ARE IN EFFECT.''
(b) Advise VFR aircraft to set altimeter to
31.00 en route.
PHRASEOLOGY``RECOMMEND YOU SET ALTIMETER THREE ONE
ZERO ZERO EN ROUTE.''
14-1-9. WEATHER REMARKS
Announce pertinent remarks from surface weather
observations in accordance with FAAO JO 7340.2,
Contractions, and as shown in the following tables.
Do not state additive data or other information
intended for NWS analysis or processing that does
not contribute to the description of the conditions
occurring at the station.
a. SKY AND CEILING. (See TBL 14-1-17.)
TBL 14-1-17
Sky and Ceiling
Contraction Phraseology
CIG 005V010 ``Ceiling variable
between five hundred and
one thousand.''
CIG 020 RY11 ``Ceiling two thousand at
runway one one.''
CB N MOV E ``Cumulonimbus north
moving east.''
CBMAM DSNT S ``Cumulonimbus
mammatus distant south.''
CLDS TPG MT SW ``Clouds topping
mountain southwest.''
CONTRAILS N FL420 ``Condensation trails
north at flight level four
two zero.''
FRQ LTCIC VC ``Frequent lightning in
cloud in the vicinity.''
LWR CLDS NE ``Lower clouds
northeast.''
OCNL LTGICCG NW ``Occasional lightning in
cloud and cloud to ground
northwest.''
RDGS OBSCD W-N ``Ridges obscured west
through north.''
b. Obscuring Phenomena. (See TBL 14-1-18.)
3/15/07 7110.65R CHG 2 JO 7110.10T CHG 1 7/31/08
JO 7110.10T 2/14/08
14-1-7 General
TBL 14-1-18
Obscuring Phenomena
Contraction Phraseology
BLSN SCT000 ``Blowing snow obscuring three
to four-eights of the sky.''
DU BKN000 ``Dust obscuring five to
seven-eights of the sky.''
FG FU FEW000 ``Fog and smoke obscuring one to
two-eights of the sky.''
FU SCT020 ``Smoke layer two thousand
scattered.''
SN BKN000 ``Snow obscuring five to
seven-eights of the sky.''
