FOUR COUNTY AIRPORTS TO RECEIVE AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVATION SYSTEMS

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy    Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich Office:  (213) 974-5555  Cell: (213) 215-5176    E-mail:  tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 18, 2008                                                                            For Immediate Release

 

 

FOUR COUNTY AIRPORTS TO RECEIVE

AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVATION SYSTEMS

 

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – To improve safety at the four County operated regional airports, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the construction and installation of an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at Brackett Field, Compton/Woodley, El Monte, and Whiteman Airport, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

           

The system automatically measures meteorological parameters, reduces and analyzes the data via a powerful computer, and broadcasts aviation weather reports for aircraft at all hours.  It will also update weather observation technology to current aviation industry standards and will serve as the primary surface weather-observing network to enhance airport traffic control operations.

 

Currently this information is not available at Compton/Woodley Airport, and is only available to aircraft during operational hours of the air traffic control towers at Brackett Field, EI Monte, and Whiteman Airports.

 

Each AWOS is estimated to cost $150,000.  The Board’s action directs the Department of Public Works to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Grant for $600,000. 

 

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