Page 26 - AFMAN 15-111, 12 MAR 2019

26 AFMAN15-111 12 MARCH 2019

Table 5.1. Mandatory Supplementation Conditions.

Tornado (+FC) (Notes 1 & 2)
Waterspout (+FC) (Notes 1 & 2)
Funnel Cloud (FC) (Notes 1 & 2)
Freezing Precipitation (FZDZ/FZRA)
Ice Pellets (PL)
Hail (GR)
Sandstorm (SS)/Dust Storm (DS) (Note 3)
Volcanic Ash (VA)
Tower Visibility remark (Note 4)

Notes:
1. The immediate reporting of tornadic activity takes precedence over all other phenomena.
2. Be prepared to supplement whenever a tornado watch is valid or warning has been issued;
regardless of airfield clousure status.
3. Based on local weather warning criteria; if no warning criteria exists, this is not required.
4. Only required during controlled airfield hours.

5.2.1. When supplementing observations, weather personnel will ensure that all applicable
element entries are made in the body of the observation along with accompanying remarks.
(T-1). See Attachment 3 for the full list of required elements and remarks.

5.2.2. Supplementing Sandstorms/Dust Storms. Sandstorms/Dust Storms will be reported
whenever a local warning for the conditions is required. (T-1).
5.3. Back-up. Back-up is the process of manually editing/adding data or dissemination
capability when the primary method is not operational, unavailable or suspected to be providing
erroneous data (e.g. sensor/comm. failure, dew point higher than temperature).

5.3.1. Back-up is required during controlled airfield hours and may be required during
uncontrolled airfield hours when elements triggering weather warnings are erroneously
reported and/or when required for supplementation criteria above; otherwise, there is no
requirement to back-up the system/sensor outside controlled airfield hours.

5.3.2. Weather personnel will not replace the entire automated observation with a manual
observation when backing-up malfunctioning sensors, but will follow guidance in Attachment
2 and Attachment 3 and report the individual required elements. (T-2).

5.3.3. Unrepresentative values from any equipment, regardless of the method used, will not
be included in the observation and will be considered missing if they cannot be determined
through other methods. (T-1).
5.4. Back-up Equipment. Use an available Air Force-certified system to back-up the primary
certified observing systems (e.g., AN/FMQ-19 discontinuity sensors, AN/TMQ-53) or approved
manual methods. Manual observing equipment will be operated and maintained according to this
manual and the applicable T.O. or user manual. (T-1).