WSOM-B-66-98-07
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| November 17, 1998 |
SUBJECT: Transmittal Memorandum for Operations Manual
Issuance 98-07
1. Material Transmitted:
National Weather Service Operations Manual (WSOM) chapter
B-66 Inspection Procedure Guideline - Surface Observation Sites.
2. Summary:
The chapter has been rewritten to account for the changes in
the surface observation program since 1984. Major changes include requirements for use of electronic station inspection guides and reporting forms (NWS Form B-32 and B-33). The electronic versions of the forms are included as part of this chapter on a 3.5-inch floppy disk in DOS format.
3. Effects on Other Instructions:
This chapter replaces WSOM chapter B-66, issuance 84-10, dated July 16, 1984. It also supersedes WS Form B-32, Surface Observation Inspection Guide, dated March 1983; and any Regional Operations Manual Letters associated with the previous issuance of this chapter or WS form B-32.
John J. Kelly, Jr.
WSOM-B-66-98-07
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| Issue Date | Org. Code | NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE | Part | Chap. |
| 11-17-98 | W/OSO14 | Operations Manual | B | 66 |
INSPECTION PROCEDURE GUIDELINE - SURFACE OBSERVATION SITES
Table of Contents: Page
1. General 3
1.1 Purpose 3
1.2 Scope 3
2. Responsibility for Inspection Program 4
3. Pre-Inspection Activity and Guidelines 4
3.1 Advance Notification of Inspection 4
3.2 Advance Preparation for Inspection 5
4. The Observation Site Inspection 6
4.1 Frequency and Duration of Inspections 6
4.2 Conducting the Surface Observation
4.3 Critique 9
4.4 Other Station Programs 9
5. Post-Inspection Activities 9
5.1 Station Inspection Reports 9
5.2 Action Items 10
5.2.1 Required of NWS Offices 10
5.2.2 Required of Contract NWS Offices and Paid Observer 10
5.2.3 For Non-NWS Offices 11
5.2.4 Unsatisfactory and Conditionally
5.3 Disposition of WS Forms B-32 and B-33 11
6. Special Criteria 12
6.1 Unannounced Inspections 12
6.2 Station Ratings 13
Exhibits: Page
B-66-1 WS Form B-32, "Surface Observations
Inspection Guide" ..15
B-66-2 WS Form B-33 "Station
Inspection Report" 21
1. General. An effective surface observing program depends on each observation site conforming to national and agency standards and guidelines. One of the most effective ways to ensure that standards and guidelines are being met is through first-hand evaluation of the observing programs at each staffed observing site. Visitation to observing sites may also be used to provide initial and additional technical assistance, as time and resources permit.
1.1 Purpose. This chapter establishes standard guidelines
for carrying out inspections of all surface observation programs and observation program management review by National Weather Service (NWS) field offices, NWS Regional Headquarters (RH) and NWS Headquarters (WSH).
1.2 Scope. Surface observation programs include:
a. Staffed NWS observing offices including NWS Forecast Offices (NWSFO), Weather Forecast Offices (WFO), Weather Service Offices (WSO), and Data Collection Offices (DCO). Refer to Weather Service Operations Manual (WSOM) chapter
B-12.
b. NWS Contract Meteorological Offices (WSCMO). Refer to WSOM chapter B-12.
c. Paid, Part Time Basic Stations (A-Paid). Refer to WSOM chapter B-15.
d. Synoptic Paid Stations (SYN, S-Paid). Refer to WSOM chapter B-15.
e. Limited Aviation Weather Reporting Stations (LAWRS). Refer to WSOM chapter B-13.
f. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Service Stations or Automated Flight Service Stations (FSS/AFSS). Refer to WSOM chapter B-13.
g. FAA Contract Weather Observing Stations (FCWOS), sometimes recognized as Contract Weather Offices (CWO) by FAA. Refer to WSOM chapter B-13.
h. Non-Federal Observing Stations (NF-OBS). Refer to WSOM chapter B-13.
i. Supplementary Aviation Weather Reporting Stations (SAWRS), subdivided into (refer to WSOM chapter B-14):
(1) SAWRS- Manual observation site
(2) SAWRS-II - Backup for the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)
(3) BSAWRS - Backup and augmentation for the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)
2. Responsibility for Inspection Program. Inspection visits of NWSFOs and WFOs are the responsibility of the RH, and should be made by regional Systems Operations Division (SOD) personnel or their delegated representative. Inspection visits of all other surface observing sites shall be made by the supervisory field office personnel. The Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) is responsible for the visitation program, and he/she may designate the individuals tasked to inspect observing stations within the assigned county warning and forecast area (CWA). Any individuals appointed to this task shall be knowledgeable and certified in the program being reviewed. National, regional, and field personnel at NWS offices non-collocated with an ASOS, may not hold an observing certificate because of their position and work within the surface observing program.
a. The supervisory field office data acquisition program managers (DAPM) and hydro-meteorological technicians (HMT) (or other inspectors designated by the MIC) are responsible for visits to staffed observing stations to review the observational programs and procedures, including the backup or augmentation of an automated system. They will also check to ensure that the proper site exposure is maintained, e.g., whether new construction has caused an obstruction, and note any conditions that would adversely affect the performance of the observing sensors. Electronics technicians (ET) are responsible for visits to staffed and unstaffed automated observing stations for calibration of all equipment and for ensuring continuous proper exposure of the surface observing sensors.
b. Calibration, and the proper sensor exposure of the AWOS, is solely the responsibility of the FAA.
3. Pre-Inspection Activity and Guidelines.
3.1 Advance Notification of Inspection. The MIC at each NWS field office and/or the supervising person of all other surface observing programs (e.g., FAA tower chief, airport manager, etc.) scheduled for inspection should be notified of each planned visit as far in advance as possible. The MIC of the NWS office must also be notified of any planned visits in their CWA. Any changes in the visitation schedule should also be brought to the attention of the field station. Whenever practical, visits should be scheduled so that the MIC and/or the supervisor of the surface observing program may be contacted both before the inspector begins work at the station and again just prior to departure.
3.2 Advance Preparation for Inspection. Prior to making an inspection, the person designated as the inspector should review all pertinent information regarding the station. Such advance preparation will permit the inspector, in many cases, to concentrate efforts in the particular station's known problem areas, thereby making better use of time. Advance preparation activities should include the following:
a. Consider type of observing program to be inspected and forms and checklists required (e.g., WS Form B-32, WS Form B-33, WS Form B-1, visibility charts, etc.).
b. Ensure all manuals and forms to be used are the correct ones and up to date (WSOH #7, WSOH #8, FAA Order 7900.5, etc.).
c. Review previous surface program inspection report.
d. Review reports from other regional and local forecast office personnel recently visiting the station.
e. Review station personnel roster, making note of recent personnel changes. (Note: It is desirable for the inspector to recognize the names of all the observing and supervisory personnel at the station to be visited.) Prepare a list of certified observers from the regional listing (name, certificate number, and programs certified) for each station to be visited. Review and update each list when checking the observer certificates at the station being visited.
f. Review observing errors detected at the supervising office by use of computer-based "check surface observation" programs or quality control reports from local, regional, and/or national sources.
g. Review appropriate station description, instrumentation, and information forms (e.g., WSOM A-11, NWS Form A-1, NWS Form A-3, r Factors, etc.).
h. Spot check recently transmitted observations and compare them with recorded observations if applicable.
i. Determine the lowest instrument approach minimum (visibility/ceiling) for each station to be visited as published in the "National Ocean Service (NOS) U.S. Terminal Procedures." Compare these values to what is being used at the station.
4. The Observation Site Inspection. The following guidelines are intended to assist inspectors from regional SOD and supervising field offices in maximizing the effectiveness of observation site inspections.
4.1 Frequency and Duration of Inspections. Routine inspection visits for observation program review by regional SOD personnel or their assigned representative should be made to staffed NWS offices at least once every two years. Supervising field office personnel should conduct inspection visits to all staffed surface observing sites at least once each year, with the exception of SAWRS sites that require a minimum of two inspection visits per year (see WSOM chapter
B-14). Additional visits may be required for sites having recent changes in equipment, programs, or personnel, or when records indicate less than a satisfactory observation program exists. Allow sufficient time to completely review the observation program. Since observational programs vary in complexity and/or content, the visitation time will normally vary from a few hours to a full day. Depending on requirements and availability, additional time may be needed for technical assistance.
4.2 Conducting the Surface Observation Program Review.
WS Form B-32, Surface Observations Inspection Guide, is provided to assist the inspector in conducting a complete program review. Use of the form is mandatory. The inspector will find it helpful in that most significant aspects of the program are included in a simple checklist that may be retained for future use. It should also be used as an action item list, and if requested by the site supervisor and copying facilities are available, a copy may be left at the field station. There are seven electronic versions of the form, one generic and six that are specific to different categories of observing programs. The generic version may be used in place of any one of the other six.
a. Six observation program specific versions of the B-32 are available:
(1) Federal manual observation programs (FAA [LAWRS, AFSS, FSS], FCWOS, NWS, NWSCMO).
(2) A-Paid, S-Paid NWS funded manual observation programs.
(3) ASOS augmentation and backup (FAA [LAWRS, AFSS, FSS], FCWOS, NWS, NWSCMO, NF-OBS) observation program.
(4) SAWRS - non-Federal manual observation program.
(5) SAWRS-II - non-Federal backup to ASOS observation program.
(6) BSAWRS - non-Federal backup and/or augmentation of AWOS observation program.
b. The inspection guide includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
(1) Arrangement of Observing Facilities. Determine if the site for taking visual observations satisfies the requirements in WSOM chapter B-11. At airports, evaluate if the location of meteorological sensors complies with requirements established in the Federal Standard for Siting Meteorological Sensors at Airports, FCM-S4-1994, (available through regional SOD, or the Observing Systems Branch, W/OSO14, at WSH). Briefly evaluate the lighting and safety of observing facilities.
(2) Pressure. The pressure/altimetry program is one of the most critical elements at a surface observation site and must be thoroughly checked for equipment and observation procedure accuracy. Many programs depend on accurate pressure observations, and transmitted pressures are used by the FAA and other aviation interests for control and separation of air traffic. Pressure comparisons should be made by the inspector, comparing the traveling standard with the home station standard and back-up instruments on each visit to ensure accurate pressures. Pressure comparisons for the automated observing systems should be accomplished by electronics technicians.
(3) Temperature and Humidity. Proper exposure and accuracy of the temperature and humidity instrumentation (if needed) are critical in surface weather observations. Proper exposure of primary instrumentation and for adequate backup should be checked closely, in accordance with WSOM chapter B-11, and agency specific requirements. For example, the FAA may not require some locations to provide back-up instrumentation for temperature and dewpoint. Temperature comparatives should comply with the station's appropriate observing handbook.
(4) Precipitation. Ensure precipitation equipment (if needed) is properly exposed and adequate back-up equipment is maintained in accordance with WSOM chapter B-11. Observation procedures should be checked for compliance with instructions in the station's appropriate observing handbook.
(5) Wind. Visual checks of the wind equipment (if needed) should be made to determine if readings appear to be accurate and are properly observed. Proper annotation of recording charts (when available) should be checked. Wind sensor exposure should be checked occasionally.
(6) Ceiling. Review exposure and operation of equipment (if needed.) Observation procedures should be monitored, and ceiling height tables should be checked for accuracy if appropriate. If recorder charts are still in use, ensure that they are properly annotated.
(7) Other Equipment and Procedures. Inspect other equipment exposure and observing procedures as outlined in the inspection guides.
(8) Observational Aids and Facilities. Visibility charts should be checked for currency and proper format. Initial and date the charts if they appear to be accurate. Check the criteria for special observations for accuracy. The latest "NOS Instrument Approach Procedures" publication should be used to check the local special criteria.
(9) Preparation of Records. Review a sample of records for completeness, neatness, and accuracy if applicable. To ensure that observations have been correctly disseminated and that errors have been corrected properly on MF1M-10 forms, review several days of transmitted reports with the corresponding days of MF1M-10 forms (exception: most NWS sites will not use forms, they will be backing up automated systems).
(10) General. Time must be allowed to monitor the observer's routine duties for proper and efficient observation methods. At NWS and FAA offices and contract sites, the station should have a set of instructions for observing,
disseminating, and quality control of observations. At NWS supervising offices, the supervision of observing programs should be reviewed with the MIC.
4.3 Critique. Upon completion of the station visitation, the inspector should verbally discuss strengths and discrepancies of the program plus the completed WS Form B-32, Surface Observations Inspection Guide, with the station manager and the supervising observer. At the request of the supervisor, and if copying facilities are available, leave a copy of the WS Form B-32, so corrective actions may be started. A post-inspection report shall be completed as listed in section 5.1.
4.4 Other Station Programs. At the discretion of the RH, the person performing the surface observation's inspection may review other station programs at NWS offices. Procedures for other program areas are included in other chapters of this manual.
5. Post-Inspection Activities.
5.1 Station Inspection Reports. Upon completion of each station visitation, the inspector shall prepare a clearly written or printed narrative report. WS Form B-33, Station Inspection Report, is provided for this purpose. The report shall include:
a. Type of station inspected. Manual (FAA [LAWRS, AFSS, FSS], FCWOS, NWS, NWSCMO, SAWRS, A-PAID, S-PAID) or staffed automated (FAA [LAWRS, AFSS, FSS], FCWOS, NWS, NWSCMO, NF-OBS, BSAWRS, SAWRS-II).
b. The station visited and the dates of the visit (contained in heading).
c. Purpose of visit. Whether a routine, follow-up, or unannounced inspection.
d. Date of last inspection.
e. Station Rating. Excellent, Satisfactory, Conditionally Unsatisfactory, or Unsatisfactory.
f. Persons contacted.
g. Any aspects of the station's program that are
unusually favorable. In this category, include such items as might be adopted at other stations.
h. An objective appraisal of the effectiveness of the surface observing program as conducted at the station. Include a list of deficiencies and for each deficiency identify the office, regional office, or person responsible for corrective action.
i. Specific recommendations on actions, which should be taken by the station or by the regional or appropriate national headquarters (FAA or NWS) to improve the program. These should include instructional changes, facilities improvements, personnel changes, etc.
j. Whenever feasible, photographs of documented deficiencies, e.g., exposure of sensors, safety hazards, etc. These are especially useful for discussion purposes at the RH.
k. Pressure comparison results and verification of visibility charts.
l. A list of all observers and their certificate numbers.
m. Any other information considered pertinent to the program.
n. A concise, overall assessment for the station's rating.
5.2 Action Items. Note any action that should be taken to alleviate deficiencies in programs and skills and any actions contemplated in response to station requests. Establish a target date for the completion of each action and determine the responsible party. Necessary actions and expected completion dates should be outlined in the station inspection report, WS Form B-33.
5.2.1 Required of NWS Offices. All follow-up action items should be accomplished as promptly as possible. Follow up actions by the office should be reported in a memorandum to the SOD as they are accomplished. In case the action is not completed within 30 days after the visit, the station should submit a progress report.
5.2.2 Required of Contract NWS Offices and A-Paid Observers. A copy of the B-33 should be provided to the contractor or paid observer promptly upon return to the home office. A response should be requested by a specified date to close out any action items. A follow-up visit or phone call may also be required to ensure deficiencies are corrected.
5.2.3 For Non-NWS Offices. A copy of the B-33 should be provided to the station's supervisor promptly upon return to the home office. A written response should be requested by a specified date to close out any action items. A follow-up visit may also be required to ensure deficiencies are corrected.
5.2.4 Unsatisfactory or Conditionally Unsatisfactory Rating. If a station is rated unsatisfactory or conditionally unsatisfactory, notify the appropriate regional observing program manager. If the station is an NWS contract, notify the NWS regional contracting officer's technical representative (COTR) as soon as possible. After each unsatisfactory or conditionally unsatisfactory rating, a follow-up inspection should be conducted within 30 days. The follow-up report must address all items rated as unsatisfactory during the first inspection.
a. In the rare case that a station is again rated unsatisfactory during the follow-up inspection, contact the regional observing program manager, and if the location is a NWS contract location, notify the NWS regional COTR immediately. If after two follow-up visits, the program is still unsatisfactory, the observing program should be suspended for that location.
b. When an unsatisfactory rating is given to an FAA station, the regional observing program manager should contact the appropriate FAA Regional Headquarters and apprise them of developments. If, after two follow-up inspection visits, the unsatisfactory condition persists for a particular FAA observing program, the NWS RH and W/OSO14 shall be notified, and the NWS RH shall notify the FAA Regional Headquarters to request that the observing program be suspended.
5.3 Disposition of WS Forms B-32 and B-33. The completed WS Form B-33 shall be submitted to the SOD of the appropriate NWS RH for review and appropriate actions. A copy shall also be forwarded to W/OSO14. These copies should be sent electronically. A copy of the B-32 and B-33 shall also be provided to the station manager of the observing program that was inspected. Additional copies of the completed B-33 form should be made and distributed to other appropriate supervising offices (see regional directives for distribution responsibilities).
a. Completed WS Forms B-32 and B-33 should be retained at the inspecting field offices for at least 2 years and the B-33 should be retained at RH for at least 3 years.
b. The latest Station Inspection Report, regardless of recency, should be retained for information and continuity until appropriately superseded.
6.1 Unannounced Inspections. On an occasional basis, unannounced or surprise inspections may be conducted. These unannounced inspections would be especially useful at contract weather observing locations to ensure performance is at a consistently acceptable level and to identify problem areas that may otherwise not be detected. The inspection official should have reasonable confidence of access to the station prior to the inspection visit being conducted.
a. Unannounced inspections should be considered when a supervisory office has determined that a particular station's program has fallen well below the expected surface observing standards, and all other attempts to correct the situation have been exhausted. For example:
(1) A station is a candidate for an unannounced inspection after a thorough review of the surface observing program has been conducted, and it is evident that the observational program does not conform with the established standards, or it is assessed that critical equipment verifications are not maintained (e.g., pressure comparisons).
(2) There are persistent observing errors as detected by the quality control program at the supervisory office, or by quality control reports from regional and/or national sources, and no effort is apparent from the station to improve despite repeated warnings.
(3) A station has a history of conditionally unsatisfactory or unsatisfactory ratings, constant follow-ups, and no improvement without constant urging.
b. Reports from other sources recently visiting the station, or that maintain contact with the station, indicate irregularities deemed to be serious enough to compromise aviation safety. Reports of uncertified observers, sensors out of calibration, substandard sensors being used, observers sleeping during shifts, or leaving the observing facilities to perform other activities, etc., should alert the supervisory office that an unannounced inspection may be in order to determine whether the performance level of the station meets established standards.
6.2 Station Ratings. The overall rating of a surface observation station should be carefully considered.
a. The following are guidelines for the station evaluation:
(1) Excellent = Should be considered if all answers to WS Form B-32 are "YES or Satisfactory," and in the opinion of the inspector the station exceeds expected standards.
(2) Satisfactory = If the "NO(s)or Unsatisfactory" in WS Form B-32 can be fixed quickly, and in the opinion of the inspectors the station meets expected standards.
(3) Conditionally = If the program has significant Unsatisfactory number of "NO(s) or Unsatisfactory" in WS Form B-32 but not enough to warrant a rating of unsatisfactory. If the program fails to improve to satisfactory within 30 days, an Unsatisfactory rating shall be given.
(4) Unsatisfactory= If numerous "NO(s) or Unsatisfactory" in WS Form B-32 and in the opinion of the inspector, the station overall program does not meet or is below expected standards.
b. The inspector's experience, and knowledge of the observing program, should allow them to detect the strengths and weaknesses of the station and should give the inspectors the ability to recognize aspects of the observing program that may be unusually favorable. The rating of a station should not be determined solely by the number of "YES/Satisfactory" or "NO/Unsatisfactory" answers recorded on WS Form B-32. The "grace periods" listed on the B-32 for certain elements are the time limits for correcting unacceptable conditions. The B-32 remarks section or the B-33 explaining an unsatisfactory rating shall include the grace periods. This chapter is not intended to include every foreseeable situation; a station may be given a particular rating for any good reason that is well documented.