Definition
A level of automated weather observing system that reports all the data provided by AWOS-1 and AWOS-2 (altimeter setting, wind speed and direction, temperature, dew point, density altitude, and visibility) plus cloud and ceiling information up to 12,000 feet above ground level. Reports are broadcast continuously over a discrete VHF frequency or the voice portion of a local NAVAID.
Plain English
An automated station at or near an airport that constantly measures the weather and reads it out by radio. AWOS-3 is the version that also reports clouds and ceilings, not just wind, temperature, and visibility.
Context Anchor
You may hear AWOS-3 on a dedicated radio frequency, call it by phone before a flight, or see it listed as the airport’s weather source when planning an approach or landing.
Derivation
AWOS comes from “Automated Weather Observing System.” The “3” marks the system’s reporting level; compared with lower AWOS levels, AWOS-3 includes cloud height or ceiling information.
Why Pilots Care
Provides essential current weather information for preflight planning and in-flight decisions at airports without staffed weather observers.
Grounding Statement
AWOS-3 is the airport’s automatic local weather report, updated without a human weather observer having to speak it each time.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the “3” means three weather items. It means this AWOS has a specific capability level, including cloud height or ceiling reporting.
Example Sentence 1
Twenty miles out, she tuned the AWOS-3 frequency and heard a 1,500-foot overcast, which was enough to plan the ILS rather than a visual approach.
Example Sentence 2
AWOS-3 reported visibility of five miles and light winds from the north, allowing the flight to proceed under visual flight rules.