Definition
A ground-based system that uses sensors to measure local weather conditions—such as wind, temperature, dew point, altimeter setting, visibility, and cloud height—and broadcasts the resulting observation continuously over a dedicated radio frequency or telephone line, without the need for a human observer.
Plain English
A machine at the airport that takes weather readings on its own and reads them out loud over a radio so pilots can listen in.
Context Anchor
You encounter this when checking conditions at an airport, especially before arriving at or departing from an airport using local advisory services.
Derivation
‘Automated’ comes from the Greek automatos, meaning ‘acting of itself.’ The system reports weather by itself, with no controller or weather observer needed.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies current wind, visibility, and ceiling data so pilots can plan approaches and departures safely even when no weather briefer is present.
Grounding Statement
Picture airport sensors constantly sampling the air and sky, then turning those readings into a report a pilot can listen to before landing or taking off.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “automated” means the report is perfect or complete. It means the report is produced by equipment, and a pilot still has to compare it with what they see and with other available information.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles out, the pilot tuned in the automated weather reporting and copied the wind and altimeter setting before joining the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Before taxiing for takeoff the student checked the automated weather reporting to confirm the current ceiling.