Page 55 - AFMAN 15-111, 12 MAR 2019
P. 55
AFMAN15-111 12 MARCH 2019 55
10.8.4. When observed to be occurring, thunderstorms and any associated precipitation will
be reported as on station, in the vicinity, or as distant using the following guidelines and Figure
10.1 (T-1). If known, the distance, direction and direction of movement for storms within
30NM of the location will be included in column 13 remarks following guidance in
Attachment 3.
10.8.4.1. A thunderstorm is considered to be observed through detected/observed lighting,
audible thunder, or the presence of hail (GR) if the local noise level is such that thunder
cannot be heard. (T-0).
10.8.4.2. If a thunderstorm is positively identified as being within 5NM of the point of
observation or a thunderstorm is observed and the location cannot be positively identified,
thunderstorms will be reported as occurring on station. (T-0). Positive identification is
achieved through lighting detection equipment and/or display and interpretation of
o
available radar imagery (i.e. 40dBz elevated to -10 C height within storm core). Visual
positive identification will only be used when lighting is seen to strike an object at a known
distance. Note: Estimating the distance of a lightning strike based on bolt/flash intensity or
the “flash-bang” method is not a suitable means of determining distance.
10.8.4.3. When lightning is observed at a manual station, the frequency, type of lightning,
and location shall be reported. The remark shall be coded in the format listed in
Attachment 3. The contractions for the type and frequency of lightning shall be based on
Table 10.5 (T-0).
Table 10.5. Type and Frequency of Lightning.
10.8.4.4. If a thunderstorm can be positively identified as being located within 5-10NM of
the point of observation, thunderstorms will be encoded as in the vicinity. (T-0).
10.8.4.5. If a thunderstorm is positively identified as beyond 10NM of the point of
observation, thunderstorms are not encoded in the body of the observation as present
weather; in this case, only a column 13 remark is appropriate.
10.8.4.6. Through the lifecycle of a thunderstorm, it may move through any combination
of on-station, in the vicinity, and/or distant and be reported as such.
