Section 4. Broadcasts

14-4-1. STATION BROADCASTS

Facility air traffic managers must select the specific reports to be included in the Scheduled Weather Broadcast (SWB) and the Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB). Include in each type broadcast a sufficient number of reports to serve the users' needs. The selection of the reports and any proposed changes must be coordinated with known users of the station broadcast. In addition, facility air traffic managers at TWEB transcribing locations must coordinate with facility air traffic managers at remote outlets to ensure adequate service to the users in all areas covered by the TWEB facility. The reports should be broadcast in clockwise order, beginning with the report nearest to but east of true north from the broadcast station. Changes may be implemented immediately unless prior Flight Services Operations Area Office approval is required.

14-4-2. COORDINATE WITH WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE (WFO) (ALASKA ONLY)

FSS air traffic managers at TWEB transcribing locations must coordinate with the associated WFO to ensure that TWEB forecast texts are adjusted as requirements change.

14-4-3. COMMERCIAL BROADCAST STATIONS

Requests to broadcast scheduled or transcribed weather broadcasts which may be useful to the aviation community may be approved on an individual basis provided:

a. Any such request is coordinated with the FAA and the NWS regional office before approval.

b. The radio station identifies the source of the information.

c. The broadcast is confined to within 1 hour of the time announced on the TWEB or the SWB.

d. If feasible, the broadcast is not identified or associated with a sponsor. The FAA and the NWS prefer such a program be carried as a public service feature of the standard broadcast station.

e. No commercial broadcast station or other special equipment is located in the FSS.

f. FAA personnel must not make direct or recorded broadcasts regularly over a standard broadcast station. A waiver to this policy must be approved by the respective Flight Services Operations Area Office and the Vice President of Flight Services.

NOTE-
TWEB procedures apply only to FSS facilities in Alaska.

14-4-4. REDUCING RECORDED WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICES

Recorded weather services are TWEB (Alaska only) and TIBS. These services are very valuable and cost effective when utilized by the aviation community. The following guidelines will assist facility managers when adjusting services.

a. Minimum service hours for recorded weather services must be from 0600 thru 1800 local. Waivers must not be granted.

b. The facility manager may increase or reduce services between the hours of 1800 thru 0600 hours. To assist in the decision process the manager must proactively solicit user input at least twice annually.

c. A record summarizing the semi-annual solicitation activities must be maintained to justify and support the decision process and resultant changes in service. The record must contain an evaluation section with conclusions, as statement of actions taken in response to the information, and a 60-day follow-up plan to verify use of the requested services.

d. The record must be retained locally for three years then destroyed.

e. When services are added in direct response to a request for services from local aviators and the 60-day evaluation determines a lack of use or very low use, prior to discontinuing the new services discuss the issues with the group's representative.