AIM Text
- The National Weather Service operates a network of radar sites for detecting coverage, intensity, and movement of precipitation. The network is supplemented by FAA and DoD radar sites in the western sections of the country. Local warning radar sites augment the network by operating on an as needed basis to support warning and forecast programs.
- Scheduled radar observations are taken hourly and transmitted in alpha‐numeric format on weather telecommunications circuits for flight planning purposes. Under certain conditions, special radar reports are issued in addition to the hourly transmittals. Data contained in the reports are also collected by the National Center for Environmental Prediction and used to prepare national radar summary charts for dissemination on facsimile circuits.
- A clear radar display (no echoes) does not mean that there is no significant weather within the coverage of the radar site. Clouds and fog are not detected by the radar. However, when echoes are present, turbulence can be implied by the intensity of the precipitation, and icing is implied by the presence of the precipitation at temperatures at or below zero degrees Celsius. Used in conjunction with other weather products, radar provides invaluable information for weather avoidance and flight planning.
FIG 7-1-10
NEXRAD Coverage
FIG 7-1-11
NEXRAD Coverage
FIG 7-1-12
NEXRAD Coverage
- All En Route Flight Advisory Service facilities and FSSs have equipment to directly access the radar displays from the individual weather radar sites. Specialists at these locations are trained to interpret the display for pilot briefing and inflight advisory services. The Center Weather Service Units located in ARTCCs also have access to weather radar displays and provide support to all air traffic facilities within their center's area.
- For more detailed information on PIREPS, users can refer to the current version of the Aviation Weather Handbook, FAA-H-8083-28.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-1-11.
The short answer
AIM 7-1-11 is FAA advisory guidance describing National Weather Service weather radar services — a network of radar sites, supplemented by FAA and DoD radars, that detects coverage, intensity, and movement of precipitation. It explains that radar does not detect clouds or fog, that a clear display does not mean no significant weather, and that turbulence and icing can be implied from precipitation intensity and temperature.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Does a clear weather radar display mean the sky is clear?
No. Per the AIM, a clear radar display with no echoes does not mean there is no significant weather within the radar's coverage, because clouds and fog are not detected by the radar.
Can weather radar detect turbulence and icing?
The AIM notes that when echoes are present, turbulence can be implied by the intensity of the precipitation, and icing is implied by the presence of precipitation at temperatures at or below zero degrees Celsius — radar implies rather than directly measures these hazards.
How often are scheduled radar observations taken?
According to the AIM, scheduled radar observations are taken hourly and transmitted in alphanumeric format on weather telecommunications circuits for flight planning, with special radar reports issued under certain conditions in addition to the hourly transmittals.