Conway Municipal Airport upgrades AWOS

Local weather data is now distributed to a greater number of places

The Conway Municipal Airport has upgraded its Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) from Level 2 to Level 3.

The upgrade was made possible by adding a ceilometer, a device for measuring and recording the height of clouds above the airport.

“After several years of working to gain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, local weather data is now distributed to a greater number of places like the National Weather Service,” explained airport manager Josh Zylks.

With AWOS 3, current local weather information is reported digitally to the National Weather Service for distribution to pilots as well as the general public. That information can be accessed online at the Aviation Weather Center, AWOS Weather, or by calling (501) 358-6209.

Zylks said the ceilometer will improve safety.

“This equipment upgrade will improve a pilot’s flight planning and decision making about whether they can fly into Conway or not by having additional information available to them before they depart for the airport. This piece of equipment was one that was consistently requested by the members of the flying community.

The total cost of this equipment upgrade was just over $35,000, all paid by airport funds generated by fuel sales and hangar rent.