AWOS Sensor
Sensors for wind, visibility, temperature, pressure, humidity and other parameters per the selected weather-system configuration.
View Details Airfield Meteorological Systems
Wind & Visibility Display for Airport Operations
Clear, continuously updated airport meteorological information
Wind and Visibility Display systems present airport meteorological information to operational, maintenance and airfield personnel. The display can receive data from an AWOS, weather processor, visibility sensor, RVR system or other approved source and show selected parameters in an easy-to-read format.
Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions
Product Overview
Wind & Visibility Display
What It Does
Wind and Visibility Display systems provide clear, continuously updated presentation of airport meteorological information for operational, maintenance and airfield personnel.
Configurations are selected according to the required meteorological parameters, viewing distance, installation environment, communication interface and airport system architecture.
Standalone or Networked
The system can be used as a standalone local display or as part of a wider airport weather-monitoring and information network.
Applications
Where Displays Are Used
- Airport operations rooms
- Airfield control environments
- Meteorological stations
- Airport maintenance facilities
- Air traffic service support areas
- Airport engineering offices
- Runway operations facilities
- Apron and airside operational areas
- AWOS installations
- RVR monitoring systems
- Airport weather information networks
Select the configuration according to the intended users, viewing distance, available data sources and operational requirements.
Typical Displayed Parameters
Determined by the Connected Weather System
Wind Information
- Wind direction
- Wind speed
- Wind gust
- Variable wind information
- Wind trend
- Measurement status
Visibility Information
- Prevailing visibility
- Visibility value
- Visibility trend
- Visibility status
- Selected sensor information
RVR Information
Where connected to an RVR system:
- Runway visual range
- Runway identifier
- Measurement position
- RVR status
- Sensor availability
- Associated operational information
Additional Meteorological Information
Depending on system architecture, the display may also show:
- Temperature
- Dew point
- Relative humidity
- Atmospheric pressure
- Present weather
- Cloud-related information
- Sensor status
- System alarms
The exact parameters are determined by the connected meteorological system and project requirements.
Key Features
Built for Operational Use
Clear Meteorological PresentationLarge, high-contrast information areas for quick recognition of important weather parameters.
Real-Time DataContinuously updates information from the connected weather or RVR processing system.
Configurable Data LayoutLayout selected for required parameters, operating environment and viewing distance.
Multiple Data SourcesCan receive from AWOS, RVR, visibility sensors or other approved meteorological systems.
Communication InterfaceDigital interfaces selected to match the connected airport weather system.
Local or Central DisplayInstalled locally or integrated into a centralised meteorological information environment.
Status IndicationWhere supported, indicates sensor availability, communication condition, invalid data or alarms.
Continuous OperationEquipment selected for continuous operation in airport operational environments.
Display Configuration
Architecture Matched to the Application
Single-Station DisplayA localised monitoring position where information from one airport weather station is required.
Multi-Parameter DisplaySeveral meteorological parameters presented simultaneously for operational personnel.
Multi-Runway DisplaySelected information from multiple runway measurement locations where the source system supports it.
RVR DisplayRunway visual range from an RVR processor or visibility measurement system.
Networked DisplayMultiple displays connected to a common airport information network where required.
System Architecture
From Sensor to Display
Standard AWOS
AWOS Sensors → Weather Processor → Wind & Visibility Display
RVR Applications
RVR / Transmissometer → RVR Processor → Wind & Visibility Display
Integrated Airport Weather
AWOS + RVR + Meteorological Systems → Data/Interface Layer → Display System
The exact architecture depends on the airport's existing equipment and communication infrastructure.
Technical Data
Specification Summary
| Parameter | Typical Configuration |
|---|---|
| Primary function | Visual presentation of airport meteorological information |
| Display type | Industrial / operational display, configuration dependent |
| Display size | Selected according to viewing distance and application |
| Display technology | LED/LCD or other approved technology, model dependent |
| Displayed parameters | Wind, visibility, RVR and other configured meteorological data |
| Wind data | Direction, speed and gust where available |
| Visibility data | Visibility value and status where available |
| RVR data | RVR value and measurement location where configured |
| Data source | AWOS, weather processor, RVR processor or approved system |
| Communication | Ethernet, serial or other supported interface |
| Power supply | According to selected display configuration |
| Mounting | Wall, panel, console, rack or other project-specific arrangement |
| Environmental rating | Selected according to installation location |
| Operating mode | Continuous monitoring |
| Status indication | Data, communication and system status where supported |
| Dimensions | Model and screen-size dependent |
| Weight | Model dependent |
Note: Exact display size, resolution, brightness, viewing angle, communication protocol, power consumption, environmental rating, dimensions and mounting arrangement should be confirmed against the selected equipment's current technical documentation.
Data Presentation
Wind, Visibility and RVR
Wind Data
An immediately visible representation of current wind conditions. Depending on source data:
- Current wind direction
- Current wind speed
- Maximum or gust wind speed
- Wind direction variation
- Wind measurement status
- Sensor identification
May be numerical, graphical or a combination.
Visibility Data
From an approved airport visibility sensor or weather-processing system:
- Current visibility
- Visibility units
- Measurement status
- Sensor identification
- Data validity
- Communication status
Where there are multiple measurement locations, the display can identify the corresponding point.
RVR
An operational display interface for RVR information where the architecture supports it:
- Runway designation
- RVR measurement position
- Current RVR
- Sensor status
- Data validity
- Communication condition
The RVR calculation remains the responsibility of the approved RVR processing architecture; the display is the visual presentation interface. Where an RVR system has more than one measuring position (touchdown zone, mid-point, stop-end), label each position, and show values beyond the reportable range (above the maximum or below the minimum) as the source system and Annex 3 reporting conventions require rather than as a plain number.
Confirm display units and averaging periods with the source system; wind is normally shown in knots or m/s, and RVR and visibility in metres. Displays used by the meteorological office and air traffic services for the same parameter should be fed from the same sensors so that all users see matching values. Wind direction on local and ATS displays is normally referenced to magnetic north, whereas METAR/SPECI reports use true north (ICAO Annex 3), and averaging periods also differ (typically 2 minutes for local reports, 10 minutes for METAR); label the reference and averaging period on the display. A display does not replace the wind direction indicator required at the aerodrome by Annex 14, Volume I (§5.1.1).
Communication & Network Integration
Match the Source System
Communication Interfaces
Select according to the communication method used by the source system:
- Ethernet
- TCP/IP
- RS-232
- RS-422
- RS-485
- Other manufacturer-specific digital interfaces
Confirm the exact protocol with the AWOS, RVR processor, weather processor or other source equipment. For retrofits, identify existing protocols before selection.
Network Integration
Networked displays can form part of an airport meteorological information infrastructure. Design considerations:
- Airport LAN connection
- Network addressing
- Data routing
- Network redundancy
- Communication monitoring
- Access control
- Network segmentation
- Remote diagnostics
- System cybersecurity requirements
Coordinate with the airport IT and communications team.
Installation Options
Mounting Arrangements
Wall MountingOperations rooms, meteorological offices and maintenance facilities.
Panel MountingIntegrated control panels and airport equipment consoles.
Rack / Cabinet MountingCentralised airport systems where the display is part of a larger assembly.
Console MountingOperational desks and control-room environments.
The mounting arrangement should provide suitable viewing angle, accessibility, cable routing, ventilation and maintenance clearance.
Environmental & Electrical Requirements
Suited to the Installation Location
Environmental Exposure
Display equipment in airport environments may be exposed to:
- Temperature variation
- Humidity
- Dust
- Vibration
- Electromagnetic interference
- Continuous operation
- Power disturbances
Choose an environmental rating appropriate to the location. Indoor control-room installations generally differ from outdoor or semi-exposed airfield installations.
Electrical Requirements
Provide a suitable, protected power supply. Considerations:
- Input voltage
- AC/DC supply
- Power consumption
- UPS supply where required
- Overcurrent protection
- Surge protection
- Earthing
- Power redundancy for critical applications
Requirements are model dependent and confirmed during technical selection.
System Status & Alarms
Where Supported by the System Architecture
- Valid data
- Invalid data
- Sensor failure
- Communication failure
- Source-system failure
- RVR unavailable
- Network failure
- Display-system fault
Status information should be clearly differentiated from actual meteorological measurements to avoid misinterpretation by operational personnel.
Commissioning
A Typical Procedure
- Physical inspection — mounting, equipment condition, cable, power and network connections, identification labels
- Power test — correct supply and normal startup
- Communication test — display to source system
- Data test — wind direction and speed, visibility, RVR where applicable, other parameters
- Status test — indication of valid, unavailable or faulty data
- End-to-end test — sensor through weather processor and communication system to the display
Maintenance
Routine Activities
Display InspectionDisplay face, brightness, readability, enclosure, mounting and physical condition.
Communication CheckCommunication with the connected AWOS, RVR or weather-processing system.
Data VerificationDisplayed values correspond to source-system information.
Cable InspectionPower, network, serial and other interface connections.
Configuration ReviewRecords of configuration, source addresses, communication parameters and software/firmware versions.
Functional TestingPeriodic operational testing per the airport maintenance programme.
Troubleshooting
Symptoms, Causes and Actions
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Display is blank | Power supply failure | Check power input and protection |
| No meteorological data | Communication failure | Check source system and communication link |
| Wind data unavailable | AWOS/wind sensor issue | Check sensor and weather processor |
| Visibility unavailable | Visibility sensor or processor fault | Check visibility system |
| RVR unavailable | RVR processor/interface fault | Check RVR system and data connection |
| Incorrect displayed values | Data mapping/configuration issue | Verify source data and interface configuration |
| Intermittent data | Network or cable problem | Inspect communication infrastructure |
| Alarm indication | Source or communication fault | Review system status and diagnostics |
| Display difficult to read | Brightness, display or environmental issue | Check display settings and equipment condition |
Retrofit & Upgrade Applications
Modernising an Obsolete or Incompatible Display
Retrofit Assessment Considers
- Existing AWOS
- Existing RVR system
- Current display equipment
- Communication protocol
- Network infrastructure
- Available mounting space
- Power supply
- Required display parameters
- Existing control-room arrangement
- Future system expansion
Approach
Wind and Visibility Displays can be used where an existing display system is obsolete or incompatible with new weather equipment.
Where practical, the display should be selected to integrate with existing meteorological infrastructure without unnecessary replacement of functioning field sensors.
Procurement Checklist
Before Specifying a Wind & Visibility Display
Please confirm:
- Display location
- Viewing distance
- Required display size
- Required meteorological parameters
- Number of runways
- Number of measurement locations
- AWOS interface
- RVR interface
- Communication protocol
- Ethernet requirements
- Serial interface requirements
- Data update rate
- Display brightness
- Mounting arrangement
- Power supply
- UPS requirement
- Environmental conditions
- Network requirements
- Redundancy requirements
- Required alarms/status indications
- Maintenance access
- Required documentation
Documentation & Standards
Supply Package and References
Typical Supply Package
- Product datasheet
- Technical specification
- Display configuration
- Communication/interface specification
- Data-point list
- Network/interface details
- Installation drawing
- Mounting details
- Wiring diagram
- Operation manual
- Maintenance manual
- Commissioning procedure
- Factory test documentation
- Site acceptance test documentation
- Recommended spare-parts list
Standards and References
Integrate according to the requirements applicable to the airport's meteorological and operational information systems. References may include:
- ICAO Annex 3 – Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation
- ICAO Annex 14, Volume I – Aerodrome Design and Operations
- ICAO Doc 9837 – Manual on Automatic Meteorological Observing Systems at Aerodromes
- ICAO Doc 9328 – Manual of Runway Visual Range Observing and Reporting Practices
- Applicable national civil aviation authority requirements
- Airport-specific meteorological system specifications
- AWOS/RVR system manufacturer requirements
- Airport IT and communications requirements
Confirm the applicable edition and project-specific requirements during engineering and procurement.
Why Choose Precision AGL Solutions
Configured Around Your Information Architecture
We support airport meteorological display projects with configurations selected around the actual airport information architecture. Support can include:
- Display selection
- AWOS interface review
- RVR interface review
- Communication compatibility assessment
- Network integration
- Display layout configuration
- Retrofit assessment
- Installation support
- Commissioning assistance
- Maintenance planning
The objective is clear, reliable presentation of the meteorological information required by airport operational and maintenance personnel.
FAQ
Wind & Visibility Display — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wind & Visibility Display?
It presents continuously updated airport meteorological information to operational, maintenance and airfield personnel. It can receive data from an AWOS, weather processor, visibility sensor, RVR system or other approved source, and can be used as a standalone local display or as part of a wider airport weather network.
What parameters can it show?
Wind direction, speed, gust and variable wind information, visibility values and status, and RVR with runway identifier and measurement position where connected to an RVR system. Depending on the architecture it may also show temperature, dew point, relative humidity, pressure, present weather, cloud information, sensor status and alarms. The exact parameters are determined by the connected meteorological system.
Does the display calculate RVR or visibility?
No. The RVR calculation remains the responsibility of the approved RVR processing architecture, and the display is the visual presentation interface. The accuracy and validity of displayed information depend on the connected sensors, weather processor, RVR system and communication interface.
How is it connected to an AWOS or RVR system?
Typical chains are AWOS sensors, weather processor and display, or RVR transmissometer, RVR processor and display. Interfaces can include Ethernet, TCP/IP, RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 or other manufacturer-specific digital interfaces. Confirm the exact protocol with the source equipment, and for retrofits identify existing protocols before selection.
Should wind direction on the display be magnetic or true?
Wind direction on local and ATS displays is normally referenced to magnetic north, whereas METAR and SPECI reports use true north (ICAO Annex 3). Averaging periods also differ, typically 2 minutes for local reports and 10 minutes for METAR, so label the reference and averaging period on the display.
Does the display replace the windsock?
No. A display does not replace the wind direction indicator required at the aerodrome by Annex 14, Volume I (paragraph 5.1.1).
What units and RVR conventions should be used?
Wind is normally shown in knots or m/s, and RVR and visibility in metres. Where an RVR system has more than one measuring position (touchdown zone, mid-point, stop-end), label each position, and show values beyond the reportable range as the source system and Annex 3 reporting conventions require. Confirm display units and averaging periods with the source system.
How does the display show faulty or invalid data?
Where the architecture supports it, it can indicate valid or invalid data, sensor failure, communication failure, source-system failure, RVR unavailable, network failure and display-system faults. Status information should be clearly differentiated from actual meteorological measurements to avoid misinterpretation.
How can it be mounted?
Wall, panel, console, and rack or cabinet mounting are available. The arrangement should provide a suitable viewing angle, accessibility, cable routing, ventilation and maintenance clearance, and the environmental rating should suit the installation location.
What are common faults and what should be checked?
A blank display points to power supply failure, so check power input and protection. No meteorological data points to a communication failure, so check the source system and link. Incorrect displayed values suggest a data mapping or configuration issue, so verify the source data and interface configuration. Intermittent data suggests a network or cable problem.
Which standards and references apply?
References include ICAO Annex 3, ICAO Annex 14 Volume I, ICAO Doc 9837 (automatic meteorological observing systems at aerodromes), ICAO Doc 9328 (RVR observing and reporting practices), national civil aviation authority requirements and the AWOS or RVR manufacturer requirements. See also the AWOS sensor page.
What should I specify when requesting a display?
The display location and viewing distance, required size and meteorological parameters, number of runways and measurement locations, AWOS and RVR interfaces, communication protocol, data update rate, brightness, mounting, power supply and UPS requirement, environmental conditions, network and redundancy requirements, alarms and status indications, and required documentation.
Procurement Information for Indian Projects
Indian public tenders commonly ask for the documents below. State which ones your tender requires when you send the enquiry, so they are covered in the quotation.
- Manufacturer / OEM authorisation
- Country of origin and local-content declaration (for Make in India purchase preference)
- Type-test and routine-test certificates, and the FAA / ICAO / IEC compliance documents named in the specification
- Datasheets, drawings and installation instructions
- Warranty, delivery period and spares support
- GeM catalogue or tender-portal requirements, where applicable
Request Display and Interface Configuration
Planning a new airport weather display, replacing an existing meteorological display, or integrating AWOS and RVR information into an operational control environment? Share your display location, viewing distance, meteorological parameters, existing AWOS/RVR equipment and communication interface, and we can help define the display format, communication interface, mounting arrangement, system integration and supporting equipment.
- Emailprecisionaglsolutions@gmail.com
- Websiterahulsharmaagl.in
- LinkedInPrecision AGL Solutions
- Phone+91 98214 96412
Engineering Note
A Wind & Visibility Display is a presentation component within the wider airport meteorological information system. The accuracy and validity of displayed information depend on the connected sensors, weather processor, RVR system, communication interface and approved data-processing architecture.
Exact display specifications, communication protocols, supported data points, environmental ratings and mounting arrangements should therefore be confirmed against the selected manufacturer's current technical documentation and the airport's project specification.
Product Disclaimer
Product availability, configuration, dimensions, electrical characteristics, photometric performance, certifications and compliance status depend on the selected manufacturer and project specification. The technical values published on this page should not be treated as a substitute for the manufacturer's current approved Technical Data Sheet.
Final selection shall be based on the approved project specification, applicable aviation standards, authority requirements, manufacturer documentation and site conditions. Use of this page is also subject to the Legal Notice, Disclaimer & Terms of Use.
Standards and editions referenced on this site are listed on the Standards Reference page.