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Airport AWOS reported unreliable wind data; FDOT monitoring and NOTAM in place
Summary
Committee members raised safety concerns about the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System reporting inaccurate wind data; staff said FDOT and FAA are involved and a NOTAM has been issued while replacement funding is sought.
Michael Sufer, a hangar tenant, told the committee that for more than a month the AWOS was reporting “winds calm, preferred Runway 36” while actual winds were strong from the south, which he said has led some pilots to land with outdated information.
“Right now, for the last month and a half, the AWOS has reported winds calm, preferred Runway 36. The winds have been 20 knots out of the south, and people are landing to the north because they'd listen to the AWOS,” Sufer said.
John Collins (AvCon) and county staff said the AWOS at Peter Prince is aging and parts are increasingly unavailable from the manufacturer. Collins said AvCon has reached out to FDOT to request funding for a replacement; FDOT told the committee it does not currently have immediate funds except for previously executed grants but that if FDOT recovers funds in July, the AWOS would be an early candidate for that recovered money.
Committee members were told a NOTAM was issued to note the wind reporting problems. A committee member identified as Joe said a NOTAM addressing the wind inaccuracy is currently active and that it will need extension if the AWOS continues to be unreliable. Staff said they can disable the wind reporting as a temporary measure and that the NOTAM is a short‑term mitigation until a new unit can be procured and installed.
Committee members requested clearer reporting procedures for pilots and tenants when equipment problems occur and that staff circulate contact information for reporting discrepancies.
