Section 1. General

1. FAA-NWS AGREEMENT

By interagency agreement, FAA and NWS cooperate in providing aviation meteorological services to the aviation public. This cooperation is designed to provide maximum service within the combined capabilities of the two agencies.

1. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORITY

1. FSS personnel must obtain a certificate of authority from the FAA before performing the following functions:

1. Weather observing.
2. Pilot weather briefing.

1. LIAISON WITH AVIATION INTERESTS

1. Because of their aviation service responsibilities, FSS supervisors should establish and maintain cordial relations with aviation interests within their flight plan areas. They should keep apprised of aviation users' weather and aeronautical information needs and assist them in making effective use of the available services. This liaison should include other FAA facilities, NWS facilities, airport management, airline and military operations offices, fixed base operators, pilot organizations, and Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
2. Some aviation operations (e.g., emergency medical flights) require time critical services. Immediate dispatch of the mission is imperative and delays in obtaining required weather and aeronautical information may be life endangering. FSS managers must cooperate to the fullest extent possible with organizations making requests for special arrangements to satisfy their requirement.

1. TELEPHONE LISTINGS

FSS air traffic managers must ensure that appropriate telephone numbers are properly listed in telephone directories (including yellow pages when applicable) and in the Chart Supplement. In Alaska, include Fast File in local directories where that service is available. Numbers should always be listed under the subheading Flight Service Station under United States Government, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. When possible, list the primary pilot weather briefing number under the Frequently Requested Numbers section at the beginning of United States Government listings.

1. MINIMUM WEATHER EQUIPMENT

FSSs taking basic weather observations must have:

1. A ceilometer (balloons and ceiling lights are acceptable until replaced).
2. A hygrothermometer and a sling psychrometer for use in the event the hygrothermometer is inoperative.
3. A wind direction and speed system. (A gust recorder, if required, will be furnished by NWS.)
4. A standard 8‐inch rain gauge (furnished by NWS if the station reports precipitation).
5. An altimeter setting indicator and a traceable pressure standard. (A barograph, if required, will be furnished by NWS.)

1. SUPPLY-SUPPORT

Equipment used exclusively for aviation observations will be procured, installed, operated, maintained, and supply‐supported by FAA. Observational equipment; e.g., AWOS/ASOS systems, Stand Alone Weather Sensors (SAWS), etc., serving multiple NWS/FAA purposes will be procured, installed, maintained, and supply‐supported by NWS unless otherwise agreed to. To the maximum extent possible, each agency should avail itself of the facilities offered by the other in contracting for, installing, maintaining, and supply-supporting observational equipment on a non-reimbursable basis where appropriate.