Page 13 - AFMAN 15-111, 12 MAR 2019

AFMAN15-111 12 MARCH 2019 13

3.3.4. Report Modifier (AUTO or COR). The observation report modifier can be either COR
or AUTO.

3.3.4.1. COR is entered into the report modifier group when a corrected METAR or SPECI
is transmitted.

3.3.4.2. AUTO identifies the report as a fully automated report with no human
intervention. AUTO is automatically included in reports when the weather technician signs
off the automated dissemination system (ADS) indicating the observations are no longer
being augmented.
3.3.4.3. AUTO and COR will not be seen in the same observation. If the term COR is
used, the observation cannot be reported as AUTO, since a weather technician is manually
correcting the observation. (T-0).
3.4. Coding Missing Data in METAR and SPECI Reports. When an element does not occur,
or cannot be observed, the corresponding group and preceding space are omitted from that
particular report. When a FBWOS cannot provide an element due to sensor failure, the software
will automatically place a missing data flag (M) in the corresponding data field. The system will
also include the maintenance indicator ($) at the end of the observation. Together, these two
characters will cue the weather technicians to contact ATC agencies and maintenance personnel
and begin back-up procedures.
3.5. Remarks (RMK). Remarks, found in Attachment 3, generally elaborate on parameters
reported in the body of the report, and will be included in all METAR and SPECI observations if
required. Remarks will be separated from the altimeter group by a space and the contraction RMK.
If there are no remarks, the contraction RMK will not be entered. (T-0).

3.5.1. METAR/SPECI remarks fall into 2 major categories: (1) Automated and Augmented;
and (2) Additive and Maintenance Data. Attachment 3 gives an overview of remarks and their
order of entry.

3.5.2. Remarks will be made IAW the following: (T-0).
3.5.2.1. Use of Contractions and Abbreviations. Where plain language is called for,
authorized contractions, abbreviations and symbols will be used to conserve time and
space. However, in no case should an essential remark be omitted for the lack of readily
available contractions. In such cases, the only requirement is that the remark be clear. For
a detailed list of authorized contractions, see the list of abbreviations and acronyms in
Attachment 1 and FAA Order JO 7340 Series, Contractions.
3.5.2.2. Time Entries in Remarks. Use UTC minutes past the hour if the time reported
occurs during the same hour the observation is taken. UTC hours and minutes are used if
the hour is different from the hour of the observation or this manual prescribes the use of
hour and minutes.

3.5.2.3. Additive data will be reported at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC. When
applicable, augment these reports with snow depth during controlled airfield hours. There
is no requirement to augment/back-up additive data outside controlled airfield hours. (T-
0).