Competency Assessment System
for Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel
Part II – Competency Assessment System for Aeronautical Meteorological Observers
(CAS-AMOB)
Hong Kong Observatory
Hong Kong, China
Version History
Version
Number
Highlight
Effective Date
1.0
First implementation
1 Mar 2011
1.l
System refinement
1 Jan 2012
Contents
I.
Introduction
II.
Competence Assessment Matrix for CAS-AMOB
III.
Assessment Checklist Templates for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Appendix A – List of checklist templates
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
I. Introduction
The Competency Assessment System for Aeronautical Meteorological Observers (CAS-AMOB)
was modeled after the WMO Competency Assessment Toolkit (CAT) fulfilling the competency
requirements as specified in the Implementation Guidance of Aeronautical Meteorological Observer
Competency Standards.
The guidance is supplementary to the AMP Competency Standards approved by the 16 th World
Meteorological Congress in May 2011. The information contained in the guidance material
replaces that which previously existed in the publication in 2006 “Supplement No.1 to WMONo.258”.
In the Implementation Guidance, the competency descriptions and performance criteria for each
standard for AMOB are specified and they are reproduced below :
The following descriptions apply
A.
B.
C.
1.
for the area and airspace of responsibility,
in consideration of the impact of meteorological phenomena and parameters on aviation
operations, and
in compliance with aviation user requirements, international regulations, local procedures
and priorities.
MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY THE WEATHER SITUATION
Competency description
Weather parameters are appraised to identify the significant and evolving weather phenomena that
are affecting or will likely affect the area of responsibility throughout the watch period.
Performance criteria
1. Analyse and describe the existing local weather conditions.
2.
OBSERVE AND RECORD AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA AND PARAMETERS
Competency description
Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
Performance criteria
1. Perform and record routine and non-routine observations of the following:
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
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surface wind direction and speed, including spatial and temporal variations
visibility for aeronautical purposes, including spatial and temporal variations
RVR, including spatial and temporal variations
significant weather phenomena (as defined in ICAO Annex 3)
cloud amount, height of base, and type, including spatial and temporal variations
vertical visibility
temperature and humidity
atmospheric pressure; determining QFE and QNH
supplementary information, wind shear and special weather phenomena.
2. Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative of
local conditions when differences occur between automatic sensor technologies and manual
observing techniques.
3. Ensure that observations are prepared and issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 3, WMONo.49, regional and national formats, codes and technical regulations on content,
representativeness and timeliness.
3.
ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS AND OF METEOROLOGICAL
INFORMATION
Competency description
The quality of meteorological observations is maintained at the required level by the application of
documented quality management processes.
Performance criteria
1. Apply the organization’s quality management system and procedures.
2. Check and confirm the quality of meteorological observations before issuance, including
relevance of content, time of validity and location of phenomena.
3. In accordance with prescribed procedures:
 identify errors and omissions in meteorological observations
 correct and report errors and omissions
 make and disseminate corrections in a timely manner.
4.
COMMUNICATE METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL USERS
Competency description
All meteorological data and information are concise, complete and communicated in a manner that
will be clearly understood by the users.
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Performance criteria
1. Ensure that all observations are disseminated through the authorized communication means
and channels to designated user groups.
2. Present1 aeronautical meteorological data and information in a clear and concise manner
using suitable terminology.
3. Alert forecasters to observed or imminent significant changes in the weather within the local
area.
The assessment tools and methods are described in Part I of the CAS for AMP. Based on the
performance criteria in the WMO Implementation Guidance, a summary table for competency
assessment matrix delineating different units of competency of Weather Observers in the Hong
Kong Observatory (HKO) and their mapping to different types of assessment tools is compiled in
Section II. The direct observation assessment will be supplemented by oral assessment, written
assessment and case study/simulation assessment. For direct observation and oral assessments, a
list of checklist templates to facilitate systematic assessment and recording by the assessor is given
in Section III. In the written assessment, there will be about 30 multiple choice and short
questions and use of reference materials is not allowed. As for the case study/simulation, a
weather scenario will be given and short questions will be used to test the knowledge and response
of the assessee.
Reference may be made to ICAO Annex 1 English language proficiency requirements when
English is required to be used as a medium of communication.
1
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
II.
Competency Assessment Matrix for CAS-AMOB
Item
1.1
1.1.1
Check
list Ref
A
A
2.1
B
2.1.1
C
2.1.2
D
2.1.3
E
2.1.4
E
2.1.5
F
2.1.6
G
2.1.7
C, E
2.2 C, D, E,
F, G
2.3.1
B
2.3.2
B
2.3.3
B
3.1
B
3.2
B
3.3.1
D
3.3.2
D
4.1
B
4.2
4.3
A
A
Competence performance criteria
Analyse and describe the existing local weather conditions
Assess the likelihood of significant weather affecting the
aerodrome and its vicinity in short term
Perform and record routine and non-routine weather observations
effectively
Record surface wind direction and speed
Make visibility observation including RVR and vertical visibility
Make significant weather phenomenon observation
Make cloud observation
Record temperature and humidity observation
Make barometric pressure observation
Provide supplementary weather information
Interpret automatic observed parameters
Issue observation on time
Issue observation in correct code form
Issue non-routine observations meeting special criteria
Apply quality management system and procedures
Check and confirm the quality of observation
Monitor systems and identify errors and/or omissions
Take remedial action if errors and/or omissions are identified in a
timely manner
Disseminate observations through the authorized communication
means and channels
Present weather information clearly to users
Alert forecasters to observed or imminent significant changes in
the vicinity of the aerodrome
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Direct
Observation
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Oral
Question
Written
Assessment
Case Study /
Simulation
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III.
Checklist Templates for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
There will be seven checklist templates for direct observation and oral questions for Weather
Observers. Each checklist template contains the competency standards and descriptions to be
tested and the reference number of the performance criteria follows those items listed in Section II.
The assessee will be asked to carry out the listed procedures, taking into account the schedule of
operational duties. The assessor will observe and check whether the assessee has performed the
actions expected during the demonstration of skills. The assessor will record down the assessment
and any comments or remarks as necessary. The checklist may also contain oral questions to
support demonstration of knowledge and skills by the assessee. During the direct observation
assessment, the assessor may adjust the oral questions as situation warrants and should minimise
interference to the Observer’s operational work. The assessor will record the assessee’s answer or
response and evaluate the correctness. A list of checklist templates (A-G) for direct observation
and oral questions is given in Appendix I.
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Appendix I
CAS-AMOB Checklist A for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
1. Monitor continuously the weather situation.
4. Communication meteorological information to internal and external users.
Competence description :
1. Weather parameters are appraised to identify the significant and evolving weather phenomena
that are affecting or will likely affect the area of responsibility throughout the watch period.
4. All meteorological data and information are concise, complete and communicated in a manner
that will be clearly understood by the users.
Performance criteria :
1.1 Analyse and describe the existing local weather conditions.
1.2 Assess the likelihood of significant weather affecting the aerodrome and its vicinity in the
short term.
4.2 Present weather information clearly to users.
4.3 Alert forecasters to observed or imminent significant changes in the vicinity of the
aerodrome.
Procedures : The Weather Observer studies the surface weather chart and upper air charts to
assess the synoptic weather situation before taking the first observation or when there are updates.
He/she analyses the local and regional weather conditions and formulates the short-term change of
weather parameters and phenomena. Take appropriate actions when significant changes are
observed or anticipated in the short term.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) study the weather charts and AMOS data
(ii)
study observations from automatic
weather stations (AWS) and wind
profiler data in Hong Kong
(iii) study regional observations and
forecasts from METAR/SPECI and
TAF of neighbouring aerodromes
including Shenzhen (ZGSZ), Zhuhai
(ZGSD), Macao (VMMC), Guangzhou
(ZGGG) and from Guangdong AWS
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
(iv) study local forecasts from TAF,
TREND and take-off forecasts of
HKIA, local aviation forecast and
public weather forecast
(v) study radar and satellite pictures and
relevant data such as LLIS, radiometer
data
(vi) look out of the window
(vii) alert Aviation Forecaster and
communicate in a clear and concise
manner when significant weather
changes are observed or anticipated in
the short term
(viii) record the communication with users in
the Appreciation log
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
(viii) What is the direction of the synoptic
background wind over Hong Kong?
(ix) Any local effect on the wind flow at
HKIA?
(x)
Any significant weather affecting
neighbouring aerodromes?
(xi) Any significant weather approaching
Hong Kong from remote sensing data?
(xii) Any significant weather is expected
during the shift judging from TAF of
HKIA and that of neighbouring
aerodromes and the possible timing?
(xiii) Any weather parameters requiring
particular attention during the shift?
Feedback to assessee :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Y ()
N (x)
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
CAS-AMOB Checklist B for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
3. Ensure the quality of the performance of systems and of meteorological information.
4. Communicate meteorological information to internal and external users.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
3. The quality of meteorological observations is maintained at the required level by the application
of documented quality management processes.
4. All meteorological data and information are concise, complete and communicated in a manner
that will be clearly understood by the users.
Performance criteria :
2.1 Perform and record routine and non-routine weather observations effectively.
2.3 Ensure that observations are prepared and issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 3, WMONo.49, regional and national formats, codes and technical regulations on content,
representative and timeliness by
2.3.1 issuing observations on time;
2.3.2 issuing observations in correct code form;
2.3.3 issuing non-routine observations meeting special criteria.
3.1 Apply quality management system and procedures.
3.2 Check and confirm the quality of meteorological observations before issuance, including
relevance of content, time of validity and location of phenomena.
4.1 Ensure that all observations are disseminated through the authorized communication means
and channels to designated user groups.
Procedures : The Weather Observer makes weather observation in accordance with the prescribed
time schedule (half-hourly) and procedures. He/she prepares and issues the weather observation in
prescribed format via documented method.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) start the sequence of weather observation
within 10 minutes preceding to the
observation
(ii) take weather, cloud and visibility
observation at the observation platform
and view all directions
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
(iii) focus on the areas or directions which
are likely to be affected by significant
weather during weather observation
(iv) extract relevant weather parameters
from AMOS for incorporation into
METAR/SPECI/LRR/LSR/SYNOP
reports
(v) re-check the accuracy of the
components of the observation before
issuance
(vi) verify the completeness of observation
elements in the report before issuance
(vii) issue the weather reports on time
(METAR/SPECI not more than 5
minutes after observation time;
LRR/LSR not more than 10 minutes;
SYNOP not more than 15 minutes)
(viii) issue the weather reports in correct
coding and format
(ix) take special observations and issue
SPECI according to documented
thresholds
(x) issue SPECI in a timely manner
(xi) alert designated users including Duty
Aviation Forecaster immediately after
making special observation
(xii) issue the weather reports via
documented methods and dissemination
channel
(xiii) check and confirm that the reports has
been successfully disseminated
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
(xiv) What are the procedures for issuing
SPECI?
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Y ()
N (x)
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
CAS-AMOB Checklist C for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
Performance criteria :
2.1.1 Record surface wind direction and speed
2.1.7 Provide supplementary weather information, wind shear and special weather phenomena.
2.2
Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative
of local conditions
Procedures : The Weather Observer executes proper procedures to retrieve wind data from
appropriate instrumentation and apply techniques to examine data and take appropriate remedial
actions.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comment
assessee :
N (x)
(i) check the consistency of wind data noting
the present weather situation and local
topography
(ii) check and correct for suspicious gust
according to documented procedures
(iii)include relevant wind shear reports in
METAR correctly
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
Y ()
N (x)
(iv) Any wind shear observed over the
north and the south runway judging
from anemometer data?
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
(v)
How to identify and remove artificial
gust?
(vi) How do the hangars over the western
part of the runway affect the winds
recorded at the western end of the
south runway in strong north to
northwesterly wind conditions?
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
CAS-AMOB Checklist D for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
3. Ensure the quality of the performance of systems and of meteorological information.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
3. The quality of meteorological observations is maintained a the required level by the
application of documented quality management processes.
Performance criteria :
2.1.2 Make visibility observation including RVR and vertical visibility
2.2
Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative
of local conditions when differences occur between automatic sensor technologies and
manual observing techniques
3.3.1 Monitor systems and identify errors and/or omissions
3.3.2 Take remedial action if errors and/or omissions are identified in a timely manner
Procedures : The Weather Observer monitors the performance of visibility sensors. He/she
executes proper procedures to extract visibility data from appropriate source and apply
techniques to validate data against human observation.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) monitor the performance of visibility
sensors using appropriate tools
(ii) take appropriate actions when
suspicious visibility data are identified
before readings dropping below 2000 m
(iii) determine correctly the prevailing
visibility from the six Forward
Scatterer readings and human
observation
(iv) include directional visibility and RVR
as appropriate
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
(vi) If AMOS is down, how to convert the
nighttime visibility (irrespective of
MOR value or human observed value)
for aeronautical purposes.
(vii)
How to identify suspicious visibility
sensor readings and what are the
actions to be taken when suspicious
data are identified?
(viii) When should the vertical visibility be
reported ?
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Y ()
N (x)
CAS-AMOB Checklist E for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
Performance criteria :
2.1.3 Make significant weather phenomenon observation
2.1.4 Make cloud observation
2.1.7 Provide supplementary weather information
2.2
Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative of
local conditions
Procedures : The Weather Observer makes cloud and weather observations including significant
weather phenomenon and check consistency with weather sensor data.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) identify correctly cloud type and
significant clouds (CB, TCU, ACSL over
ridges), cloud base and cloud amount of
different layers, total cloud amount
(ii) compare human observation of cloud
base with ceilometer readings
(iii) determine the occurrence of
precipitation, precipitation type and
intensity and conduct consistency
check with rainfall measurements, radar
data and observation of significant
clouds (e.g. CB/TCU)
(iv) identify significant weather phenomena
over the aerodrome and within visual
range
(v) log down the cloud information and
weather phenomena accurately in the
Observation Book
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
(vi) When the characteristics of sand/dust
weather is observed, what actions
should be taken ? Demonstrate how
to access real-time air pollutant
concentration data on the Intranet.
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Y ()
N (x)
CAS-AMOB Checklist F for Direct Observation Assessment
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
Performance criteria :
2.1.5 Make temperature and humidity observation
2.2
Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative
of local conditions
Procedures : The Weather Observer executes proper procedures to retrieve temperature and
humidity data and examine the data reliability.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) check the consistency and reliability of
air temperature, dew point temperature
and humidity data given the present
weather situation
(ii) take down air temperature and dew
point temperature readings correctly in
the Observation Book.
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
CAS-AMOB Checklist G for Direct Observation and Oral Assessments
Name of assessee
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Place of assessment
Competency standard :
2. Observe and record aeronautical meteorological phenomena and parameters.
Competence description :
2. Observations of weather parameters and phenomena, and their significant changes, are made
according to documented thresholds and regulations.
Performance criteria :
2.1.6 Make barometric pressure observation
2.2
Interpret automatic observed parameters to ensure that observations remain representative
of local conditions
Procedures : The Weather Observer executes proper procedures to retrieve pressure data and
demonstrate how to make pressure observation when data are not available from AMOS.
During the demonstration of skills, did the
Y ()
Comments / Remarks
assessee :
N (x)
(i) check the reliability of the pressure data
noting the present weather situation,
diurnal variation and pressure data in
the vicinity of the aerodrome (e.g.
HKO, Macau, Shenzhen)
(ii) note the pressure tendency
(iii) take down the pressure readings
correctly in the Observation Book.
Questions to support demonstration of knowledge and skills :
Oral questions
Answer / Response
(iv) What are the possible causes for abrupt
change in atmospheric pressure?
(v)
How to convert QNH value from ‘hPa’
to ‘inchHg’?
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1
Y ()
N (x)
(vi) How to make pressure observation and
obtain QNH and QFE readings
correctly assuming data from AMOS is
not available?
Feedback to assessee :
Remarks :
Assessee signature :
Assessor signature :
CAS-AMOB Version 1.1