Aviation Weather Services

Question 1

What does AWBS stand for?

Answer 1

Aviation Weather Briefing Service

These services (weather briefings and flight planning) are provided by FICs via toll-free access

Question 2

There are four FIC locations accross Canada which service the five Flight Informaton Regions (FIR). What locations are they and how do you reach them?

Answer 2

Quebec
London
Edmonton
Kamloops

Just call 1-866-WXBRIEF and it will automatically connect you to the one closest to you

Question 3

What are FISE?

Answer 3

See picture. You can call them en-route on one of their frequencies to give you info in the air

Question 4

What does a FISE frequency look like on a map and what would you say when you call them up (if you were calling the one on this map)?

Answer 4

Pacific Radio this is Cessna 172 FAUX, with you on the Smithers RCO

They may be talking to pilots on multiple channels so you need to specify which frequency you are on

Question 5

What is the difference between FIC/FISE and FSS?

Answer 5

• FSS are located as Class E control zones
• In addition to all the weather and info the FIC/FISE can give us, FSS can also provide Aerodrome Advisory Services (AAS)

Question 6

How do you tell on a map that there is a physical FSS at a location?

Answer 6

A big thick box around the info

Question 7

What system is replacing AWWS for weather info for pilots?

Answer 7

Collaborative Flight Planning Services (CFPS)

Question 8

What does CAVOK mean?

Answer 8

• No cloud below 5000ft AGL
• No cloud below the highest minimum sector altitude (MSA)
• Visibility of 6+ SM
• No precip, storms, CBs, shallow fog, or low drifting snow

Question 9

What is a VOLMET broadcast?

Answer 9