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Such things do exist, at least for general aviation. This is based on memory from landing (as a passenger) at 29 Palms in California many years ago - hopefully

by PJDK 8y ago

Such things do exist, at least for general aviation. This is based on memory from landing (as a passenger) at 29 Palms in California many years ago - hopefully an actual pilot might chip in. From your map you get the frequency of the tower - when you tune into this there is a looped message giving you some instructions. If you send some click sequence (tap the send button on the radio 3 times or something like that), it plays a weather report. You have a good look around and if you don't see anyone else landing you broadcast your intentions "intending to land from the north at 29 palms" - then you have a good listen and if no one objects you say your entering final approach, cross your fingers and land!

chrisper 8y ago
What you are talking about is uncontrolled airspace. Pilots announce their moves to each other. The automatic message is called ATIS, which also exists at manned airports. These days it is recorded automatically, tho.
- Justin_K 8y ago
  The message is more specifically AWOS.
  - cmurf 8y ago
    Or ASOS. The ASOS is a bit more sophisticated. Both are automated, including the generation of the outgoing message. ATIS found mainly at airports with a control tower, is recorded by a human, and contains airport information in addition to weather information; construction, hazards, active runways, what approach procedures are being used. They can also be approach and departure specific. All of these can typically be called by phone as well as heard by radio.
deleted 8y ago
[deleted]
paktor132 8y ago
Sounds like you encountered a SuperAWOS system. When flying, you click the mic three times for weather and runway information, four times for a radio check, and then somewhere around 5-6 clicks you can get the weather/runway information read to you in Chinese. It works great for weather and such, though it doesn't provide any services for separating you from other aircraft. The SuperAWOS systems are made by a company called Potomac Aviation: https://potomac-aviation.com https://potomac-aviation.com. David, the head of the company and owner/operator of Potomac Airfield (VKX) is an entertaining guy, his main website is trippy as hell: http://potomac-airfield.com http://potomac-airfield.com.

by PJDK 8y ago

chrisper 8y ago

What you are talking about is uncontrolled airspace. Pilots announce their moves to each other. The automatic message is called ATIS, which also exists at manned airports. These days it is recorded automatically, tho.

Justin_K 8y ago
The message is more specifically AWOS.
- cmurf 8y ago
  Or ASOS. The ASOS is a bit more sophisticated. Both are automated, including the generation of the outgoing message. ATIS found mainly at airports with a control tower, is recorded by a human, and contains airport information in addition to weather information; construction, hazards, active runways, what approach procedures are being used. They can also be approach and departure specific. All of these can typically be called by phone as well as heard by radio.

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

paktor132 8y ago

Sounds like you encountered a SuperAWOS system. When flying, you click the mic three times for weather and runway information, four times for a radio check, and then somewhere around 5-6 clicks you can get the weather/runway information read to you in Chinese. It works great for weather and such, though it doesn't provide any services for separating you from other aircraft. The SuperAWOS systems are made by a company called Potomac Aviation: https://potomac-aviation.com https://potomac-aviation.com. David, the head of the company and owner/operator of Potomac Airfield (VKX) is an entertaining guy, his main website is trippy as hell: http://potomac-airfield.com http://potomac-airfield.com.