Operations
FAA Revises Real-time Weather Analysis Guidance
System provides backup when automated sensors fail
FAA HQ
The FAA updated requirements for operators using Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis weather data when automated reporting systems fail. © Bill Carey

The FAA revised its guidance on using National Weather Service real-time mesoscale analysis (RTMA) weather data when automated sensors fail to report temperature or altimeter settings at airports. Last week, the agency issued a revision of Information for Operators (INFO) 24001 that follows operator feedback on temperature mitigation procedures related to performance, winter operations, and instrument approaches at cold-temperature-restricted airports.

RTMA provides hourly temperature and altimeter reports for approximately 540 airports when automated weather observation systems experience sensor failures. The data is available through the FAA Weather Camera website.