Abstract: A method for providing environmental data to a vehicle such as an aircraft is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a vehicle to provide environmental data, and defining a route plan vicinity area as a part of a coverage polygon. The method further includes receiving alternate/back-up destinations selected from a list and defining and including in the coverage polygon one or more connection areas between the route plan vicinity area and the selected alternate/back-up destinations. The method smooths the coverage polygon and assembles environmental data for the smoothed coverage polygon. The assembled environmental data is sent to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method to identify the proximity of a wake turbulence and to generate a report relative to that proximity. A method implemented by an aircraft comprising a processor makes it possible to identify the proximity of a wake turbulence and to generate a report relative to that proximity. The method includes a data acquisition step during which the processor retrieves and records the data relative to each generating aircraft present around the aircraft. In a position estimation step, the processor estimates the position of the wake turbulences generated by each generating aircraft. In a proximity step, the processor determines if the aircraft is close to at least one of the wake turbulences. In a generation step, the processor generates a report containing the data relative to each wake turbulence. The method makes it possible to identify the proximity of a wake turbulence in the vicinity of the aircraft and to automatically record the data relative to that wake turbulence.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a plurality of vendors located remotely from a broadcast network. A plurality of user-defined parameters are received by a user input database with at least one of the user-defined parameters including a user profile. Each of the user profiles includes a user identifier code identifying a communicator device associated with a particular user. Real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices is received by a communicator location database. Search information is received independently from a plurality of vendors and a data set is generated for each vendor.

Abstract: A aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. A processor can process weather radar data representative of weather conditions. An avionic display can display graphical elements representing the weather conditions in response to the processor. The display can provide at least one first graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a first level. The display can provide at least one second graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a second level. The size of the second graphical element can have a minimal displayable size or can be determined using an inflation factor.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for positioning a heading-based image within a track-based image and for generating steering commands for a forward-looking image capture device of an enhanced vision system (“EVS”). The positioning system is comprised of a source of navigation data, a source of first image data representative of a track-based image, a source of second image data representative of a heading-based image, and an avionics system processor (“ASP”) configured to receive the navigation data, the first image data, and the second image data, determine image positioning data, and merge the first image data with the second image data as a function of the image positioning data. The steering commands generating system is comprised of a source of navigation data, the ASP configured to generate steering command data commensurate to a wind correction angle, and the EVS configured to receive the steering data.

Abstract: A runway digital wind indicator system senses wind conditions at multiple locations, aggregates this data, and communicates up-to-date, usable information to pilots. Meteorological information, including wind speed, direction, and change (i.e., gustiness) plus temperature, humidity, barometer, wind shear, etc., can be sensed by three or more sensor pods placed along a runway (at least one at each end and another in the middle of a given runway). Data from these pods is then transferred to a computer receiver that processes the information into a real-time, concise, readable format that can be displayed to air traffic control, sent to runway digital display signs placed in proximity to runways for direct pilot reference, and/or posted to websites/internet locations that can then be used to wirelessly relay the information to any of a plethora of digital devices that can be accessed directly by a pilot.

Abstract: A runway digital wind indicator system senses wind conditions at multiple locations, aggregates this data, and communicates up-to-date, usable information to pilots. Meteorological information, including wind speed, direction, and change (i.e., gustiness) plus temperature, humidity, barometer, wind shear, etc., can be sensed by three or more sensor pods placed along a runway (at least one at each end and another in the middle of a given runway). Data from these pods is then transferred to a computer receiver that processes the information into a real-time, concise, readable format that can be displayed to air traffic control, sent to runway digital display signs placed in proximity to runways for direct pilot reference, and/or posted to websites/internet locations that can then be used to wirelessly relay the information to any of a plethora of digital devices that can be accessed directly by a pilot.

Abstract: An emergency shepherd service includes at least one communications facility configured to provide communication services to at least one communication device in a service area and a notification subsystem including at least one processor and a computer readable medium with instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive information relevant to an affected area and identify at least one communication facility associated with the affected area based on a predetermined knowledge of a site of the communication facility. The instructions may be further configured to cause the processor to discover at least one communication device associated with the communication facility, determine that the communication device should be notified about the information, and send a message based on the information to the communication device.

Abstract: The present invention allows quick detection of actual hazardous windshears while ignoring the effects of normal turbulence. A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a signal processor configured to determine a presence of hazardous windshear based on: (a) whether a measured windshear is beyond a first predetermined threshold, and (b) whether a measured turbulence level is beyond a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a dynamic transmission process and a processor unit. The processor unit is configured to run the dynamic transmission process. The dynamic transmission process is configured to receive environmental information. The dynamic transmission process determines whether to send the environmental information to a subscriber.

Abstract: A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter is provided. The reconfigurable wireless modem adapter includes a control board and a radio frequency switch. The control board has at least two interfaces for a respective at least two modems and is configured to communicatively couple to at least one onboard system in a vehicle. The control board activates a selected modem interfaced to one of the at least two interfaces. The radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the control board via the selected one of the at least one modem. The radio frequency switch communicatively couples an antenna to the selected modem. When the control board is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system and activates the selected modem, and when the radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the antenna, the antenna is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system via the selected modem.

Abstract: A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter is provided. The reconfigurable wireless modem adapter includes a control board and a radio frequency switch. The control board includes at least two user-data interfaces for respective at least two modems, the modems including at least one diversity/multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) modem. The control board is configured to communicatively couple to at least one onboard system in a vehicle and to activate one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem interfaced to one of the at least two user-data interfaces. The radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the control board via a modem-select interface and the selected one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem. The radio frequency switch communicatively couples one of at least one diversity/MIMO antenna on the vehicle to the selected one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem based on a control signal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a meteorological system and a method of generation with progressive prediction of data relating to the meteorological situation around a carrier. In at least one embodiment, the method includes reading data relating to the speed of the carrier and to the cloud formations and calculating for each cloud formation the geographical position and the vector of voluminal parameters predicted at a given time horizon. The time horizon is dependent for each cloud formation on the speed of the carrier and the distance separating the cloud formation from the carrier. The method also includes generating a mapping including a representation corresponding to the calculated geographical position and to the calculated vector of voluminal parameters of each cloud formation.

Abstract: Method, device and item of equipment for filtering alarms originating from a windshear detection system embedded in an aircraft being able to emit an alarm. The aircraft has at least one sensor allowing the acquisition of a flight parameter. The device includes: units for the calculation of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the calculation of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the comparison of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter with a threshold C1, units for evaluating whether the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter exceeds the threshold C1 over a duration greater than a time threshold T, and units for suppressing the alarm originating from the windshear detection system.

Abstract: A system for providing crosswind component information to a pilot of an aircraft is disclosed. The system is comprised of a navigation system; datalink system; devices for manual input of data; a crosswind component module consisting of, in part, a processor and database; and an indicating system consisting of, in part, a tactical display unit system of an aircraft. A navigation system may provide flight parameters for measured and intended flight data as inputs. Other data may also be provided from manual input devices and a datalink system as inputs. The processor of the crosswind component module receives the data, retrieves runway direction data, and determines the data of the crosswind components. An indicating system receives the data of the crosswind components and displays this information.

Abstract: A device detects an air disturbance and controls the deflection of aircraft control surfaces when the disturbance is detected.

Abstract: A measurement system for an aircraft having the three-axis components of the airspeed of the aircraft, the three-axis components of the wind speed currently encountered by the aircraft, and the wind speed distribution ahead of the aircraft simultaneously in real time. It comprises a Doppler anemometer measuring the airflow speeds at a plurality of points separated by a prescribed distance in the beam irradiation direction that changes in a time series, and an inertial data measurement device measuring the movement information and positional information of the aircraft. Moreover, the display system of the aircraft includes the horizontal two-axis airspeed of the aircraft, the three-axis components of the wind speed currently encountered by the aircraft, and information on the wind speed distribution ahead of the aircraft are displayed simultaneously in real time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is provided for delivering immediate (up to the minute) aviation weather information. A pilot makes a call to a single toll free number and specifies the location he wants to receive weather from. The system and method disambiguates the location and then checks to see if immediate weather data is already available within the system for that location. An informational message tailored to both the pilot and the location may be delivered to the user prior to the weather information. If immediate weather data is already available in the described system, that weather data is communicated to the user via a computer-generated voice. If not, the system and method determines the voice phone number for the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at the specified location, and connects the user by phone directly to the immediate weather information as generated by the AWOS at that location.

Abstract: A method for displaying the direction of an external force relative to a craft is provided. The method comprises obtaining direction data for an external force, obtaining craft directional data, calculating the force's direction relative to the craft's direction, and displaying a graphical representation of the force's direction relative to the direction of the craft.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is provided for delivering immediate (up to the minute) aviation weather information. A pilot makes a call to a single toll free number and specifies the location he wants to receive weather from. The system and method disambiguates the location and then checks to see if immediate weather data is already available within the system for that location. An informational message tailored to both the pilot and the location may be delivered to the user prior to the weather information. If immediate weather data is already available in the described system, that weather data is communicated to the user via a computer-generated voice. If not, the system and method determines the voice phone number for the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at the specified location, and connects the user by phone directly to the immediate weather information as generated by the AWOS at that location.

Abstract: A method and system estimate, in real time, the amount of any delay in departure of an aircraft flight from an airport. Various embodiments include receiving in a first computer process a conditions input that includes at least one member of a set including departure airport conditions, arrival airport conditions, and fleet conditions; and estimating in a second computer process the amount of delay based on the conditions input. User interfaces and data structures are also provided.

Abstract: An airfield guidance sign. The sign 100 (of FIG. 1a) includes a case (102), a multi-element light source (114) attached to the case (102) for providing light interior to the case (102), a light dispersion subsystem of the case for dispersing the light from the light source (114) substantially uniformly throughout the interior of the case (102); and a side panel (126) forming a side of the case (102) for displaying information.

Abstract: A system and method for downlinking weather data, generated by existing weather and data sensors, to a ground station. The ground station utilizes data from multiple aircraft to form refined weather information, and uplinks the refined weather information to the aircraft. The refined weather information is stored at the aircraft and picture generating equipment, such as an existing onboard ground proximity terrain or weather radar picture and symbol generator, generates pictorial information depicting weather. The pictorial information is displayed, for example by an existing EFIS or weather radar display, in the form of polygons.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for analyzing flight test and FDR data that overcomes technical difficulties associated with traditional flight data analysis methods. The method includes inputting angular, linear data and recorded air data, where angular data may include Euler angles or angular rates and linear data may include altitude, ground speed, airspeed, drift angle, runway excursion or load factors. The method generates first inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the angular data and second inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the linear data. The method determines wind speed and direction based on the first and second generated inertial data and the air data.

Abstract: A circuit and method for predicting an intersection of a host aircraft flight path with the wake vortex of another aircraft.

Abstract: Airspeed direct sensing transducer apparatus in a system where fast response gust sensors are aircraft wing mounted, each gust sensor mounted on opposite wing halves feeding the absolute value of low-pass filtered direct sensed airstream gust cross-component signals to a difference amplifier providing an electrical indication when one side of the aircraft “sees” disturbed or turbulent air as may be encountered when an aircraft trailing wake-vortex or similar hazardous atmospheric disturbance is approached. This enables the pilot to take evasive action to mitigate or avoid the turbulence disturbance, enhancing free flight aircraft operation.

Abstract: The wind turbulence prediction system according to the present invention provides a measurement system, which is capable of measuring three-dimensional wind turbulence, exhibits limited aerodynamic and structural effects when mounted on an aircraft, is capable of measurement even in cases in which the velocity is equal to or less than 20 to 30 m/s, at which velocity a Pitot tube is incapable of measurement, and even in cases where the air flow direction differs greatly from the axis of aircraft body, and does not produce an error resulting from disruption of the air flow by the aircraft body itself. The wind turbulence prediction system of the present invention adopts a system that measures the speed of remote three-dimensional air flow by mounting a laser wind speed indicator utilizing the Doppler effect on an aircraft, irradiating laser light while scanning same in a cone shape, and then receiving scattered light from wind turbulence regions forward of an aircraft body in flight.

Abstract: A system and method that downlinks weather data, generated by existing weather and data sensors, to a groundstation. The groundstation utilizes data from multiple aircraft to form refined weather information, and uplinks the refined weather information to the aircraft. The refined weather information is stored at the aircraft and picture generating equipment, such as an existing on-board ground proximity terrain picture and symbol generator, generates pictorial information depicting the weather information. The pictorial information is displayed, for example by an existing EFIS or weather radar display, in the form of polygons.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-part wind advisory system comprising a ground station at an airfield and an airborne unit placed inside an aircraft. The ground station monitors wind conditions (wind speed, wind direction, and wind gust) at the airfield and transmits the wind conditions and an airfield ID to the airborne unit. The airborne unit identifies the airfield by comparing the received airfield ID with airfield IDs stored in a database. The airborne unit also calculates the headwind and crosswind for each runway in both directions at the airfield using the received wind conditions and runway information stored in the database. The airborne unit then determines a recommended runway for takeoff and landing operations of the aircraft based on the runway having the greatest headwind value and displays the airfield ID, wind conditions, and recommended runway to the pilot.

Abstract: A swivel device for a wind cone tower assembly comprises a rotating housing, provided with channels for drainage of condensation from its interior, and a fixed axle on which this housing is mounted. Two split bushings of insulated material are offset placed on each other between the surface of the fixed axle and a pair of slip rings. Brushes with enhanced content of copper are used and an insulating coating is applied around the brush holders to prevent electrical leakage. A conductor bushing also of insulating material for protecting the electrical conductors extending perpendicularly from the interior of the fixed axle to the pair of slip rings mounted on this axle.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing weather advisories for an airport to pilots comprises monitoring weather conditions at the airport and then generating weather advisories in response to these weather conditions. The broadcast traffic on a common traffic advisory channel is also simultaneously monitored and then menus providing for selectable weather advisories and radio check options are broadcast to the pilots. The weather advisories or radio check can then be selected by the pilot by clicks of their transmit button. The time spacing between the menus is adaptively changed in response to traffic on the common traffic advisory frequency. Also, the length of the weather advisories is also changed in response to this traffic. The radio check option is provided automatically by first confirming selection of the radio check option and then allowing the broadcaster to broadcast a short message which is recorded by the system and then rebroadcast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and means for qualifying, quantifying and reporting aircraft turbulence encounters. The preferred embodiment provides an indirect method of measuring turbulence based upon the implementation of the well known equation:V.sub.ground =V.sub.air +V.sub.wind.Qualification of the turbulence encounter is implemented with a filter and quantification of the turbulence encounter is implemented with analog to digital conversion. Thereafter, a transmitter broadcasts the occurrence of the turbulence encounter to remote receivers tuned to receive the transmission.

Abstract: Two techniques for detecting vortices and their associated circulation are disclosed. The first is termed a closed path configuration, and the second is termed the dual path configuration. These techniques are useable for the detection of wake turbulence especially in the vicinity of airport runways, which results from wing tip vortices generated by aircraft during take-off and landing. The systems are similar in that they use ultrasonic measurement techniques to determine the circulation about defined areas. The circulation is reflective of the vorticity associated with trailing vortices, which are manifest within the area.

Abstract: A process for managing air speed of an aircraft in flight. The method includes a first step of determining a point on the flight path at which it is theoretically possible to comply with a required time constraint by following a pre-established speed profile. In a second step, a speed is computed and a fresh speed profile is determined. This is obtained by determining speed corrections segment-by-segment from the point up to the last modifiable segment. The speed change in each segment is restricted to a maximum value. The new speed is computed on the basis of the curve showing the flight time t as a function of the speed V. This curve is approximated by a curve satisfying an equation with three coefficients (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3):V=c.sub.1 /t+c.sub.2 /t.sup.2 +c.sub.3 /t.sup.3Compliance with time constraints are ensured by this method while meeting the requirements of the pilot and air traffic controllers.

Abstract: The indicator light is constituted by a panel supporting juxtaposed and alternating neon tubes of blue, yellow, green and red color, these colors being assigned to the cardinal points north, east, south and west respectively. These tubes have voltage applied by means of a selector controlled by a weather vane, activating permanently the neon tubes of the color corresponding to the position of the weather vane. A series of colored lamps, displaying the Beaufort scale, indicates the wind velocity by means of a selector controlled by the anemometer. Colored light sources indicate the air pollution level.

Abstract: A system and method for downlinking weather data, generated by existing weather and data sensors, to a ground station. The ground station utilizes data from multiple aircraft to form refined weather information, and uplinks the refined weather information to the aircraft. The refined weather information is stored at the aircraft and picture generating equipment, such as an existing onboard ground proximity terrain picture and symbol generator, generates pictorial information depicting weather. The pictorial information is displayed, for example by an existing EFIS or weather radar display, in the form of polygons.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing weather advisories for an airport to pilots comprises monitoring weather conditions at the airport and then generating weather advisories in response to these weather conditions. The broadcast traffic on a common traffic advisory channel is also simultaneously monitored and then menus providing for selectable weather advisories and radio check options are broadcast to the pilots. The weather advisories or radio check can then be selected by the pilot by clicks of their transmit button. The time spacing between the menus is adaptively changed in response to traffic on the common traffic advisory frequency. Also, the length of the weather advisories is also changed in response to this traffic. The radio check option is provided automatically by first confirming selection of the radio check option and then allowing the broadcaster to broadcast a short message which is recorded by the system and then rebroadcast.

Abstract: A microburst precursor detector samples radar returns from meteorological radar signal reflectors and processes the signal returns in a statistical manner to determine average radar reflectivity and to extract Doppler signal parameters. The vertical velocity in still air and the vertical velocity of the meteorological radar reflectors are respectively determined from the average reflectivity and the Doppler signal parameters. The difference between the two vertical velocities is taken to determine the vertical wind velocity. The vertical wind velocity and the average reflectivity are processed to predict the occurrence of a microburst.

Abstract: An optically broadcasting wind direction indicator generates flashes of light which are separated by a time interval that is directly proportional to the angle of the wind direction relative to a fixed direction, such as north. An angle/voltage transducer generates a voltage that is proportional to the wind direction relative to the fixed direction, and this voltage is employed by timing circuitry or a microprocessor that generates pulses for actuating a light source trigger circuit first at the start of the time interval, and then at the end of the time interval. To aid an observer in distinguishing between the beginning and end of the interval, two stop flashes can be provided in quick succession. The time scale is preferably chosen so that each second of the time interval corresponds to 30.degree. of direction relative to north.

Abstract: A tetrahedron-shaped airport wind direction and velocity indicator being triangular in cross-section with first and second sides sloping downward from a top edge, such sides coming to a point at the front of the device with the device adapted to point into the wind. The device has illuminable numerical indicia for displaying wind speed on its first and second sides and illuminable side edges for night time viewing of the device from above with the direction of the device indicating wind direction.

Abstract: A microburst precursor detector utilizes a multiplicity of radar beams and samples radar returns, in each beam, from meteorological radar signal reflectors and processes the signal returns in a statistical manner to determine average radar reflectivity and to extract doppler signal parameters. These parameters are utilized to determine a second set of parameters; average doppler frequency within each radar beam, doppler spectral spread within each radar beam, and the skewness of the doppler spectrum in each beam. The second set of parameters is processed to establish the existence of a microburst, predicted surface impact, time to impact, wind shear surface location and track, and the magnitude of the wind shear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting specialized meteorological conditions such as a microburst and also the wind condition generated behind an aircraft known as wake turbulence. The method and apparatus of the present invention is designed to display the location of the microburst directly on the flight controller's monitoring screen with the flight controller then being able to so inform any pilot of an aircraft of the microburst so that the pilot can take evasive action. The display on the flight controller's screen is to be in color. The displaying of the microburst on the screen is to be by means of a computer which utilizes as inputs the conventional aircraft surveillance radar, weather radar and ground radar as well as additional inputs of wind direction and velocity information obtained from detection devices mounted directly adjacent to the aircraft runway and along the approach and take-off areas for the runway.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention improved low-level wind shear alert system that provides an improved method of identifying the presence and locus of wind shear in a predefined area. This system enhances the operational effectiveness of the existing LLWAS system by mapping the two-dimensional wind velocity, measured at a number of locations, to a geographical indication of wind shear events. This system can also integrate data and processed information received from a plurality of sources, such as anemometers and Doppler radar systems, to produce low-level wind shear alerts of significantly improved accuracy over those of prior systems. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention makes use of the data and processed information produced by the existing Low-Level Wind Shear Alert System as well as that produced by the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar to precisely identify the locus and magnitude of low-level wind shear events within a predetermined area.

Abstract: A wind shear alert system for low level horizontal wind shears is disclosed. The wind shear alert system is based upon a network of remote sensor stations placed near runways throughout the geographic area covered by an airport. An airport configuration file supplies numerous parameters related to the geometry and geography of the airport, as well as threshold values for divergence phenomena in the form of microbursts. Selected pairs, edges, and triples, triangles, of said network are monitored specifically to detect a divergence. Data from the various remote sensor stations is filtered to remove short term effects and adjust for missing data. A network mean is computed to which wind field measurement data and divergence analysis is compared. If a divergence in the form of a microburst or generic wind shear is detected, then the relative magnitude of the loss or gain in head wind to approaching aircraft is determined, as well as the location of the head wind.

Abstract: A microburst precursor detector utilizes a multiplicity of radar beams and samples radar returns, in each beam, from meterological radar signal reflectors and processes the signal returns in a statistical manner to determine average radar reflectivity and to extract doppler signal parameters. These parameters are utilized to determine a second set of parameters; average doppler frequency within each radar beam, doppler spectral spread within each radar beam, and the skewness of the doppler spectrum in each beam. The second set of parameters is processed to establish the existence of a microburst, predicted surface impact, time to impact, wind shear surface location and track, and the magnitude of the wind shear.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting and indicating severe weather conditions such as wind shear and clear air turbulence includes a sensor for detecting the weather parameter of air temperature differential and a computer for comparing the parameter value with a stored constant value. The sensor can be an infrared scanner in an aircraft or on the ground. When the parameter value exceeds the constant value, a severe weather condition warning indication is generated by the computer as a visual and/or audio signal. The method and apparatus can also include sensor modules for detecting wind speed and direction, barometric pressure and air temperature to be compared by the computer. A steam generator can generate steam bubbles for detecting winds aloft with the infrared scanner or weather radar.

Abstract: Windshear indicator system comprised of a plurality of individual windshear detection and indication devices (10) disposed to one side of and parallel to the landing approach and takeoff areas of an airport runway. Each device (10) has a wind velocity sensor (24) and a wind direction indicator (22). Wind speed information is visually displayed in an array of vertical lights (30-40) of one color. A circular pattern of second colored lights (50-64) is provided so that the upper half of the pattern shows head winds and the lower half indicates or displays tailwinds to warn of a windshear condition. A green "go" light (74) flashes with the upper half of the circular lights (50-64). A red "no go" light (76) flashes with the lower half of the circular array of lights to warn of tailwinds and a windshear condition.

Abstract: An illuminated wind sock apparatus comprising a wind sock unit (11) provided with at least one interior light source (19, 21) that transmits light to a plurality of fiber optic members (22) disposed on the exterior of the wind sock unit (11).

Abstract: An evacuation aid for a high rise building comprising a wind cone lighting device which can be operated for a substantial period of time under emergency power conditions such as from a battery supply. The wind cone is lighted by a single light rotating with the wind cone and powered through slip ring assemblies.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing weather advisories for an airport to pilots comprises monitoring weather conditions at the airport and then generating weather advisories in response to these weather conditions. The broadcast traffic on a common traffic advisory channel is also simultaneously monitored and then menus providing for selectable weather advisories and radio check options are broadcast to the pilots. The weather advisories or radio check can then be selected by the pilot by clicks of their transmit button. The time spacing between the menus is adaptively changed in response to traffic on the common traffic advisory frequency. Also, the length of the weather advisories is also changed in response to this traffic. The radio check option is provided automatically by first confirming selection of the radio check option and then allowing the broadcaster to broadcast a short message which is recorded by the system and then rebroadcast.