Aviation Weather Services

Question 1

What does AWBS stand for?

Answer 1

Aviation Weather Briefing Service

These services (weather briefings and flight planning) are provided by FICs via toll-free access

Question 2

There are four FIC locations accross Canada which service the five Flight Informaton Regions (FIR). What locations are they and how do you reach them?

Answer 2

Quebec
London
Edmonton
Kamloops

Just call 1-866-WXBRIEF and it will automatically connect you to the one closest to you

Question 3

What are FISE?

Answer 3

See picture. You can call them en-route on one of their frequencies to give you info in the air

Question 4

What does a FISE frequency look like on a map and what would you say when you call them up (if you were calling the one on this map)?

Answer 4

Pacific Radio this is Cessna 172 FAUX, with you on the Smithers RCO

They may be talking to pilots on multiple channels so you need to specify which frequency you are on

Question 5

What is the difference between FIC and FSS?

Answer 5

• FSS are located as Class E control zones and provide aerodrome info (traffic, local wx, etc). Known as Aerodrome Advisory Service, it is for arriving and departing aircraft as well as AC transitioning through the zone.
• FISE is a service provided by FIC

Question 6

What does CAVOK mean?

Answer 6

• No cloud below 5000ft AGL
• No cloud below the highest minimum sector altitude (MSA)
• Visibility of 6+ SM
• No precip, storms, CBs, shallow fog, or low drifting snow

Question 7

What is a VOLMET broadcast?

Answer 7