AMDAR Observing System Resources

Contents

Links

1. WMO AMDAR References
2. AMDAR System Standards
3. AMDAR Programme Development
4. News & Newsletters
5. WMO ABO Forums
6. Papers and References

AMDAR Papers & References

Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Reference Manual- Developed by the WMO AMDAR Panel and published by WMO in 2003. Most material will be migrated into the WIGOS regulatory material and the Guide on Instruments and Methods of Observation, WMO-No 8.

Sections relevant to Aircraft-based Observations:

• PART III, Section 2.6 Aircraft Meteorological Stations

Sections relevant to Aircraft-based Observations:

• PART III, Section 3.4 Aircraft Meteorological Stations

Sections relevant to Aircraft-based Observations:

• PART II, Chapter 3, Aircraft Observations [via FTP]

WMO is currently working with the CBS Technical Commission and the Expert Team on Aircraft-based Observations to specify the AMDAR Onboard Software Functional Requirements Specification, which will become the primary WMO standard for AMDAR onboard software. The specification is being drafted by a consultant under a WMO Special Services Agreement (SSA) under a Description of Work, Compilation of a Generic Specification of Functional Requirements for AMDAR Software, developed by the AMDAR Panel.

It is expected that this standard will become available in the 2nd quarter of 2013.

This document contains the specifications for the AMDAR onboard software, Meteorological Report (version 1 to 5) (excerpt) from the AEEC 620-7 Data Link Ground System Standard and Interface Specification (DGSS/IS).

This specification defines one of two existing WMO developed standards for AMDAR onboard software. The other is the AAA (ACARS Aircraft AMDAR) standard.

Relevant sections for AMDAR are:

• Chapter 4
  • Section 4.3.9: Command uplink formats for Met. Report versions 2 and 3;
  • Section 4.3.10: Command uplink format for Met. Report version 4;
  • Section 4.3.11: Command uplink format for Met. Report version 5;
• Chapters 5
  • Section 5.3.13.1 : Met. Report downlink format version 1;
  • Section 5.3.14.2 : Met. Report downlink format version 2;
  • Section 5.3.14.3: Met. Report downlink format version 3;
  • Section 5.3.14.4: Met. Report downlink format version 4;
  • Section 5.3.14.5: Met. Report downlink format version 5;
• Appendix G: Uplink Control Programming Notes for version 4 Onboard Software - relevant to Met. Report versions 4 and 5;
• Appendix H: Meteorological Report Compression - describes the Base 40 character compression technique and the downlink compressed formats for Met. Report versions 4 and 5.

This document provides the onboard AMDAR software specification for ACARS Aircraft AMDAR Version 3 (AAA V3).

AAA V3 software applications have been developed by AirDatec and implemented for Qantas and Jetstar Airbus and Boeing fleets, South African Airways Airbus fleets and British Airways fleets.

This document provides the onboard AMDAR software specification for ACARS Aircraft AMDAR version 2 (AAA V2).

AAA V2 software applications were developed for British Airways and South African Airways (SAA) by AirDatec but were installed on the SAA Airbus fleets only, which have subsequently been updated to AAA V3.

Over 2012, the AMDAR Panel & CBS Expert Team on Aircraft-based Observations defined the Terms of Reference for a Study on AMDAR Coverage and Targeting for Future Airline Recruitment. The work was undertaken by an aviation consultant under a WMO Special Services Agreement and the resulting report will form the basis and be used as a strategic tool in endeavours to expand and enhance global AMDAR coverage.

The report and appendix are tabled at the link and can be downloaded from the FTP site in whole or in part.

AMDAR/ARINC620-Compatible Hardware and Software
Request for Details

This document was developed in consultation with avionics specialists and provides a list of onboard avionics systems that are known or expected to be capable of hosting AMDAR onboard software applications.

It is recommended that prospective AMDAR Programme developers provide this document to airlines to complete and return it to the Secretariat for further advice.

The CBS Implementation Plan for the Evolution of the Global Observing System has been developed "...to outline the key activities to be implemented during the period 2012 to 2025 aiming at maintaining and developing all WMO component observing systems..."

Section 5.3.1.3 (Aircraft Meteorological Stations) in particular provides Actions G19 to G24 that identify the key developmental actions and strategies for global, regional and national AMDAR programme development.

The document is available in English, French, Spanish and Russian.

Online Google Site available to AMDAR Focal Points. The site contains information and resources for operational and prospective WMO AMDAR programme developers that includes:

• WMO ABO Work Program projects;
• Additional presentations, documents and papers related to aircraft-based and AMDAR observations and observing systems; and
• Additional information on meetings.

Access is provided to AMDAR Focal Points on request via email notification.

WMO Google Groups email list for WMO Aircraft-based Observation Focal Points.

Focal Points are added to this group by the Secretariat.

The online Google Groups forum is available here, for those members that register their membership email address via a Google Account.

WMO Google Groups email list for WMO Aircraft-based Observation Focal Points with operational AMDAR programmes.

Focal Points are added to this group by the Secretariat.

The online Google Groups forum is available here, for those members that register their membership email address via a Google Account.

WMO Google Groups email list providing WMO Members with information on aircraft-based and AMDAR data quality monitoring. The forum is used for posting of monthly data quality monitoring reports and ad hoc discussion on data quality issues.

The forum is available to AMDAR Focal Points and GTS users and managers of aircraft-based observational data.

Members are added to the Google Group email list by the Secretariat upon application. AMDAR Focal Points are made members of this group.

It is recommended that NMHSs provide a group email alias for membership of this group so that individual membership is controlled by the NMHS.

The online Google Groups forum is available here, for those members that register their membership email address via a Google Account.