Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Friedman to upgrade info system for pilots

Automated ‘voices’ planned for Hailey airport’s control tower

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By PAT MURPHY
Express Staff Writer

Two new automated voice features are on the list of new services planned for Friedman Memorial Airport’s control tower.

They are an Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) and Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS).

Rick Baird, manager of the Hailey airport, said the systems, both broadcast on a VHF radio frequency that pilots can monitor well in advance of takeoff or landing, will ease the load on the tower’s controller staff.

Both will broadcast and be updated continuously as conditions change.

The AWOS will include all local weather conditions.

The ATIS provides pilots with any unusual weather conditions, active runway condition, barometric altimeter setting, ceiling and visibility, any special radio frequencies to be used, time of the conditions report and the alphabetical designation of each broadcast.

For example, with the ATIS in operation, controllers would no longer need to broadcast the same information repeatedly to each pilot contacting the tower. Instead, when pilots contact the Friedman control tower for landing or takeoff, they would give their aircraft type and flight number, and acknowledge they have heard, for example, "Friedman information Alfa" or whatever the latest alphabetical designation is, and be cleared for landing or takeoff.

Baird pointed out that when a number of aircraft are inbound or waiting takeoff, clearances are slowed down as controllers repeat information that the ATIS and AWOS will provide before pilots contact the tower for clearance.

Baird has begun preliminary a study of costs and which manufacturer’s system to buy.

These new services are part of general upgrading at the airport. This fall, Baird said the new Transponder Landing System will be operating to provide pilots with instrument approaches during some inclement weather and thus eliminate being diverted to other airports.

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