AIM Text
The Weather Systems Processor (WSP) was developed for use in the National Airspace System to provide weather processor enhancements to selected Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-9 facilities. The WSP provides Air Traffic with warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts. The WSP also provides users with terminal area 6-level weather, storm cell locations and movement, as well as the location and predicted future position and intensity of wind shifts that may affect airport operations.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-23.
Research Notes
AIM 4-1-23 covers Weather Systems Processor — the FAA Weather Systems Processor that integrates multiple weather data sources for ATC use.
Purpose: Combines radar, terminal Doppler radar, lightning detection, and pilot reports into a unified weather picture for controllers. Helps with traffic flow decisions, weather avoidance routing, and severe weather alerts.
Pilot impact: Controllers use WSP data to issue weather routing suggestions and to time TFR issuance. Most beneficial during severe weather events.
Reference: AIM 4-1-23.