AWOS Explained: How These Systems Enhance Airport Safety and Efficiency

As an aviation professional, when you think about weather safety, what comes to mind?

Maybe you think about managing growing stacks of flights at various altitudes while anxiously awaiting clearer weather for safe landings. Or maybe you are concerned about aircraft braking performance affected by water actively collecting on the runway surface. Regardless of what you think of first, one of the most vital—and often unseen—pillars of aviation safety is trusted, real-time weather data.

A study showed that 23.26% of the 11,739 U.S. aviation accidents that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated between 2012 and 2021 were attributed to conditions, weather, and phenomena.¹ This includes environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, ceiling height, visibility, precipitation, lightning, and turbulence—all conditions that can directly impact flight safety and operational efficiency. (For more information, visit the NTSB General Aviation Accident Dashboard.)

Why We Need Weather Data

For airports and aviation professionals, monitoring weather isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives, assets, and efficiency. Whether you’re a pilot deciding on a takeoff window, an air traffic controller managing landing sequences, or part of a ground crew planning refueling and de-icing, accurate weather data shape every decision.

That’s why investing in a reliable, compliant, future-proof aviation weather system is critical to mission success.

What is an AWOS solution?

An Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) is a blend of software and hardware designed to monitor, collect, and distribute aviation-related weather data. This system empowers decision-makers to take action—from ensuring human safety to protecting aircraft and maintaining efficient operations.

AWOS Software: Turning Data into Action

Having raw data alone isn’t enough. Data must be parsed, processed, interpreted, and delivered to the right people at the right time. AWOS software plays a vital role by:

• Aggregating sensor data into a cohesive picture
• Generating and distributing meteorological reports (METAR, SPECI, and more)
• Enabling real-time monitoring
• Ensuring regulatory compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards
• Proactively monitoring complete system health from sensors to communications to human-entered data to system hardware

AWOS Hardware: Sensors and Infrastructure

At the heart of an AWOS field station is a network of sensors measuring critical atmospheric conditions, often including, but not limited to:

• Atmospheric pressure
• Air temperature
• Wind speed and direction
• Visibility range
• Cloud base
• Lightning detection
• Precipitation
• Present weather conditions
• Relative humidity

A Field Data Collection Unit (FDCU) connects to these sensors, supplying power, aggregating readings, and transmitting the data to AWOS servers for processing.

What should you look for in an AWOS solution?

When selecting an AWOS, aviation professionals typically consider:

• Compliance – Is the system certified or compliant with ICAO and WMO regulations? Can the system be adapted to fit your local regulatory needs?
• Measurement capabilities – Does the system capture all necessary weather variables?
• Maximized system uptime – Is the system reliable and durable enough to perform when it's needed most?
• Scalability – Can the system adapt to your airport’s future growth or changing needs?
• Maintenance and support – Are there services in place for calibration, repairs, and software updates?
• Training – Does the vendor offer training for staff to maximize system value?
• Future-proofing – Will the system integrate with new technologies, sensors, or reporting standards over time?

Where can you go for help?

Aviation professionals rely on trusted, high-quality data to make important decisions that affect and protect lives and property while maintaining operational efficiency.

Selecting the right AWOS solution for your needs can be daunting—especially when it involves both software and hardware components. You need a system that delivers accurate, real-time data and meets strict compliance standards, all while being easy to manage and adapt. That's where we come in.

Why should you partner with Campbell Scientific?

At Campbell Scientific, we remove the guesswork from building your system by offering fully integrated, end-to-end AWOS solutions. Our platform is designed for reliability, flexibility, and ease-of-use, enabling you to focus on making timely, informed decisions. Our aviation team is here to support and guide you through complex regulatory requirements. With our commitment to exceptional support, we are here to help you achieve operational excellence—every step of the way.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing AWOS or building a new aviation weather station from the ground up, Campbell Scientific is ready to help you succeed. From sensors and software to life cycle services, Campbell Scientific delivers a comprehensive, compliant, and integrated aviation weather platform that empowers you to protect lives and optimize operations.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from a partnership with Campbell Scientific for your AWOS solution.

Sensor Agnosticism and Flexibility

To avoid locking you into a single set of sensors, Campbell Scientific’s systems are sensor agnostic. That means you can:

• Customize the sensor suite to match your airport’s unique environmental conditions.
• Replace or upgrade sensors as needed without overhauling your entire system.
• Use our trusted in-house sensors or integrate third-party equipment.

This flexibility ensures that your AWOS solution is tailored to your needs, not limited by rigid hardware contracts.

The AtmosVue™30: Scalable, Future-Proof, Reliable

The AtmosVue™30 is a cutting-edge, scalable sensor suite designed for present weather, visibility, background luminance, relative humidity, and temperature monitoring. It is commonly used for Runway Visual Range (RVR) applications. This sensor suite's future-proofed design ensures:

• Scalable design – Ability to add new sensors one at a time without replacing the entire unit
• Longevity – Built to withstand harsh environments, with materials and engineering focused on durability

This product embodies Campbell Scientific’s commitment to long-term value and reliability.

CampbellAero™: Tailored, User-Centric Software

CampbellAero™ is more than just a data and standard reports platform; it’s a user-centered experience designed to serve the specific needs of various aviation roles, including:

• Air traffic controllers
• Weather observers and forecasters
• Technicians
• Administrators

Its intuitive interface and role-specific dashboards ensure that each user gets exactly the insights they need, without clutter or confusion.

CampbellAero is also fully compliant with ICAO and WMO standards, which support your airport or network of airports in following international best practices and maintaining regulatory compliance.

End-to-End Life Cycle Services

Campbell Scientific doesn’t just sell you an end-to-end solution—when needed, we partner with you across the system’s life cycle, offering:

• Consulting and system design – Tailored solutions built for your specific site
• Installation and commissioning – Expert teams to ensure smooth deployment
• Training – Helping your staff become proficient in use and maintenance 
• Maintenance and calibration services – Keeping your system accurate and compliant
• Technical support and software updates – Ensuring continuous, reliable operations
• Service Level Agreements (SLA) – Customized to solve any support requirements

Commitment to Innovation and Future-Proofing

With regulations and technology evolving rapidly, aviation weather systems must be designed for long-term relevance. Campbell Scientific is committed to future-proofing through:

• Software platforms built for updates and integration
• Scalable, upgradeable hardware
• Continuous investment in research and development

This ensures that your AWOS will stay current with emerging technologies and standards, protecting your investment over time.

Have questions about AWOS solutions?

Our experts are here to help you navigate the options and find the right fit for your needs.

If you have any questions or comments, please share them below.

Credits: Collin Daly of Campbell Scientific, Inc. contributed to this article.

References

¹ National Transportation Safety Board. (n.d.). General Aviation Accident Dashboard: 2012-2021. Retrieved from National Transportation Safety Board Website: https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Pages/GeneralAviationDashboard.aspx