Which statement about RAWS data usage is accurate?

• A. RAWS data provide current weather and field information to pilots.
• B. RAWS data inform NOTAMs only.
• C. RAWS data determine maintenance schedules.
• D. RAWS data calibrate altimeters.

Answer: (A)

RAWS data provide real-time weather and field information to pilots. These Remote Automated Weather Stations collect current conditions at the airfield—wind speed and direction, temperature, dew point, pressure, visibility, cloud bases, precipitation, and runway or field status—and feed them into weather observations used for planning and decision-making. Because pilots rely on up-to-date field conditions to plan approaches, takeoffs, and in-flight decisions, this information is essential beyond any single advisory product.

RAWS data are not limited to informing NOTAMs; NOTAMs are notices about airspace, airport, or procedure changes and can be issued for reasons that go beyond what RAWS alone provides. They also do not determine maintenance schedules, which are based on inspections and maintenance programs, nor are they used to calibrate altimeters—altimeter calibration uses standard procedures and certified pressure references, not RAWS data.