The safe and expeditious movement of airport traffic is not a option --- it is a necessity and a responsibility. This is true whether your facility is a major international airport or a support facility for a northern resource base. To accomplish this, accurate and timely weather reports are essential.

AXYS Technologies Inc.'s (AXYS) WxSentinel™ AWOS is a self-contained and fully automated weather station for the collection, processing, and distribution of aviation weather data. This turnkey system is designed for easy installation on any approved site. The WxSentinel™ provides the standard four-element weather information that meets the exemption under Canadian Aviation Regulation (CARS) 804.01(c) as a Limited Weather Information System (LWIS). The WxSentinel™ exceeds the Transport Canada specifications intended for use at secondary airports that desire IFR certification.

The AXYS WxSentinel™ AWOS supports your facilities operations regardless of available manpower or training. This is because our automated system generates accurate METAR and SPECI reports in response to changing conditions. Moreover, these reports can be displayed on websites and disseminated via email, telephone and via the optional dedicated VHF frequency voice broadcast.

A basic system configuration broadcasts wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, dew point temperature, altimeter, and atmospheric pressure via VHF. Inbound pilots can hear the current weather in familiar METAR format broadcast continuously, or by keying the microphone on the designated AWOS frequency. Current weather can also be added to digital Automated Terminal Information Systems (ATIS). The WxSentinel™ is expandable to include other aviation weather parameters, such as ceiling, visibility, and present weather.

The heart of the system is AXYS' proven WatchMan500™ processor technology. System access provided by VHF or cell phone telemetry allows remote maintenance, monitoring, and quality control capabilities when information is received using AXYS' WxView™ software to decode, display, and archive data. WxView™ automatically posts hourly METARs to the airport website, as well as the complete 30-day history log as required by Transport Canada.

Visit an Operational Aviation Sentinel™ at Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Airport. Port Alberni is the gateway to the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Real-time weather from the ACRD Airport can be heard by dialing (250) 723-7603. The hourly METAR can be viewed on the ACRD website by visiting the airport page and following the link marked "CBS8 Metar".