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AWOS Operating Instructions NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS-- The purpose of this website is to provide general information to airpark members and the public about current weather conditions at Mogollon Airpark (AZ82) and to explain the operation of the AWOS system at the airpark. This website may be particularly useful to a pilot in planning a flight. However, it should be noted the website is not intended to be solely relied upon as a completely accurate depiction of existing airport conditions. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the information contained therein is accurate. The AWOS unit is FAA certified/commissioned in accordance with the attached FAA certification letter. However, failure of the sensors or the equipment processing the information may occur and produce unreliable information. Also, the weather data provided here only reflects conditions at the specified site. Because of Arizona weather patterns, conditions can vary greatly in a small area: i.e., weather conditions a few miles away from the sensor can be completely different. Therefore, the user is cautioned against using this website as a sole source for airport weather information. The user should obtain the latest information from all available sources prior to flight. Mogollon Airpark, Inc. makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy of information and expressly disclaims liability for the accuracy thereof. OBTAINING AIRPORT WEATHER DATA--- Since this AWOS utilizes a multicom frequency (122.90) it does not broadcast weather data continuously. It is a pilot activated on demand system. We are all accustomed to calling Unicom at an uncontrolled field and requesting an airport advisory. The attendant follows radio etiquette. He waits for the frequency to be clear and then broadcasts advisories of barometric pressure, wind direction and speed, favored runway, etc. While he is broadcasting, pilots in the area listen and wait for him to complete the broadcast avoiding stepping on him. The Super AWOS which is also called a Super Unicom, works the same way but without the attendant. To obtain the weather data, the pilot while on 122.90 keys his mike three times. The AWOS listens to the frequency. If it is clear, it then broadcasts barometric pressure, wind direction and speed, favored runway, density altitude, etc. It adjusts to frequency congestion. It does not stop broadcasting if a pilot steps on it since that would be poor radio etiquette on the part of the pilot. Some other pilot has previously requested the information and should be able to expect to receive it without blockage from some overly impatient aviator. AWOS function and reception from the airpark has been tested to twenty miles. Currently, if the AWOS detects activity on the frequency and there is no other subsequent activity or interrogation it will broadcast a short message of instructions as to how to use the system. RADIO CHECK FEATURE— The AWOS system has a radio check feature which can be used to verify proper functioning of an aircraft radio. To activate the feature, on 122.90, key the mike four times. The AWOS will reply “radio check.” The pilot broadcasts a short message. The AWOS will then replay ten seconds of the message. This replay can be heard from any point on the airport. A suggested radio check message would be, “ Aircraft radio check departure point runway 21.” Anyone on the airport listening to 122.90 will hear the AWOS rebroadcast of the message.
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