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NAT operating procedures describe requirements for the submission of weather data when using datalink communications and Automatic Dependant Surveillance (ADS). Which meteorological phenomena should be reported by the pilot, either via Controller Pilot Data Link communications (CPDLC) free text or voice?

1. Wind speed and direction
2. OAT
3. Mod or Sev turb
4. Mod or Sev Icing
5. Volcanic Ash
6. Thunderstorms

  • A

    1, 2, 3 and 4.

  • B

    1, 2, 4 and 5.

  • C

    2, 3, 5 and 6.

  • D

    3, 4, 5 and 6.

Routine weather reports are relayed to ATC by datalink communications / ADC automatically without pilot intervention.

  • Wind speed and direction
  • OAT (outside air temperature)

are both part of the routine weather report.

This question is asking however, about the pilot making a report by CPDLC / voice which indicates it is asking about a special air report. These are made when severe or unusual weather is encountered.

See below for the full list of conditions when a special report should be made:


ICAO Doc 4444
4.12 REPORTING OF OPERATIONAL AND METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
4.12.3 Contents of special air-reports

4.12.3.1 Special air-reports shall be made by all aircraft whenever the following conditions are encountered or observed:

a) moderate or severe turbulence; or
b) moderate or severe icing; or
c) severe mountain wave; or
d) thunderstorms, without hail that are obscured, embedded, widespread or in squall lines; or
e) thunderstorms, with hail that are obscured, embedded, widespread or in squall lines; or
f) heavy dust storm or heavy sandstorm; or
g) volcanic ash cloud; or
h) pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption.
i) moderate turbulence; or
j) hail; or
k) cumulonimbus clouds.


NORTH ATLANTIC OPERATIONS AND AIRSPACE MANUAL — CHAPTER 6
6.5 METEOROLOGICAL REPORTS

6.5.2 When an ATS unit establishes an event contract with an aircraft to provide ADS–C position reports, it may also establish an additional periodic report contract (e.g. with a 30 mins interval). Such ADS– C periodic reports, unlike event reports, contain wind and temperature data and thereby satisfy the MET authorities’ requirements for the provision of MET data. However, it must be appreciated that any such automated MET Reports do not include information on any observations of special or non-routine significant meteorological phenomena, such as moderate/severe turbulence or icing, volcanic ash, thunderstorms, etc. Therefore, any flight crew providing position reports via data link, who encounters any such significant meteorological phenomena should report this information via voice or, if appropriate, via a CPDLC free text downlink message. The format to be used for the reporting of such observations should, where appropriate, be by reference to geographical coordinates.

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