Aircraft KMD Card

N
B KMD 550/850
Multi-Function Display
Flight Information Services

(FIS)
Pilot’s Guide Addendum
For Software Version 02/02 and later
Revision 6 Feb/2009 006-18237-0000

The information contained in this manual is for reference use only. If
any information contained herein conflicts with similar information
contained in the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement, the information in
the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement shall take precedence.
WARNING
The enclosed technical data is eligible for export under License Designation
NLR and is to be used solely by the individual/organization to whom it is
addressed. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2009 Honeywell International Inc.

All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this publication or any portion thereof by any means without

the express written permission of Honeywell International Inc. is prohibited. For
further information contact the Manager, Technical Publications; Honeywell,
One Technology Center, 23500 West 105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061.
Telephone: (913) 782-0400.
Revision History
Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 6, February 2009
Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
Added XM products:
Precipitation Type (at Surface)

Freezing Levels
Winds Aloft
Translated Metars
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s)
R-1
Revision History

Revision 5, March 2007
Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
Added XM Receiver functionality.
R-2
Revision History

Revision 4, November 2004
Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
Add FIS Area Products (AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs

and Alert Weather Watches).
MODE Softkey now displays product selection menu on FIS product
displays
Control Knob now allows cycling through graphical FIS products
Airport icons and identifiers are now displayed on FIS graphical prod-
uct map displays per setting on Map Setup Page (2)
Added VOR icons and identifiers to FIS graphical product map dis-
plays (except graphical METARs) per setting on Map Setup Page (2)
Extended Track Line on Graphical Weather page
R-3
Revision History

Revision 3, June 2004
Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
METARs and SPECIs now expire after 120 minutes

Graphical METAR LIFR now displayed as magenta color
Miscellaneous corrections
R-4
Revision History

Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
Added FIS subscription management

Changed FIS Text Page format
Changed FIS METARs time-out
Airports now shown on NEXRAD Page
Changed FIS Network Page
Miscellaneous corrections
R-5
Revision History

Revision 1, May 2002
Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
Complete manual revision
R-6
Revision History

Part Number 006-18237-0000
Summary
This is the original release of this publication.
R-7
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
CONCEPT OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
DATALINK WEATHER FUNCTION STATUS ICONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
BASIC SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
METAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
SPECI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
TAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
PIREP (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
AIRMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SIGMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
CONVECTIVE SIGMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
VALUE ADDED SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
NEXRAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
NEXRAD Abnormalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
NEXRAD Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
PRECIPITATION TYPE AT SURFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
FREEZING LEVELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
WINDS ALOFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
GRAPHICAL METAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
GRAPHICAL AIRMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
GRAPHICAL SIGMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE SIGMET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
GRAPHICAL ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . .24
STARTUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
VDL SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Setting Up a VDL Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Checking FIS VDL Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
XM WX SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Setting Up An XM WX Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Checking XM WX Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Revision 6 Feb/2009 i KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Table of Contents
NORMAL OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
NEXRAD PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

NEXRAD Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Selecting And Using The NEXRAD Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
PRECIPITATION TYPE AT SURFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
PRECIPITATION TYPE Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . .41
FREEZING LEVELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
FREEZING LEVELS Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
WINDS ALOFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
WINDS ALOFT Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
GRAPHICAL METARS PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Graphical METARs Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Selecting And Using The Graphical METARs Page . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
GRAPHICAL AIRMETS PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Graphical AIRMETs Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Selecting And Using The Graphical AIRMETs Page . . . . . . . . . . . .51
GRAPHICAL SIGMETS PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Graphical SIGMETs Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Selecting And Using The Graphical SIGMETs Page . . . . . . . . . . . .55
GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE SIGMETS PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Graphical Convective SIGMETs Page Operational Controls . . . . . .59
Selecting And Using The Graphical Convective SIGMETs Page . .59
GRAPHICAL ALERT WEATHER WATCHES PAGE (AWW)
(VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Graphical Alert Weather Watches Page Operational Controls . . . .63
Selecting And Using The Graphical Alert Weather Watches Page .63
FIS TEXT PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
FIS Text Page Operational Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Using The FIS TEXT Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Changing Modes & Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Selecting Identifiers Using The DATA/SCAN Knob . . . . . . . . .70
Scanning Flightplan Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Finding User Defined Areas By Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Finding User Defined Areas by Name or City . . . . . . . . . .72
FIS NETWORK STATUS PAGE (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Revision 6 Feb/2009 ii KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Table of Contents
MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
FIS ALERT, NO VALID FIS SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

NO DATA RECEIVED FROM FIS RECEIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
(PRODUCT) NOT AVAILABLE, DATA NOT RECEIVED . . . . . . . . . . . .79
NO (PRODUCT) AVAILABLE IN SELECTED AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
FIS ALERT, FIS DATA NOT RECEIVED FOR 15 MINUTES . . . . . . . . .80
NO (PRODUCT) AVAILABLE, DATA NOT RECEIVED . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
INVALID ENTRY, PLEASE CHECK CODE (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . .81
ERROR PROCESSING SUBSCRIPTION CODE (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . .81
FIS DECRYPTION FAILURE. UNABLE TO ACCEPT A NEW . . . . . . . . .
SUBSCRIPTION CODE (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
NETWORK STATUS NOT AVAILABLE, DATA NOT RECEIVED
(VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
FIS ALERT, ONE OR MORE FIS SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE CLOSE TO
EXPIRING. PLEASE REVIEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS (VDL ONLY) .82
FIS ALERT, ONE OR MORE FIS SUBSCRIPTIONS HAVE EXPIRED.
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . .82
FIS ALERT, DATA CARD UPDATE REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED
RECEPTION OF FIS DATA (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
FIS ALERT, NEW DATA CARD NOT YET VALID. UNABLE TO
RECEIVE FIS DATA (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
FIS ALERT, DATA CARD HAS EXPIRED. UNABLE TO RECEIVE
FIS DATA (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
FIS ALERT, FIS SUBSCRIPTION ERROR. SWITCH OFF AND
REPLACE DATA CARD (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
FIS ALERT, FIS DECRYPTION ERROR. UNABLE TO RECEIVE
FIS DATA (VDL ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
APPENDIX A, UNDERSTANDING TEXTUAL AVIATION WEATHER

REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
APPENDIX B, COMMON WEATHER ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Revision 6 Feb/2009 iii KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Table of Contents
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Revision 6 Feb/2009 iv KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Introduction
INTRODUCTION
CONCEPT OF OPERATION
The Flight Information Services (FIS) system supplies real-time weather
information and other flight advisory information to pilots to enhance situ-
ation awareness.
FIS or XM weather is not intended to replace voice radio services. Voice
communication of weather and meteorological information, in accor-
dance with FAA operating rules, is still required.
Real-time weather is available 24 hours / day, 7 days / week. Two dif-
ferent systems are available for delivery of the weather data: a ground-
based VHF Data Link (VDL) network and Baron WxWorx weather deliv-
ered via the XM Radio satellite system. Data acquired from FAA
approved weather sources is processed and then distributed to VDL
Ground Stations and to the XM satellite network. The Ground Stations
broadcast the information over a VHF Data Link (VDL) to aircraft within
line-of-sight utilizing VDL mode 2 transmitters at a bit rate up to 31.5
kbps. The XM satellite network uses two geosynchronous satellites to
broadcast network weather to aircraft at S-band (2.3 GHz) frequencies.
This diagram illustrates how FIS VDL data is received in the aircraft.
Revision 6 Feb/2009 1 KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Introduction
See our website at www.bendixking.com for VDL network status and
coverage. Continuous coverage of most of the continental US is possible
at altitudes as low as 5,000 ft. AGL, except for regions of precipitous ter-
rain. As with all VHF communications, the line-of-sight range increases
with altitude. However, there is no appreciable increase in coverage
above 17,500 ft MSL. The following illustration shows how altitude influ-
ences FIS VDL coverage.
The following diagram illustrates how XM Wx data is received in the air-

craft.
The XM Satellite Radio weather system provides continuous coverage

down to ground level over the entire continental United States. A good
view of the southern horizon must be available in order to receive at least
one of the two satellites.
To receive FIS or XM WX products, an aircraft must be equipped with a
compatible VDL receiver (KDR 510) or XM receiver (KDR 610), dedi-
cated VHF antenna or satellite antenna, and appropriate display (KMD
550/850). FIS VDL uses a one-way (ground-to-air) broadcast protocol.

Introduction
XM WX uses one-way (satellite network to air) broadcast protocol. Data
is continually broadcast without the need to request information, nor
acknowledge receipt.
Both basic (no-cost) and value added fee-based products are transmitted
by VDL. Basic VDL products are displayed using standard ICAO/WMO
textual format.
No-cost VDL Subscription Fee-based XM Subscription
Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs) Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs)
Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports
(SPECIs) (SPECIs)
Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs) Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs)
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
AIRMETs AIRMETs
SIGMETs SIGMETs
Convective SIGMETs Convective SIGMETs
Alert Weather Watches (AWW)
Fee-based VDL Subscription
NEXRAD Base Reflectivity NEXRAD Composite Reflectivity
Graphical METARs Graphical METARs
Graphical AIRMETs Graphical AIRMETs
Graphical SIGMETs Graphical SIGMETs
Graphical Convective SIGMETs Graphical Convective SIGMETs

Precipitation Type, Freezing Levels, Winds
Graphical Alert Weather Watches Aloft, Severe Weather Storm Track SCITs,
Temporary Flight Restrictions TFR's
The VDL ground station network and the XM satellite network repetitively
broadcast the same product until either newer data is available or the
information has exceeded a pre-determined expiration time. Basic prod-
ucts are broadcast at least once every 5 minutes by the VDL system.
Products are broadcast once every 5 - 12 minutes (depending on the
product) by the XM system.
NOTE: Due to inherent delays, areas of coverage and relative age and
availability of the data that can be experienced, weather data cannot
be viewed as an absolute depiction of conditions at a specific location.

Introduction
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW
The Datalink Weather Function of the Bendix/King KMD 550/850 Multi
Function Display allows for the display and control of textual and graph-
ical weather information received from the Honeywell KDR 510 VDL
Receiver or the KDR 610 XM satellite receiver. The choice of VDL or XM
receiver is made during installation. A single display can display only
VDL weather or only XM weather, not both.
This Pilot’s Guide Addendum describes the operation of the KMD
550/850 display and discusses the proper use of the displayed data for
strategic weather planning. The detailed description of the general oper-
ation of the KMD 550/850 is contained in the KMD 550/850 Pilot’s Guide.
The Bendix/King KMD 550/850 is shown below with the Text METAR
Page selected.
CAUTION
Datalink weather information is to be used as a strategic planning
tool for pilot decisions on avoiding inclement weather areas that
are beyond visual range or where poor visibility precludes visual
acquisition of inclement weather. Datalink weather information may
be used as follows:
a. To aid the pilot in situational awareness of hazardous meteo-
rological conditions.
b. As a cue to the pilot to communicate with the ATC controller,
AFSS specialist, Operator Dispatch, or Airline Operations Control
Center (AOCC) to get further information about the current meteo-
rological conditions. In no case should the pilot take any evasive
action based solely upon the datalink weather display.
The datalink weather information is intended for assistance in
strategic flight planning purposes only and lacks sufficient resolu-
tion and updating necessary for tactical maneuvering.

Basic Service Weather Products
DATALINK WEATHER FUNCTION STATUS ICONS
The Datalink Weather Function Status Icons are located in the lower left
of the display. They are used to indicate whether or not the KMD
550/850 is currently receiving and/or displaying weather information. The
following table shows the various icons and their meanings.
VDL Icon XM Icon Colors Description
Black on a cyan No weather data is currently being
background. received but previously received data is
being displayed on the present page.
Black on a cyan Weather data is currently being received
background. from a signal and displayed on the present
page. XM signal is weak.
page. XM signal is marginal.
page. XM signal is good.
Black on gray. Weather data not being received nor dis-
played on the present page.
Black on gray. Weather data is currently being received

from a signal but not displayed on the pre-
sent page.
Black on gray with Fault with connection or data link radio.
red slash.
Black on gray. Graphical METAR overlay is available but

not displayed.
Black, green and Graphical METAR overlay is enabled and

yellow on cyan. displayed.
Black on gray. Weather data not being received.

Graphical METAR overlay is available but
not displayed.
Black, green and Weather data not being received.
yellow on cyan. Graphical METAR overlay is enabled and
displayed.
Black on gray with Radio Fault. Graphical METAR overlay is
red slash. available but not displayed.
Black on gray with Radio Fault. Graphical METAR overlay is

red slash; Black, enabled and displayed.
green and yellow on
cyan.

VDL Icon XM Icon Colors Description
N/A No TFR Icon TFR data is not being received.
present.
N/A Black on gray. TFR data is being received but is not cur-
rently being displayed.
N/A Black on cyan. TFR data is being received and displayed.
Icon Description
0 min – 15 min Datalink lightning information received and displayed.
0 min – 15 min Datalink lightning information received but not dis-

played.
15 min – 30 min Datalink lightning information received and displayed
but data is more than 15 minutes old.
15 min – 30 min Datalink lightning information received but not dis-
played and data is more than 15 minutes old.
> 30 min Datalink lightning is not being received.
Icon Description
Severe Weather Storm track information being received and displayed.
Severe Weather Storm track information being received but not dis-
played.
Severe Weather Storm track information not being received / data invalid.
BASIC SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS

The following is a discussion of weather products offered with the basic
no-fee VDL service. Accessing and navigating these services will be dis-
cussed in detail later in this addendum.
All basic and value-added products (except those identified as VDL Only)
can also be obtained through a single fee-based XM subscription service.
METAR
A METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) describes the specific
weather conditions at a particular airport at a given time. The KMD 550
provides a translated version of the METAR data. This is a readable ver-
sion of the METAR data derived from the actual METAR. The raw
METAR data is played at the end of the translated version. The ele-
ments of a METAR are in order as follows:
1. Type of report

2. ICAO station identifier
3. Date and time of issue
4. Modifier (AUTO if automated report or COR if corrected observation)
5. Wind
6. Visibility
7. Runway visual range (as required)
8. Weather phenomena
9. Sky condition
10. Temperature/dew point group
11. Altimeter
12. Remarks (as required)
METARs available within the selected range of the selected area will be
displayed up to a maximum of 25 reports. These reports are displayed in
an encoded textual format. METARs displayed graphically on the map
are offered through a subscription service.
NOTE: When a specific element of METAR data is not available, it is
omitted from the report. The user must know the sequence of data to
recognize omissions. METAR observations older than 120 minutes will
be discarded.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual METARs.
SPECI
A SPECI (Aviation Selected Special Weather Report) is related to the
METAR. SPECIs are issued when certain specific conditions or events
have been observed at a particular location, usually an airport. A SPECI
will contain the same elements as a METAR and will generally be issued
for the following reasons:
1. Sudden, extreme changes in wind speed and/or direction.
2. Changes in surface visibility, especially those that change the flying
category at the reporting site.
3. Changes in runway visibility above or below 2,400 feet.
4. Appearance or termination of significant weather or natural atmos-
pheric events such as tornados, waterspouts, funnel clouds, thun-
derstorms, squalls and volcanic eruptions.
5. Changes in precipitation intensity or form.
6. Changes to ceilings when previously reported ceilings were at or
below 3,000 feet, or the formation of a ceiling below 3,000 feet.
Also, new formation of cloud layers or other obscuring phenomenon
that occur below 1,000 feet.
7. Aircraft mishaps.
8. Other meteorological conditions that the agency or the observer
determine as critical.

Refer to the section on METARs for an explanation of the elements. The
element sequence and content will be the same as those in a METAR
report with the exception of the first element denoting report type.
“SPECI” will be seen in place of “METAR”. The KMD 550 provides a
translated version of the SPECI data. This is a readable version of the
SPECI data derived from the actual SPECI. The raw SPECI data is
played at the end of the translated version.
NOTE: When a specific element of SPECI data is not available, it is
omitted from the report. The user must know the sequence of data to
recognize omissions. SPECI observations older than 120 minutes will be
discarded.
Basic service SPECIs are offered in the encoded textual format.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual METAR/SPECIs.
TAF
A TAF (Terminal Area Forecast) is a statement of expected meteorolog-
ical conditions at an airport during a specified period of time. Many
aspects of the TAF are the same as a METAR. Abbreviations are the
same as in a METAR with addition of a few more discussed later. Many
of the data elements are formatted as those in a METAR report. A TAF
will contain elements in the following order:
1. Type of report
2. ICAO station identifier
3. Date and time of issue
4. Date and time valid
5. Wind
6. Visibility
7. Weather phenomena
8. Sky conditions
9. Wind shear (as required)
10. Forecast weather change indicator
TAFs available within the selected range of the selected area will be dis-
played up to a maximum of 25 reports. These reports are displayed in an
encoded textual format.
NOTE: TAFs older than the forecast validity period are discarded.
Amended or corrected TAFs generated within the issuance period are
provided as soon as they are available, and the previous outdated TAF
is no longer transmitted.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual TAFs.

PIREP (VDL ONLY)
A PIREP (Pilot Weather Report) is an observation of conditions at a spe-
cific location or along a specific route. These conditions are reported by
pilots when communications are established with ground facilities such
EFAS, AFSS/FSS, ARTCC or ATC. Abbreviations are the same as in a
METAR. Pilots are encouraged to promptly volunteer these reports. A
PIREP will contain elements in the following order:
1. Type of message (urgent or routine)
2. Location in relation to an airport or VHF NAVAID
3. Time observed
4. Flight Level (may not always be present)
5. Type of aircraft (may not always be present)
6. Sky cover (may not always be present)
7. Weather conditions (may not always be present)
8. Temperature (may not always be present)
9. Wind direction and speed (may not always be present)
10. Turbulence (may not always be present)
11. Icing (may not always be present)
12. Remarks (may not always be present)
PIREPs available within the selected range of the selected area will be
displayed up to a maximum of 25 reports. These reports are displayed in
an encoded textual format.
NOTE: PIREPs older than 120 minutes are discarded.

See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual PIREPs.
AIRMET
An AIRMET (Airman’s Meteorological Information) is an advisory of sig-

nificant weather that could be hazardous to single engine, light aircraft
and VFR pilots. However, parameters are such that the phenomena
does not require issuance of a SIGMET. AIRMETs address details
regarding IFR, extensive mountain obscuration, turbulence, strong sur-
face winds, icing and freezing levels. AIRMETs are considered wide-
spread because they must either be affecting or forecast to affect an
area at least 3,000 square miles. However, during the forecast period,
the actual affected area may be much smaller. AIRMETs are issued
every six hours and the maximum forecast period is 6 hours. An
AIRMET will contain elements in the following order:
1. Forecast Area
2. Report Type

3. Date and time issued
4. Report designation and reason for issuance
5. Validity period
6. Area of coverage
7. Weather phenomenon details.
These reports are displayed in an encoded textual format.
NOTE: AIRMETs may be issued up to 15 minutes prior to the start of the
validity period. The system will display the data age as zero until the start
of the validity period. AIRMETs older than 360 minutes are discarded.
Amended, updated or corrected AIRMETs generated withing the
issuance period are provided as soon as they are available, and the pre-
vious outdated AIRMET is no longer transmitted.
When an AIRMET is cancelled, neither the original report nor the cance-
lation message can be displayed.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual AIRMETs.
SIGMET
A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) is an advisory of non-
convective weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft. SIGMETs
address details regarding severe icing not associated with thunder-
storms, severe or extreme turbulence not associated with thunderstorms,
dust or sand storms lowering visibility to less than 3 miles, volcanic ash.
SIGMETs are considered widespread because they must either be
affecting or forecast to affect an area at least 3,000 square miles.
However, during the forecast period, the actual affected area may be
much smaller. SIGMETs are issued as needed and the maximum fore-
cast period is 4 hours, except for 6 hours for conditions associated with
hurricanes. A SIGMET will contain elements in the following order:
1. Forecast Area
2. Report Type
3. Date and time issued
4. Report designation and reason for issuance
5. Validity period
6. Area of coverage
7. Location of weather phenomenon
8. Weather phenomenon details.
These reports are displayed in an encoded textual format.
NOTE: SIGMETs older than the forecast period are discarded.
Amended, updated or corrected SIGMETs generated withing the
issuance period are provided as soon as they are available, and the pre-
vious outdated SIGMET is no longer transmitted.

When an SIGMET is cancelled, neither the original report nor the cance-
lation message can be displayed.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual SIGMETs.
CONVECTIVE SIGMET
A Convective SIGMET (Convective Significant Meteorological Information)
is an advisory of convective weather that the forecaster believes haz-
ardous to all aircraft. Convective SIGMETs address details regarding
severe thunderstorms, embedded thunderstorms, a line of thunderstorms,
or thunderstorms producing heavy precipitation affecting an area 40 per-
cent or more of an area at least 3,000 square miles. Convective SIGMETs
are issued hourly with a maximum forecast period of 2 hours. A
Convective SIGMET will contain elements in the following order:
1. Region Identifier and issue date and time
2. Report designator
3. Validity period
4. Area of coverage
5. Location details
6. Weather phenomena details
NOTE: Convective SIGMETs older than the forecast period are dis-
carded. Amended, updated or corrected Convective SIGMETs generated
withing the issuance period are provided as soon as they are available,
and the previous outdated Convective SIGMET is no longer transmitted.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual Convective
SIGMETs.
ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (VDL ONLY)

Alert Weather Watches (AWW) are Alert Severe Weather Watch
Bulletins that describe areas of possible severe thunderstorm or tornado
development. These are watches, not warnings; and are issued as
needed. Severe weather may not actually develop. An Alert Weather
Watch will contain elements in the following order:
1. Report designation and date and time of issuance
2. Watch number, reason for issuance, area of coverage and validity
period.
3. Watch coordinates
4. Forecast
NOTE: Alert Weather Watches older than the forecast period are discarded.
See Appendix A for instructions on decoding textual Alert Weather
Watches.

Value Added Service Weather Products
VALUE ADDED SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS
The following is a discussion of weather products offered with the value
added VDL subscription service. Accessing and navigating these ser-
vices will be discussed in detail later in this addendum.
All basic and value-added products (except those identified as VDL
Only) can also be obtained through a single fee-based XM subscription
service.
NOTE: Airport and VOR icons, with their identifiers, will be displayed on
the graphical FIS maps at the range settings selected on Map Setup
Page (2). However, only airport identifiers will be displayed on the
Graphical METARs map display.
NEXRAD
Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) is formally designated WSR-88D,
which stands for Weather Service Radar (Doppler) and was commis-
sioned in 1988.
FIS VDL provides NEXRAD base reflectivity and XM WX provides
NEXRAD composite reflectivity. Each NEXRAD ground radar site scan is
composed of separate beam scans at several elevation angles for 360°
around the site. Base reflectivity is the highest precipitation echo (reflec-
tivity) contained in the lowest NEXRAD radar elevation angle scan (5°).
Composite reflectivity provides the highest precipitation echoes within all
of the elevation scan angles. The NEXRAD base or composite reflectivity
modes provide a display of echo intensity depicted by colors. NEXRAD
information is good for identifying precipitation intensity.
CAUTION: NEXRAD data must be used for strategic planning pur-
poses only. Due to inherent delays and relative age of the data
that can be experienced, NEXRAD data cannot be used for tactical
avoidance of weather.
NEXRAD reflectivity images
older than 75 minutes are
discarded and no longer dis-
played.
Figure 1 shows a typical
NEXRAD display. Political
boundaries, rivers, lakes,
and oceans are depicted in
conjunction with weather.
The NEXRAD data map is
always displayed in a north
up orientation. Figure 1

The display range may be changed to zoom in on a specific area to get
a more detailed weather picture, or zoom out to display a wider range.
NEXRAD ABNORMALITIES
The following is a list of NEXRAD abnormalities that may be experi-

enced:
1. Each NEXRAD site can operate in two modes, "Clear Air" mode or
"Precipitation" mode. When no significant precipitation exists in the scan-
ning area of the radar a NEXRAD site produces images in the "Clear Air"
mode. In this mode the radar is very sensitive to small targets, making it
possible to detect minute particles such as pollen, smoke and dust.
2. Ground clutter is detected when nearby buildings, trees, and towers
reflect radar energy back to the NEXRAD site. Because NEXRAD is a
Doppler radar, many stationary targets are filtered out. However, if a
tower or tree sways slightly in the wind, it will show up on the scan as a
target. These “moving” objects are the targets referred to as ground
clutter. Radar returns from very near the site (within a radius 20-30 nau-
tical miles) indicating very high reflectivities often include ground clutter.
3. Strobes are spurious radar data caused primarily by defractive
bending of the beam back down to the ground. This often happens in
areas where cool air interacts with prevailing warm air, such as along
coastlines and over oceans or other large bodies of water. Blocky and
linear features are characteristics of strobes within the displayed data.
4. Sun strobes occur when a radar antenna points directly at the sun.
This shows up as high reflectivity for one or two radials. Sun strobes are
shown as bright colored spikes on the display.
5. Military planes deploy metallic dust known as 'chaff' to diffuse their
radar signatures and mask their presence on radar. Pilots frequently
practice laying chaff trails over open ocean, although these trails often
drift over land causing alterations in weather radar scans.
6. When a solid object, such as a mountain, intersects a radar beam, it
blocks any reflectivity beyond that point and produces a shadow within
the display.
7. When a building near a NEXRAD site is taller than the tower on
which the radar antenna resides, it can block the beam, casting a long,
narrow shadow (blank space) in the display.
8. NEXRAD sites sometimes return data that is entirely spurious. This
is known as "going critical" and usually does not last longer than a few
hours.
9. Atmospheric temperature inversions cause radar returns from the
Earth's surface resulting in Anomalous Propagation (AP) echoes on the
radar display.

10. Echoes from migrating birds, bats, and insects will be displayed as
circular patterns of level 1 reflectivity centered near NEXRAD sites.
11. Significant variation in humidity with altitude can cause reflections
from the Earth's surface. These reflections are also displayed as large
circular or oval areas of uniform low intensity.
12. Differences will be noted between the base reflectivity (VDL) and
composite (XM) products. The base reflectivity product displays the
lower extent of cloud masses, so the extent of water droplets appears to
be less. The composite product provides more airborne water reflection
seen at higher angles as viewed from the NEXRAD ground sites, so
higher level features of the convective activity will be given. For example,
the "blowout" portion of thunderstorms (the anvil portion) containing high
altitude ice particles is often depicted as light precipitation and might be
confused for lower altitude light precipitation. Either base or composite
product provide accurate, but somewhat time delayed depiction of high
levels of precipitation for fully developed or late stage thunderstorms.
NEXRAD LIMITATIONS
The following are limitations on the use of NEXRAD data:

1. NEXRAD does not provide sufficient information to determine cloud
layers, precipitation characteristics (frozen vs. liquid, hail vs. rain, etc),
nor does it provide information on turbulence, only the amount of
reflected energy from the precipitation.
2. The displayed NEXRAD product does not provide sufficient detail to
infer future weather trends. Due to delays involved in product creation
and transmittal, the pilot should always review the age bar to determine
information currency. Coverage Gap
3. Due to NEXRAD site
location limitations, terrestrial
blockages and outages,
NEXRAD coverage gaps
exist. Coverage gaps are dis-
played as a cross hatched
pattern as shown in Figure 2.
Lack of reflectivity in a cov-
erage gap area should not be
construed as a lack of precip-
itation. Coverage gaps are
portrayed indentically on
either VDL or XM. Figure 2
4. The resolution of NEXRAD VDL data is 4 kilometers (km).Thus,
when zoomed in on the display, each square block is 4 km on a side.
The intensity level reflected by the square will be the highest level sam-
pled within the 4 km area.

The resolution of NEXRAD XM data is 2 km. Thus, when zoomed in on
the display, each square block is 2 km on a side. The intensity level
reflected by the square will be the highest level sampled within the 2 km
area.
INTENSITY
Precipitation intensity is depicted using colors as follows:

Green Light Level 1 15-30 dBz (10-30 dBz for XM))
Yellow Moderate Level 2 30-40 dBz
Red Heavy Level 3-4 40-50 dBz
Magenta Extreme Level 5-8 50+ dBz
The NEXRAD dBz levels, descriptions and colors are consistent with
FAA guidelines.
Moving the joystick and
pressing the MORE INFO
softkey will display the
NEXRAD legend as shown
in Figure 3a (FIS VDL) and
3b (XM WX).
The column labeled dBz is a
measure of the radar echo
intensity.
The strength of a radar
return signal typically varies
as a function of distance
(i.e., weaker from distant tar- Figure 3a
gets, stronger from those
nearby) and the object size.
Many weather sources avail-
able on the internet use
color coding that is different
than the KMD 550/850 color
coding. The dBz and inten-
sity level can be used to
compare intensity levels
between different sources of
NEXRAD information since
many internet weather
providers will include a
legend with dBz values indi- Figure 3b
cated.
No Data, as shown in the legend, indicates the lack of coverage for
reasons discussed previously.

PRECIPITATION TYPE
(AT SURFACE)
(XM ONLY)
The Precipitation Type (At
Surface) product is decoded
the same as the NEXRAD
information is. It is displayed
as shown in Figure 4.
Moving the joy stick in any
direction displays the MORE
INFO soft key on the right
side of the screen. Pressing Figure 4
the RESET STICK soft key
or waiting 30 seconds will
return the screen to the pre-
vious Precipitation Type
selection.
When the MORE INFO soft
key is pressed the Legend
window is shown as in
Figure 6.
Pressing the OVERLAY
button displays overlay
selection soft keys on the
right side of the screen. This
allows selection of any of the
five different overlays
(depending upon availability) Figure 5
for the Precipitation Type
screen. Overlay types are
Flight Plan, Storm Scope (if
installed), Data Link
Lightning and Severe
Weather Storm Track/Storm
Cells. The overlay selections
are highlighted on the
legend on the left side of the
screen. Press SAVE & EXIT
to complete the selection.
Figure 6

Pressing and holding the
OVERLAY key will display
the FIS Overlays window.
This window displays the
status of the overlays that
are available to the
Precipitation Type screen as
shown in Figure 8. The
window will no longer be dis-
played when the overlay key
is released.
Figure 7
Figure 8
FREEZING LEVELS (XM ONLY)

The Freezing Level product
decoded and displayed in a
graphical format as shown in
Figure 9. The color code for
each altitude level is indi-
cated in the legend box on
the right of the display.
Additionally the “IN” box in
the legend indicates the cur-
rent level the aircraft is in.
Figure 9

Moving the Joy stick will
cause the MORE INFO and
RESET STICK soft keys to
be displayed on the right.
Pressing the MORE INFO
soft key will display the full
Freezing Levels Legend.
This includes the range of
each level. Moving the joy
stick in any direction will
revert the display back to the
Freezing Levels screen or it
will return to it in 30 seconds. Figure 10
Pressing the OVERLAY
button displays the overlay
selection soft keys on the
right side of the screen. This
allows the flight plan to be
overlaid on the Freezing
Levels screen. The selection
is made by pressing FLIGHT
PLAN soft key on the right
side of the screen. The
overlay selection is high-
lighted on the legend on the
left side of the screen. Press
SAVE & EXIT to complete Figure 11
the selection.
Figure 12

Pressing and holding the
OVERLAY key will display
the FIS Overlays window.
This window displays the
status of the overlays of the
Freezing Levels screen as
shown in Figure 13. The
window will no longer be dis-
played when the overlay key
is released.
Figure 13
WINDS ALOFT (XM ONLY)

The Winds Aloft product
shows wind speed and
direction on the surface and
at the selected altitudes.
Displayed altitudes are at
the surface (SFC) and from
3000ft to 18,000ft in 3000ft
increments and from
24,000ft to 42,000ft in 6000ft
increments. The displayed
level can be changed by
pressing either the Flight
Level up (FL UP) or Flight
Level down (FL DN) soft Figure 14
keys on the right of the dis-
play as shown in Figure 14.
The Winds Aloft Screen will
display at zoom levels from
50 to 500 NM. At the 320
and 500 NM range only the
wind barb for the maximum
magnitude within the area is
displayed.
When winds aloft informa-
tion isn’t available for part of
a selected area, a hash gra-
dient will highlight that area
as shown in Figure 15. Figure 15

This condition will always be
true in the Rocky mountain
area at 3000ft and below.
When there is not any wind
data available for the
selected Flight Level the
message “WINDS ALOFT
DATA AT THIS FLIGHT
LEVEL NOT AVAILABLE
DATA NOT RECEIVED” as
shown in Figure 16.
Moving the joystick in any Figure 16
direction displays the MORE
INFO soft key as shown in
Figure 17. Pressing the
RESET STICK soft key or
after 30 seconds the display
returns to the previous
Winds Aloft selection.
Moving the joystick over
Wind Bar markers displays
the Speed and wind direc-
tion information associated
with that particular marker.
See Figure 18. Pressing the
RESET STICK soft key or Figure 17
Figure 18

key displays the Winds Aloft
Legend as shown in Figure
19. Moving the joy Stick or
Figure 19

GRAPHICAL METAR
The graphical METAR is
derived from the most cur-
rently received textual
METAR or SPECI data from
reporting sites. This is dis-
played on a map back-
ground to enhance situa-
tional awareness as shown
on Figure 20.
The graphical METAR icon
is gray when the textual
METAR or SPECI report
exceeds 75 minutes (AGED), Figure 20
but is less than the textual METAR expiration time of 120 minutes.
Look at the textual report for ceiling and visibillty information.
CAUTION: Graphical METAR data must be used for strategic plan-
ning purposes only. Due to inherent delays, areas of coverage
and relative age and availability of the data that can be experi-
enced, Graphical METAR data cannot be viewed as an absolute
depiction of conditions at a specific location.
Graphical METARs are shown using two color coded boxes, one indi-
cating ceiling (upper box), the other visibility (lower box). Next to the
boxes is the ICAO station identifier for the airport to which the METAR
pertains. Color coding for the boxes is specified in the table below:
Moving the joystick pointer to an area that will not highlight a specific
report then pressing the MORE INFO softkey will display the graphical
METAR legend as shown in Figure 21.

GRAPHICAL AIRMET
The graphical AIRMET is
derived from the location
description (if provided) in
the textual AIRMET and dis-
played as a boundary box
with the appropriate color for
the condition as shown in
the legend (for a description,
see AIRMETs in the Basic
Weather Services section).
The “IN” box in the legend
indicates the current aircraft Figure 21
position is within the corre-
sponding forecast condition.
The boundaries are dis-
played on a map back-
ground to enhance situa-
tional awareness as shown
on Figure 22. Low Level
Wind Shear and Freezing
Level information will not be
displayed on the GRAPH-
ICAL AIRMET; check the
textual AIRMETs for this
information.
Figure 22
NOTE: If no location descrip-
tion is provided in the textual AIRMET the AIRMET cannot be depicted
graphically. These AIRMETs are denoted by displaying the AIRMET
identifier in green within the textual AIRMET.
GRAPHICAL SIGMET
The graphical SIGMET is
description in the textual
SIGMET and displayed as a
boundary box with the
appropriate color for the
condition (for a description,
see SIGMETs in the Basic
This is displayed on a map
background to enhance situ-
ational awareness as shown
on Figure 23.
Figure 23

GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE SIGMET
The graphical Convective
SIGMET is derived from the
location description in the
textual Convective SIGMET
and displayed as a yellow
boundary box (for a descrip-
tion, see CONVECTIVE
SIGMETs in the Basic
indicates the current aircraft
The boundaries are dis- Figure 24
played on a map background
to enhance situational
awareness as shown on
Figure 24.
GRAPHICAL ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (VDL ONLY)

The graphical Alert Weather
Watches (AWWs) are
description in the textual
AWW and displayed as a
boundary box with the
appropriate color for the con-
dition as shown in the legend
(for a description, see
ALERT WEATHER
WATCHES in the Basic
indicates the current aircraft Figure 25
The boundaries are dis-
played on a map background
to enhance situational aware-
ness as shown on Figure 25.

Startup
STARTUP
If a display such as Figure
26 is seen at startup, per-
form the steps in Setting Up
a FIS Subscription.
Figure 27 is displayed at the
end of the startup process
on the KMD 550/850 if a FIS
system is installed. Press
OK to acknowledge that it is
understood that FIS informa-
Figure 26
tion is to be used as a
strategic planning tool for
pilot decisions on avoiding
inclement weather areas
which are beyond visual
range or where poor visibility
precludes visual acquisition
of inclement weather.
Due to inherent delays,
areas of coverage and rela-
tive age and availability of
the data that can be experi-
enced, weather data cannot
be viewed as an absolute Figure 27
depiction of conditions at a specific location.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
A current subscription (VDL or XM) and a current data card (VDL only)
are required to receive services. Subscriptions are used to gain access
to services. Some VDL services are offered at no cost and others are fee
based. All XM weather services are provided on a fee basis. All services
not identified as VDL Only are available with an XM subscription.
VDL SUBSCRIPTIONS
A subscription must be set up to continue receiving FIS VDL services,
including no-charge products. This process can be performed either via
website, (http://www.bendixking.com) select Wingman Services, Data
Link Weather, or alternatively by contacting Wingman Services at 800-
247-0230 (or 913-712-3145). During this process, you will have the
option to subscribe to fee-based products, such as NEXRAD and
Graphical METARs, and/or may choose to subscribe to basic textual
products, such as TAFs, METARs/SPECIs, and PIREPs, which will con-
tinue to remain free-of-charge.

FIS Subscriptions
NOTE: Although the basic textual products are free of charge, they still
require a subscription to receive the service as well as a current data
card.
To accommodate users with varying service needs (for example, during
different flying seasons over the course of a year), the display unit allows
storage for up to four individual subscriptions, in much the same way that
a computer can support multiple user accounts with different passwords.
Once entered, the display unit manages selection of the appropriate sub-
scription without any operator intervention. A subscription code must be
entered into the display unit whenever you add or renew a subscription.
When subscribing for a FIS VDL service package, you may specify the
date when service shall commence and the duration. If you subscribe to
multiple packages, the start date and duration of each can differ (if
desired). For instance, a user may select the free text weather package
for an entire year and also choose a graphical weather package for part
of the year.
During the subscription process, you will receive 1 to 4 subscription
codes which you must enter into your display unit to permit access to all
products. A subscription code is an alphanumeric sequence that permits
access to the FIS VDL broadcast network in much the same way that a
computer password permits access to a computer network. When you
subscribe for FIS VDL services, the online system will ask for a FIS
Display ID in order to provide you with the subscription code. The FIS
Display ID is a unique alphanumeric serial number associated with your
display unit. This ID is obtained by viewing the FIS Subscription Status
page on your display unit. After obtaining the subscription code (from
either bendixking.com or via a phone call to Wingman Services), enter
this code into your display unit. The subscription code tells the display
the service(s) to which you have subscribed and for what period of time.
Also, the data card must be updated at least once a year for continuance
of FIS subscription service. The validity period for the subscription data
on the data card is shown on the FIS Caution page at power on and also
on the FIS Subscription Status Page. The data card contains both sub-
scription data that is needed to access FIS products as well as the latest
operating software. By updating the data card at least once a year prior
to the expiration date you will ensure uninterrupted FIS service and also
have the latest version of software to utilize new FIS products as they
become available. Note that data card updates are available every 28
days and also include the latest version of Jeppesen navigation data.

FIS Subscriptions
Go to Bendixking.com Enter Display ID during
Get Display ID or call 1-800-247-0230 registration
from unit in airplane to subscribe to FIS Services (This is only required first
time you subscribe)
Receive Subscription Take printed out code(s)

Select the desired Code(s) and print them to the airplane and enter
services out code(s) on the FIS Subscription
Status Page
Update Data Card if needed.

Update at least once per year Enjoy flying with FIS
to ensure continued FIS Services Services!
How to Subscribe to FIS VDL Services

SETTING UP A VDL
SUBSCRIPTION
NOTE: The following details

require selection of a KDR-
510 as the source for
datalink weather data.
At least one subscription
must be set up, even to
receive the no-charge ser-
vices. Up to four different
concurrent subscriptions can
be set up depending on the
service packages desired.
NOTE: Entering more than
four subscriptions will cause Figure 28
previous subscriptions to be
overwritten.
To set up a subscription, per-
form the following steps:
1. Press the AUX Function
Select Key to display the
Auxiliary Mode Cover Page
2. Press the WX SETUP
softkey to display the WX
Setup Cover Page as shown
in Figure 29.
Figure 29

FIS Subscriptions
3. Press the FIS softkey to
display the FIS Setup Cover
Page as shown in Figure 30.
4. Press the FIS SUBSCR
softkey to display Figure 31.
On initial subscription setup
the subscription window will
show only blank spaces as
shown in Figure 31, unless
services were pre-provi-
sioned at the factory. In this
case some lines may not be
blank. If adding another sub- Figure 30
scription, one or more pre-
vious subscriptions may be
displayed with the associ-
ated validity period and
status.
The unique identifier for the
individual KMD 550/850 is
displayed in the FIS Display
ID window. The unique ID
shown here is 0H0H0
00KX0.
Obtain the unique ID for your
system and visit the Wingman Figure 31
Services website on
www.bendixking.com or call
1-800-247-0230. This ID will
be used to obtain a
Subscription Access Code.
NOTE: For uninterrupted FIS
VDL services, the data card
must be updated by the date
shown in “Data card update
required by” field.
5. After obtaining the
Subscription Code, press the
ADD SUBSCR softkey to dis- Figure 32
play Figure 32.

FIS Subscriptions
6. The inner Control Knob
selects the alphanumeric
character and the outer
Control Knob selects the
character position. Turn the
inner Control Knob until the
first character of the
Subscription Code is dis-
played in first space. Turn
the outer Control Knob clock-
wise to move to the next
space to the right. Turn the
inner Control Knob until the
second character of the Figure 33
Subscription Code is dis-
played. Continue this
sequence until the entire
Subscription Code has been
entered as shown in Figure
33.
After selecting the last char-
acter space of the
Subscription Code the
ENTER softkey is now avail-
able.
7. After entering the last Figure 34
Subscription Code character,
press the ENTER softkey.
The subscription should be
accepted and processed as
shown in Figure 34.
If an incorrect code has been
entered, a message like that
shown in Figure 35 will be
displayed.
Figure 35

FIS Subscriptions
8. After the subscription has
been accepted, Figure 36 will
be displayed showing the
subscription validity period
and status. If the subscription
has been entered prior to the
beginning of subscription ser-
vice, the entered subscription
will begin when subscription
services are turned on.
CHECKING FIS VDL
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Figure 36
To check FIS VDL subscrip-
tion validity or status perform
the following steps:
1. Repeat steps 1 through 3
in the Setting Up a FIS VDL
Subscription section.
2. Press the FIS SUBSCR
softkey. A screen similar to
Figure 37 should be dis-
played. In this case subscrip-
tion #1 has expired and sub-
scription #2 is still valid. Figure 37
The symbols that may appear in the Status column, and their meanings,
are shown in Figure 38a. Again, subscriptions will only be valid when FIS
subscription service is turned on.
Figure 38a
NOTE: Only the validity period for subscriptions is shown on the display.
To determine which products are available with each subscription,
access the account on Wingman Services at www.bendixking.com.

FIS Subscriptions
XM WX SUBSCRIPTIONS
An XM subscription must be set up to receive XM WX services. This
process involves accessing the XM Radio website and a toll-free phone
call to XM Radio.
SETTING UP AN XM WX SUBSCRIPTION
NOTE: The following details require selection of an XM receiver (such

as a KDR-610 ) as the source for datalink weather data.
Setting up an XM WX subscription can be accomplished by following
these steps:
1a.Retrieve the 8-digit ID from the KDR 610 label (should be attached to
the opposite end of the receiver from the connectors)
OR
1b.Apply power to the display and receiver, select the AUX key, the WX
SETUP softkey, the FIS softkey, and finally the FIS SUBSCRIPTION
softkey. Record the 8-digit receiver ID displayed at the bottom of the
FIS Subscription Status page.
Figure 38b
2. Go to the website www.xmradio.com/weather/get_xm_wx.html to
select your weather subscription package.
3. Apply power to the XM receiver, and place the receiver's antenna
where the signal can be received from the XM satellites. Make certain
the antenna has a good view of the southern horizon.
4. With the Receiver ID and desired subscription package in hand, con-
tact XM Radio at 1-800-985-9200 for assistance in activating your
receiver and setting up a weather product subscription. The receiver

FIS Subscriptions
should remain in view of the satellites during the subscription
process.
5. Verify the activation of the receiver and the subscription validity by
selecting and viewing the “FIS Subscription Status Page” on the
KMD screen.
If for any reason the receiver was not exposed to the XM signal within
the initial 24 hour broadcast period, or is not successfully authorized for
some other reason, a subsequent 15 minute resend of the subscription
information can be obtained. Get the receiver ID (instructions in step 1a
or 1b above), go to the website http://www.xmradio.com/refresh/, and
follow the instructions.
CHECKING XM WX SUBSCRIPTIONS
To check the FIS XM sub-

scription and receiver status,
apply power to the display
and receiver, select the AUX
key, then the WX SETUP
softkey, the FIS softkey, and
finally the FIS SUBSCR
softkey, as in step 1b previ-
ously.
The Application IDs are dis-
played along with the
receiver activation and sub-
scription status. The Figure 38c
Application IDs provide the groupings of products that are part of the
subscription package. Green checkmarks indicate those App IDs or
product groups that are contained in the subscription package for the XM
receiver. Contact XM Radio at 1-800-985-9200 with the App ID informa-
tion if the subscribed products are not received and displayed.
Symbol Subscription Status Description
— The XM FIS receiver subscription

No Information information message has not
(white) been received.
The user is not authorized for the

Not Subscribed
Application ID.
The user is authorized for the

Subscribed
Application ID.

FIS Subscriptions
The following table lists the XM Radio assignment of App IDs for weather
products. Assignments within the broadcast data stream may change
and the most current assignments may not be reflected below. Contact
XM concerning App ID information if the powered receiver has been in
view of the satellites for 10 minutes or more and the correct products are
not received. Those products that are currently displayed on the KMD
550/850 with the XM capable software release installed are set in bold
font.
App ID Product
Radar Coverage, METARs, County Warnings, City
App ID 10
Forecasts
App ID 231 NEXRAD Radar, TAFs, Freezing Level, TFRs
SCITs, Lightning, Storm (Echo) Tops, Surface
App ID 232 Precipitation, Winds Aloft, AIRMETs, SIGMETs,
Cloud Tops

Normal Operation
NORMAL OPERATION
To display the FIS pages, press the WX Function Select Key. Each
press will cycle through Weather Radar (KMD 850 only), Stormscope®
(if installed), FIS Graphics Page (Graphical METAR, NEXRAD,
AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs and Alert Weather Watches
(VDL Only) depending on what was last selected) and FIS Text Page.
☞
WX Radar KMD 850 Only
Stormscope® Only if Stormscope® is installed
Datalink Wx
Graphical
Products
Datalink Wx
Textual
Products
The MODE Power Key may

be used to select any of the
available FIS weather pages
by displaying the SELECT
FIS PRODUCT Menu as
shown in Figure 39a (Figure
39b and Figure 39c for XM).
MODE will only be available
when the KMD 550/850 is
actively receiving weather
data. On startup, this may
take a few minutes. Available
weather products will be dis-
played in black text. Products Figure 39a
that are not yet available will
be displayed in blue text and
will not be selectable until
they are available. Wx
Watches and PIREPs are not
available for XM WX and will
not be listed.
Use the Joystick or the
inner/outer Control Knobs to
select the desired weather
Figure 39b
product. After the desired product is
selected, press the SELECT Softkey.

Normal Operation
When the Control
Knob Icon is dis-
played in the MODE
field at the top of the display,
as shown here, either the
inner or outer Control Knob
may be used to select and
cycle through the available
graphical weather products
without having to use the
SELECT FIS PRODUCT
Menu.
NEXRAD PAGE Figure 39c
The following illustration describes the NEXRAD VDL display. The

NEXRAD XM display is the same except the FIS Icon is different and
Composite Reflectivity is shown instead of Base Reflectivity.
4 5 6 1 Range Scale - Indicates
selected range.
7 2 Available Functions -
3
Displays icons representing
8 data available (black) and
9 displayed (color).
3 North Pointer - Indicates
2 10 north.
4 Range Rings - Outer ring
11 radius is selected range
1
and inner ring radius is one
VDL System 12 half the selected range.
5 MODE - Indicates the
weather product being
4 5 6 displayed.
6 Control Knob Icon -
7 Displayed when the Control
3
Knobs are available for
cycling through the graphical
9 weather products.
7 Joystick Label - Indicates
2 10 joystick is active and can be
used to pan map.
11
1 8 No Coverage Area -
Crosshatch pattern indicates
12
XM WX System area of no coverage.
9 Precipitation - NEXRAD
precipitation returns.
10 Aircraft Symbol - Indicates present aircraft position and heading (if
available) or track.
11 Age of Data - Age of the data based on current time minus NEXRAD
issue time.
12 Age Status Bar - Indicates percentage of age versus elapsed time
before expiration. The bar will be green the first 50% then turn yellow.

Normal Operation
NEXRAD PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS
CAUTION: NEXRAD data must only be used for strategic planning
purposes. Due to inherent delays and relative age of the data that
can be experienced, NEXRAD data cannot be used for tactical
avoidance of weather.
MODE - Displays the Select FIS Product Menu.
Joystick - Moving the joystick allows panning of

the map and placement of the pointer over the
desired weather activity to be viewed.
RNG▲ ▲/RNG▼ ▼ - Displays ZOOMING TO ### nm and

advances the indicator to the next range. The upper
button increases range, the lower button decreases it.
The selected range is displayed in the lower left corner
of the display with the outer range ring the displayed
range and the inner range ring is half the displayed
range. The RNG button labels will not be displayed when their respective
range limits are reached.
OVLY - Allows selection of flight plan and Datalink
Lightning and Storm Cell Identification and Tracking
(SCIT) lightning data (if Stormscope® equipment is
installed) for overlay on the FIS map.
Control Knobs - Used to select and/or cycle through the
available graphical weather products displays.
SELECTING AND USING

THE NEXRAD PAGE
1. Press the WX Function
Select Key until the FIS
Graphics Page is displayed.
If necessary, turn the Control
Knob to obtain the NEXRAD
display as shown in Figure
40. NEXRAD Base
Reflectivity (NEXRAD Figure 40
Composite Reflectivity for XM) will be displayed in the MODE field
located at the top center of the display.

Normal Operation
NOTE: If a message such as
that shown in Figure 41 is
displayed, it may be that the
system has not had time to
acquire a signal or has
acquired a signal and not yet
received all the data for a
NEXRAD image. If this mes-
sage is still present after
more than 5-10 minutes,
refer to the Messages sec-
tion of this addendum.
Figure 41
Always make note of the age of the data displayed in the bottom right
corner. Remember, the older the age the more suspect the accuracy of
the data. The colored bar will be green the first 50% of the expiration
time period for the displayed data then turn yellow. Also, delays occur-
ring prior to the weather distributor time stamping the data are not
reflected in the displayed age. These delays can range from one to
seven minutes.
If no data update has been received for 75 minutes the NEXRAD image
is discarded and no longer displayed.
2. Press the RNG▲ ▲/RNG▼ ▼ Key to zoom in on the display. The map is
centered on the present position indicated by the symbolic aircraft.
3. To view a specific area of weather, move the joystick in the desired

direction. A pointer will appear on the display connected to the symbolic
aircraft with a flashing line (see Figure 42). The distance and bearing
between present position
and the pointer is shown at
the bottom center of the dis-
play. As the joystick is held
the pointer will continue to
move. When the pointer
reaches the edge of the dis-
play the map will pan to keep
up with pointer movement.
Release the joystick to stop
moving the pointer. Press the
RNG▲ ▲/RNG▼ ▼ keys to zoom
in or out on the pointer posi-
tion. Figure 42

Normal Operation
softkey will display the VDL
NEXRAD LEGEND (Figure
43a) or the XM NEXRAD
LEGEND (Figure 43b). To
clear the legend from the dis-
play, move the joystick. The
XM legend reflects the lower
limit of 10 dBz for light precip-
itation.
Press the RESET STICK

softkey to return to the pre-
sent position display. If no Figure 43a
actions are taken for a period
of 30 seconds, the display will
return to the present position.
Figure 43b
4. Press the OVLY Key to

overlay flightplan or lightning
data on the NEXRAD map
(see Figure 44). Lightning
overlay capability will only be
available if a Stormscope® is
installed with the system.
The FLIGHT PLAN and

STORMSCOPE softkeys
toggle the respective overlay
on or off as in Figure 45. Figure 44
Figure 45

Normal Operation
Press the SAVE & EXIT
softkey to retain the selec-
tions on the display (see
Figure 46).
If the severe weather storm

track (SCIT) overlay is active
the SCIT icon will be dis-
played in the legend on the
left side of the screen.
Where ever severe weather
is located the SCIT icon will
be displayed on the screen.
The arrow of the icon will indi- Figure 46
cate the forecasted track of
the weather (see Figure 47).
If the cursor is moved by the

joy stick over any of the SCIT
icons on the screen a pop up
screen showing Storm Top
(in kft), Movement: (direction,
speed in knots), Hail: (Max
hail size in inches) and Age
Icon: (also indicated expira-
tion time). (Figure 48).
Figure 47
Figure 48

Normal Operation
PRECIPITATION TYPE PAGE
5 6
4 7
8
9
2
3
1
1 Range Scale - Indicates selected range.
2 Available Functions - Displays icons representing data available (black)
and displayed (color).
4 North Pointer - Indicates north.
5 MODE - Indicates the weather product being displayed.
6 Control Knob Icon - Displayed when the Control Knobs are available for
cycling through the graphical weather products.
7 Joystick Label - Indicates joystick is active and can be used to pan map.
8 Range Rings - Outer ring radius is selected range and inner ring radius
is one half the selected range.
10 No Coverage Data Available - Indicates there is not any Freezing Levels
available in that area.
PRECIPITATION TYPE COLOR CODING

Normal Operation
PRECIPITATION TYPE PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired PRECIPITATION TYPE icon to be
viewed.

range. The RNG button labels will not be displayed
when their respective range limits are reached.
OVLY - Allows selection of flight plan data for overlay
on the FIS map.


Normal Operation
FREEZING LEVELS PAGE
5 6
4 7
8
9
3
1
6 Control Knob Icon - Displayed when the Control Knobs are available
for cycling through the graphical weather products.
10 Freezing Level Color Key - Colors indicating Freezing Levels at the
height shown.
FREEZING LEVELS COLOR CODING

Normal Operation
FREEZING LEVELS PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired FREEZING LEVELS icon to be viewed.

on the FIS map.


Normal Operation
WINDS ALOFT PAGE
5 6
4 7
9 8
3
1
6 Control Knob Icon - Displayed when the Control Knobs are available
for cycling through the graphical weather products.
10 FL UP and FL DN – Increments the Winds Aloft flight level that is being
played.
WINDS ALOFT SCALE

Normal Operation
WINDS ALOFT PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired WINDS ALOFT icon to be viewed.

on the FIS map.


Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL METARS PAGE
The following illustration describes the Graphical METARs display. The
only difference between VDL and XM is the Datalink Wx Status icon.
5 6
7
4
3 8
9
2 10
1
3 Graphical METAR Icon - Ceiling indicated in top box, visibility in the
bottom box and ICAO identifier of issuing airport. Note that ICAO identifiers
are not displayed on all range settings.
10 METAR Color Key - Colors indicating flight rules pertaining to ceiling
and visibility.

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL METARS PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired METAR icon to be viewed.

on the FIS map.

SELECTING AND USING THE GRAPHICAL METARS PAGE

Knob to obtain the Graphical
METARs display as shown in
Figure 49. Graphical
METARs will be displayed in
the MODE field located at the
top center of the display.
NOTE: This page will not be
accessible until a valid FIS
signal has been acquired and Figure 49
processed by the system.

Normal Operation
2. Press the RNG▲ ▲/RNG▼ ▼
Key to zoom in on the dis-
play. The map is centered on
the present position indicated
by the symbolic aircraft.
3. To view a specific
METAR, move the joystick in
the desired direction. A
pointer will appear on the dis-
play connected to the sym-
bolic aircraft with a flashing
line (see Figure 50). The dis-
tance and bearing between Figure 50
present position and the
pointer is shown at the
bottom center of the display.
As the joystick is held the
pointer will continue to move.
When the pointer reaches the
edge of the display the map
will pan to keep up with
pointer movement. Release
the joystick to stop moving
the pointer. When the pointer
moves over a graphical
METAR icon, a box will pop
up containing the IDENT, Figure 51
NAME and CITY/STATE
pertaining to the location and
the AGE of the report (see
Figure 51).

keys to zoom in or out on the
pointer position.
5. Press the MORE INFO

softkey to display the Text
METAR Page for the dis-
played location as in Figure
52.
Figure 52
6. Press the METAR MAP softkey to return to the previous display.
7. Press the RESET STICK softkey to return to the present position dis-
play. If no actions are taken for a period of 30 seconds, the display will
return to the aircraft present position display.

Normal Operation
8. To view the graphical
METAR LEGEND, move the
joystick pointer to an area
with no icons and press the
MORE INFO softkey. The
legend will be displayed as in
Figure 53. Move the joystick
to remove the legend from
the display.

overlay flightplan data on the
Graphical METAR map (see Figure 53
Figure 54).
The FLIGHT PLAN softkey

toggles the overlay on or off
as in Figure 55.

softkey to retain the selection
on the display.
Figure 54
Figure 55

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL AIRMETS PAGE
The following illustration describes the Graphical AIRMETs display. The
4 5
6
3
7
8
2 9
10
1
1 Range Scale - Indicates selected range. 11
9 AIRMET Boundary - Color coded line indicating the boundaries of an
AIRMET.
10 AIRMET Color Key - Colors indicating AIRMET type.
11 IN - Indicates the current aircraft position is ìIN ” an IFR AIRMET.

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL AIRMETS PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired AIRMET to be viewed.

OVLY - Allows selection of flight plan and lightning data
(if Stormscope® equipment is installed) for overlay on
the FIS map.
SELECTING AND USING THE GRAPHICAL AIRMETS PAGE

AIRMETs display as shown
in Figure 56. Graphical
AIRMETs will be displayed in
Normal Operation
AIRMET, move the joystick in
the desired direction and
place the pointer on the
desired AIRMET border (see
Figure 57). A box will pop up
containing the AIRMET des-
ignator, TYPE and the AGE
of the report.

pointer position.
Figure 57
Softkey to display the Text
AIRMET Page for the dis-
58. The text describing
AIRMET location is displayed
in green to help differentiate
between location information
and weather information.
When the text report is
accessed from the map, the
text will automatically be
scrolled to the beginning of Figure 58
the weather information.
Some report identifiers may
be highlighted in green
(CHIZ02 and SLCZ01).
These are AIRMET reports
that contain insufficient loca-
tion information to be dis-
played on the AIRMET Map.
6. Press the AIRMET MAP

Softkey to return to the pre-
vious display.
7. Press the RESET STICK

Figure 59
sent position display. If no actions are taken for a period of 30 seconds,
the display will return to the aircraft present position display.
8. To view the graphical AIRMET LEGEND, move the joystick pointer to

an empty area on the map and press the MORE INFO softkey. The
legend will be displayed as in Figure 59. Move the joystick to remove the
legend from the display.

Normal Operation
overlay flightplan and/or
Stormscope® data on the
Graphical AIRMET map (see
Figure 60). If a Stormscope®
system is not installed, the
STORMSCOPE Softkey will
not be displayed.

as in Figure 61. The
toggle the lightning display Figure 60
symbols on or off (if a
Stormscope® is installed).

on the display.
Figure 61

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL SIGMETS PAGE
The following illustration describes the Graphical SIGMETs display. The
4 5
6
3
7
8
2 9
1 10
9 SIGMET Boundary - Color coded line indicating the boundaries of a
SIGMET.
10 SIGMET Color Key - Colors indicating SIGMET type.

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL SIGMETS PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired SIGMET to be viewed.

the FIS map.
SELECTING AND USING THE GRAPHICAL SIGMETS PAGE

SIGMETs display as shown
in Figure 62. Graphical
SIGMETs will be displayed in

Normal Operation
2. Press the RNG▲ ▲ /RNG▼ ▼
Key to zoom in on the dis-
play. The map is centered on
the present position indicated
by the symbolic aircraft.
SIGMET, move the joystick in
the desired direction and
place the pointer on the
desired SIGMET border (see
Figure 63). A box will pop up
containing the SIGMET des-
ignator, TYPE and the AGE Figure 63
of the report.

pointer position.

SIGMET Page for the dis-
64. The text describing
SIGMET location is displayed
between location information Figure 64
text will automatically be
scrolled to the beginning of
6. Press the SIGMET MAP

vious display.

sent position display. If no Figure 65
actions are taken for a period of 30 seconds, the display will return to the
aircraft present position display.
8. To view the graphical SIGMET LEGEND, move the joystick pointer to

an empty area on the map and press the MORE INFO softkey. The
legend will be displayed as in Figure 65. Move the joystick to remove the
legend from the display.

Normal Operation
Graphical SIGMET map (see
Figure 66). If a Stormscope®
not be displayed.

toggle the lightning display Figure 66

on the display.
Figure 67

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE SIGMETS PAGE
The following illustration describes the Graphical Convective SIGMETs
display. The only difference between VDL and XM is the Datalink Wx
Status icon.
4 5
6
3
7
8
2 9
10
1
11
9 Convective SIGMET Boundary - Color coded line indicating the boundaries
of a Convective SIGMET.
10 IN - Indicates the current aircraft position is “IN” a thunderstorm Convective
SIGMET.
11 Convective SIGMET Color Key - Colors indicating Convective SIGMET
type.

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE SIGMETS PAGE OPERATIONAL
CONTROLS

desired Convective SIGMET to be viewed.

the FIS map.
SELECTING AND USING THE GRAPHICAL CONVECTIVE

SIGMETS PAGE
Convective SIGMETs display
Graphical Conv SIGMETs
will be displayed in the
MODE field located at the top
center of the display.
NOTE: This page will not be Figure 68
signal has been acquired and processed by the system.
Normal Operation
Convective SIGMET, move
the joystick in the desired
direction and place the
pointer on the desired
Convective SIGMET border
(see Figure 69). A box will
pop up containing the
Convective SIGMET desig-
nator, TYPE and the AGE of
the report.

keys to zoom in or out on the Figure 69
pointer position.

Convective SIGMET Page
for the displayed location as
in Figure 70. The text
describing Convective
SIGMET location is displayed
between location information
text will automatically be Figure 70
scrolled to the beginning of
6. Press the C-SIG MAP

vious display.

sent position display. If no
of 30 seconds, the display
will return to the aircraft pre-
sent position display. Figure 71
8. To view the graphical CONV SIGMET LEGEND, move the joystick
pointer to an empty area on the map and press the MORE INFO softkey.
The legend will be displayed as in Figure 71. Move the joystick to
remove the legend from the display.

Normal Operation
Graphical Convective
SIGMET map (see Figure
72). If a Stormscope®
not be displayed.

STORMSCOPE Softkey will Figure 72
toggle the lightning display

on the display.
Figure 73

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL ALERT WEATHER WATCHES PAGE (AWW)
(VDL ONLY)
The following illustration describes the Graphical Alert Weather Watches
(AWW) display.
4 5
6
3
7
8
2 9
10
1
11
9 Weather Watch Boundary - Color coded line indicating the boundaries
of an Alert Weather Watch.
10 IN - Indicates the current aircraft position is “IN” a severe thunderstorm
watch area.
11 Weather Watch Color Key - Colors indicating Alert Weather Watch type.

Normal Operation
GRAPHICAL ALERT WEATHER WATCHES PAGE
OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

desired Weather Watch to be viewed.

the FIS map.
SELECTING AND USING

THE GRAPHICAL
ALERT WEATHER
WATCHES PAGE
Alert Weather Watches dis- Figure 74
play as shown in Figure 74. Wx Watches (AWW) will be displayed in the
MODE field located at the top center of the display.
NOTE: This page will not be accessible until a valid FIS signal has been
acquired and processed by the system.

Normal Operation
3. To view a specific Alert
Weather Watch, move the
joystick in the desired direc-
tion and place the pointer on
the desired Weather Watch
border (see Figure 75). A box
will pop up containing the
Weather Watch designator,
TYPE and the AGE of the
report.

pointer position. Figure 75

Alert Weather Watch Page
for the displayed location as
in Figure 76. The text
describing AWW location is
displayed in green to help dif-
ferentiate between location
information and weather
information. When the text
report is accessed from the
map, the text will automati-
cally be scrolled to the begin-
ning of the weather informa- Figure 76
tion.
6. Press the AWW MAP

vious display.

sent position display. If no
of 30 seconds, the display
will return to the aircraft pre-
sent position display.
8. To view the graphical Wx Figure 77

WATCH (AWW) LEGEND,
move the joystick pointer to an empty area on the map and press the
MORE INFO softkey. The legend will be displayed as in Figure 77. Move
the joystick to remove the legend from the display.

Normal Operation
Graphical Alert Weather
Watch map (see Figure 78).
If a Stormscope® system is
not installed, the STORM-
SCOPE Softkey will not be
displayed.

STORMSCOPE Softkey will Figure 78
toggle the lightning display

on the display.
Figure 79

Normal Operation
FIS TEXT PAGE
Press the WX Function Select Key until the FIS Text Page is displayed.
The following illustration describes the FIS Text Page display. The only
difference between VDL and XM is the Datalink Wx Status icon.
6 7 8
5
9
4
10
3
11
13
2 12
15
1 14
1 Text Field - The translated METARS data is displayed first in this window
followed by the encoded weather report is displayed in this field.
3 Selected Report Info - Displays name, city and state of selected report.
4 Selected Area Identifier - Displays the identifier of the area selection.
5 Area Selection - Pressing the CHANGE AREA soft key cycles between
Destination, Flightplan WPT, Nearest and User Defined.
6 Mode - Pressing the MODE key will display the SELECT FIS PRODUCT
Menu.
7 UTC - Current UTC time.
8 Report - Each horizontal movement of the joystick will move the cursor
over the next report in the AVAILABLE REPORTS field.
9 Available Reports - Shows available reports based on the selection in the
AREA field. Special, urgent or amended reports are highlighted in yellow.
10 Scroll Bar Left/Right - Indicates there are more available reports than can
be displayed on the screen. Move the joystick left/right to cycle through the
reports.
11 Change Area Soft Key - Cycles the AREA field between Destination,
Flightplan Waypoint (FLPN WPT), Nearest and User Defined.
12 METAR Map Soft Key - When this key is pressed the graphical METAR
page is displayed with the map centered on the selected METAR. This is
only available when valid data for graphical METARs is being received.
13 Age of Report - Age of report based on UTC time minus time of report.
The bar indicates percentage of age versus elapsed time before expiration.
The bar will be green the first 50% then turn yellow.
14 Knob Function Label - Indicates the knob function is set to DATA input
(USER DEFINED) or SCAN data (FLPN WPT).
15 Scroll Bar Up/Down - Indicates there is more available data in this report
than can be displayed on the screen. Move the joystick Up/Down to cycle
through the reports.

Normal Operation
FIS TEXT PAGE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS
Joystick - Moving the joystick right or left

moves the cursor through the available
reports.
CHANGE AREA - Pressing the CHANGE

AREA softkey will cycle through the four
options available for the AREA field in the
upper right of the display. Available selections
are DESTINATION, NEAREST, FLPN WPT and USER DEFINED. The
closest available weather reports for the selected AREA will be dis-
played in the REPORTS AVAILABLE IN AREA field.
(PRODUCT) MAP - This softkey is available

when viewing textual weather products that are
available graphically and will reflect the
selected weather product (METAR, AIRMET, SIGMET, etc.). When this
softkey is pressed, the corresponding graphical weather product map will
be displayed with the map centered on the location of the selected
report.
SCAN/DATA - The SCAN feature is only

available when FLPN WPT is the selected
AREA. The DATA feature is available when
USER DEFINED is selected. When the
Control Knob function is set to SCAN, the
inner knob cycles through the available flight plan waypoints. When the
Control Knob function is set to DATA, the outer knob moves the cursor
to the desired character in the desired field. The inner knob allows the
selection of the desired letter or number in each field.

Normal Operation
USING THE FIS TEXT PAGE
Press the WX Function
Select Key until the FIS Text
Page is displayed as shown
in Figure 80.
NOTE: If a message such as
that shown in Figure 81
(METARs or other weather
product) is displayed, it may
be that the system has not
had time to acquire a signal.
If this message is still present
after 5-10 minutes, refer to
the Messages section of this Figure 80
addendum.
If no report for the selected
weather product is available
in the selected area, NO
(Selected Product) AVAIL-
ABLE IN SELECTED AREA
will be displayed.
When viewing FIS textual
reports of Area Products,
such as AIRMETs (as in
Figure 82), SIGMETs,
Convective SIGMETs and
Weather Watches (VDL Figure 81
Only), the description of the
affected area will be dis-
played in green. The descrip-
tion of the weather phenom-
enon will be displayed in
black. If the textual page is
accessed from one of the
graphical area product
pages, the page will automat-
ically be scrolled to the
beginning of the weather
description.
NOTE: If an AIRMET report
Figure 82
identifier in the REPORTS
AVAILABLE IN AREA field is highlighted in green, the description of the
affected area does not represent a polygon (e.g. area along and 25 nm
either side of a line from...) and cannot be displayed on the AIRMET
map.

Normal Operation
CHANGING MODES & AREA
1. Press the MODE Key to

display the SELECT FIS
PRODUCT Menu as shown
in Figure 83. Use the Joystick
or the Control Knobs to
select the desired textual
product.
The type of report selected is

then displayed in the MODE
field at the top of the display.
Figure 84 shows the relation- Figure 83

ship between the selected AREA and the selected MODE. The system
filters and then displays reports for the selected MODE based on the dis-
tance from the selected AREA. The REPORTS AVAILABLE IN AREA
field lists closest first, furthest last.
For instance, the display shown in Figure 80 lists all available METARs
within 50nm of KIXD (the selected AREA). KIXD is also a reporting sta-
tion which is listed first in the REPORTS AVAILABLE IN AREA. Use the
joystick to scroll across through the available reports. Urgent, special or
amended reports will be highlighted in yellow.
Note that the displayed report in Figure 80 is 61 minutes old. The bar
indicates a percentage of time left before expiration. The bar will be
green the first 50%, then turn yellow.
Selected Area
METARs
TAFs
PIREPs & Area Products
0 50 100 150
Radius in Nautical Miles of Selected Area
Figure 84
Destination
☞ Flightplan
☞ Nearest
☞ User
Waypoint Defined
☞
Figure 85

Normal Operation
2. Press the CHANGE AREA softkey to view reports for either
NEAREST to present position, USER DEFINED location, DESTINA-
TION (last waypoint in a flightplan) or FPLN WPT (any waypoint in an
active flightplan). The softkey cycles through the AREAs as shown in
Figure 85.
These four selectable areas are used to make it easier to find all the
reports near a specific location without having to know the exact identifier
of the reporting station. Again, refer to Figure 84 to understand the rela-
tionship between the selected AREA and the selected MODE.
SELECTING IDENTIFIERS
USING THE DATA/SCAN
KNOB
Scanning Flightplan
Waypoints
If FPLN WPT is selected in

the AREA field (as shown in
Figure 86), the SCAN Knob
can be used to sequence
through all the waypoints on
the active flightplan. The next Figure 86
waypoint from the current position will be displayed.
Turn the inner knob clockwise to sequence forward through the way-
points. Turn the inner counter-clockwise to sequence backward through
the waypoints.
Finding User Defined

Areas By Identifier
If USER DEFINED has been

selected, as in Figure 87, use
the Control Knob to enter
data (note cursor position in
Figure 87) or scan through
available location options.
The following is an example
of using this feature.
Figure 87

Normal Operation
1. The cursor will be over
the first character of the way-
point identifier. Select the
desired character by turning
the inner knob. The screen
will change to that shown in
Figure 88.
2. Turn the outer knob one
click clockwise to move the
cursor to the next character
field as shown in Figure 89.
Turn the inner knob to select
the desired character. Figure 88
field. Turn the inner knob to
select the desired character.
See Figure 90.
field. Turn the inner knob to
select the desired character.
Figure 89
Figure 90

Normal Operation
5. Press the OK softkey
when finished making selec-
tions. The display will be as
shown in Figure 91.
6. Move the joystick right or

left to view available reports.
NOTE: Available reports
highlighted in yellow, like
KMCW in Figure 91, indi-
cates the report is a special
report, urgent report or an
amended or corrected report. Figure 91
7. Press the METAR MAP

softkey to display the
selected report location (in
this case KCAV) centered on
the Graphical METAR dis-
play as shown in Figure 92.
NOTE: The METAR MAP
softkey is only available
when viewing METARs and
valid data for graphical
METARs is being received.
Figure 92
Finding User Defined Areas by Name or City

When the identifier of the desired location is known, the method previ-
ously described can be used to select it. However, if the identifier is not
known, the name of the location can be entered. The system will also
allow entry of just the first few characters of the location name to help
find it in the database. If nei-
ther the identifier nor the
location name is known, the
city/state can be scanned.
To Enter Location Name:
The following example shows
entering EAGLE GROVE
MUN as a location.
1. Turn the outer Control
Knob one click clockwise.
Figure 93 will be displayed.
Figure 93

Normal Operation
2. Continue to turn the outer
knob clockwise to highlight
the N as shown in Figure 94.
3. Turn the inner knob coun-
terclockwise until an E is
selected as shown in Figure
95.
4. Turn the outer knob clock-
wise until the cursor is posi-
tioned for the next character.
a A as in Figure 96. Figure 94
Figure 95
Figure 96

Normal Operation
tioned for the next character
entry.
a G as in Figure 97.
tioned for the next desired
character entry.
7. Turn the inner knob clock-
wise to select a G as shown Figure 97
in Figure 98. The desired
location is now displayed
because it is the first instance
in the database with a G in
this field.
To Scan for Location
Name:
Sometimes, only a portion of
the airport name may come
to mind. The following
example shows scanning for
EAGLE GROVE MUN when
EAGLE is the only portion of Figure 98
the name remembered.
1. Repeat Step 1 through 6
of the previous procedure.
2. Press the KNOB SCAN
softkey. The Control Knob
label will now display SCAN .
The knob label will now show
SCAN as in Figure 99.
tioned as in Figure 99.
Figure 99

Normal Operation
4. Turn the inner knob to
sequence through all the
location names in the data-
base beginning with EAGLE.
stopping at the desired name
as in Figure 100.
NOTE: This same method
may be used with the name
of the city where the airport is
located.
This method is also used to
choose the desired airport Figure 100
among those of identical
names, but located in different cities.

Normal Operation
FIS NETWORK STATUS PAGE (VDL ONLY)
The FIS Network Status Page displays the location and identifier of
installed VDL ground stations. This page can also be used to determine
which stations are being received and the status of each station.
The following illustration describes the FIS Network Status Page display.
5
6
4
7
3
8
9
2
10
1
- Indicates selected range.

Normal Operation
1. Press the AUX Function Select Key
to display the Auxiliary Mode Cover
Page as shown in Figure 101.
2. Press the WX SETUP
softkey to display the WX
Setup Cover Page as shown
in Figure 102.
3. Press the FIS softkey to
display the FIS Setup Cover
Page as shown in Figure
103.
Figure 101
Figure 102
Figure 103

Normal Operation
4. Press the FIS STATUS
softkey to display the FIS
Network Status Page as
shown in Figure 104. A
ground station icon with
“transmitting rays” emanating
from that location is a station
from which data was
received within the last 30
seconds.
NOTE: At any given moment
the FIS receiver may not be
receiving the closest transmit- Figure 104
ting site. This is not a
problem since all stations
transmit the same data.
5. Ground station status and
it’s identifier number can be
viewed by moving the joy-
stick to position the pointer
over the desired ground sta-
tion as shown in Figure 105.
Figure 105
NOTE: Visit Wingman Services at www.bendixking.com to view the
latest information about network transmitter locations and to cross-refer-
ence ground station IDs with the location names.

Messages
MESSAGES
The following are descriptions of messages that may be displayed.
FIS ALERT, NO VALID

FIS SUBSCRIPTIONS
The message shown in
Figure 106 would indicate
that no subscriptions have
been set up or previously
entered subscriptions have
expired or will become valid
at a future date. This is the
only indication received when
an XM WX subscription has
expired. Figure 106
NO DATA RECEIVED
FROM FIS RECEIVER
If the KMD 550/850 display is
unable to communicate with
the KDR 510 VDL Receiver
or the KDR 610 XM
Receiver, a message such
as that shown in Figure 107
will be displayed.
If this message persists, it
may indicate a problem with Figure 107
the Receiver or the wiring
between the KDR 510/610
and the KMD 550/850.
(PRODUCT) NOT
AVAILABLE, DATA
NOT RECEIVED
If no valid graphical FIS data
is received, a message such
as the NEXRAD Image
product example in Figure
108 will be displayed. Figure 108
This message usually means that the system is not in FIS VDL cov-
erage, or the XM WX signal strength is poor.
The message can also occur while in coverage if not all of the data for a
weather product has been received.

Messages
NO (PRODUCT) AVAIL-
ABLE IN SELECTED
AREA
A message such as the
METARs example shown in
Figure 109 will be displayed if
no data for the FIS product
selected is available in the
selected area.
This message means that
the FIS system is working
properly, there are simply no Figure 109
reports of the selected mode
within the area.
FIS ALERT, FIS DATA

NOT RECEIVED FOR
15 MINUTES
This message will be dis-
played (Figure 110) if FIS
data has previously been
received, but it has been 15
minutes or more since the
last reception. The message Figure 110
can be cleared by pressing
the OK softkey. The mes-
sage will not appear again
unless data is again received
then again lost for 15 min-
utes.
NO (PRODUCT) AVAIL-
ABLE, DATA NOT
RECEIVED
played as in the METARs
example in Figure 111 if no Figure 111
FIS product data has been
received.
This message means the FIS system has not received any data for the
selected FIS weather product. This may be due to not being in FIS cov-
erage or to poor signal strength.

Messages
INVALID ENTRY,
PLEASE CHECK
CODE
(VDL ONLY)
played (Figure 112) if an
invalid Subscription Code is
entered. This may be due to
an error entering the
Subscription Code. Also, it
may be due to a Subscription
Code being entered that is
Figure 112
associated with a different
Display ID.
ERROR PROCESSING
SUBSCRIPTION CODE
(VDL ONLY)
played (Figure 113) when
there is a problem processing
the Subscription Code.
Cycling power to the unit and
re-entering the code usually
resolves the problem. If this
message persists, the Figure 113
problem may be with the
Database Card or the
decryption hardware.
FIS DECRYPTION
FAILURE. UNABLE TO
ACCEPT A NEW SUB-
SCRIPTION CODE
(VDL ONLY)
played (Figure 114) if the
internal decryption hardware
has failed or is otherwise not
responding to commands. Figure 114

Messages
NETWORK STATUS
NOT AVAILABLE,
DATA NOT RECEIVED
(VDL ONLY)
played (Figure 115) if no
valid network status data is
available.
FIS ALERT, ONE OR

MORE FIS SUBSCRIP- Figure 115
TIONS ARE CLOSE TO
EXPIRING. PLEASE
REVIEW YOUR SUB-
SCRIPTIONS
(VDL ONLY)
system detects at least one
subscription is within 7 days
of it’s displayed ending date.
FIS ALERT, ONE OR Figure 116

MORE FIS SUBSCRIP-
TIONS HAVE
EXPIRED. PLEASE
REVIEW YOUR SUB-
SCRIPTIONS
(VDL ONLY)
system detects at least one
subscription is within the 1
day of it’s displayed ending
date. Services pertaining to
this subscription will still be
accessible. Figure 117

Messages
FIS ALERT, DATA
CARD UPDATE
REQUIRED FOR CON-
TINUED RECEPTION
OF FIS DATA (VDL
ONLY)
If the system detects that the
system date is within 30 days
of the ending date of the data
card a message such as that
displayed. This is a reminder. Figure 118
FIS services will continue to
function until reaching the
ending date of the data card.
FIS ALERT, NEW DATA

CARD NOT YET
VALID. UNABLE TO
RECEIVE FIS DATA
(VDL ONLY)
system detects the system
date is prior to the starting
date of the data card. Figure 119
FIS ALERT, DATA

CARD HAS EXPIRED.
UNABLE TO RECEIVE
FIS DATA
(VDL ONLY)
If the system detects the
system date is after the
ending date of the data card
a message such as that
displayed. FIS services will Figure 120
not be accessible.

Messages
FIS ALERT, FIS SUB-
SCRIPTION ERROR.
SWITCH OFF AND
REPLACE DATA CARD
(VDL ONLY)
A message such as that
displayed if there is a
problem internal to the data
card.
Figure 121
FIS ALERT, FIS
DECRYPTION ERROR.
UNABLE TO RECEIVE
FIS DATA
(VDL ONLY)
This message is similar in
appearance to that shown in
Figure 121. This message
indicates that a decryption
hardware failure has
occurred after system startup
and a successful self-test.

Understanding Weather Reports
APPENDIX A
UNDERSTANDING TEXTUAL AVIATION

WEATHER REPORTS
UNDERSTANDING METARS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
METAR KPIT 201955Z AUTO 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB

18/16 A2992 RMK SLPO13 T01760158 PK WND 22030/15 $
9 10 11 12
Refer to the numbers on the following diagram to find the appropriate

descriptions.
1. Type of Report: METAR (SPECI will be seen here if this is a
Special Weather Report)
2. ICAO Station Identifier: KPIT

This is the location for which the METAR pertains.
3. Date and Time of Issue: 201955Z
The 20th day of the month at 1955Zulu or UTC.
4. AUTO indicates the reporting station is an automated station. If the
reporting station is a manned station this element will be omitted.
Also, if a report from an automated station is modified by a person
this element will be omitted. “COR” indicates a corrected report.
5. Wind: 22015G25KT
220 is the 3 digit true direction to the nearest 10°. Airport advisory
service, ATIS and ATC towers report wind direction as magnetic.
“VRB” in this place indicates variable winds less than or equal to 6
knots. If wind direction is varying more than 60° with speeds over 6
knots, an entry similar to “180V260” will be displayed in this place.
This example actually shows wind direction varying by 80°.
15 is the 2 or 3 digit wind speed (in knots).
25 is the 2 or 3 digit wind gust speed in knots (KT) because it follows a
G (Gust).
6. Visibility: 3/4SM R28R/2600FT
3/4 indicates 3/4 statute mile (SM) visibility.
Runway Visual Range (RVR) for R28R (runway 28 right) is 2600
KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Revision 6 Feb/2009 A-1 Appendix A
feet (2600FT). An “M” in this distance number indicates visibility is
less than the lowest reportable sensor value. A “P” indicates visibility
is greater than the highest reportable sensor value.
NOTE: Only reported at those locations with certified RVR reporting
capability.
7. Significant Present Weather: TSRA
TS is a two letter designation for thunderstorm. Other possible des-
ignations could be as follows:
BC Patches
BL Blowing
DR Low Drifting
FZ Supercooled/Freezing
MI Shallow
PR Partial
SH Showers
The second two letter designator, RA, indicates moderate rain.
Moderate is indicated by the absence of a “+”, “-” or “VC” preceding
the designation. These preceding designations represent the fol-
lowing:
+ Heavy
- Light
VC In the vicinity
Other possible designations could be as follows:
BR Mist
DS Dust Storm
DU Widespread Dust
DZ Drizzle
FC Funnel Cloud
+FC Tornado/Water Spout
FG Fog
FU Smoke
GR Hail
GS Small Hail/Snow Pellets
HZ Haze
IC Ice Crystals
PE Ice Pellets
PO Dust/Sand Whirls
PY Spray
SA Sand
SG Snow Grains
SN Snow
SQ Squall
SS Sandstorm
UP Unknown Precipitation (Automated Observations)
VA Volcanic Ash
8. Sky Condition: OVC010CB
OVC indicates the sky is overcast. Cloud cover is based on the sky
being divided into eighths or octas. Overcast means the sky is 8
octas covered. The cloud cover designators are as follows:
SKC Sky Clear
CLR Clear below 12,000 ft. (automated observing systems)
FEW 1-2 Octas
SCT 3-4 Octas
BKN 5-7 Octas
OVC 8 octas
“VV” may also be encountered here indicating an indefinite ceiling.
For example, VV004 would indicate a vertical visibility of 400 feet.
010 indicates clouds are at 1000 feet.
CB denotes cloud type is cumulonimbus. “TCU” is another possible
designator meaning towering cumulus. CI is cirrus.
9. Temperature/Dew Point: 18/16
18 indicated the temperature is 18° Celsius. An “M” preceding the
temperature means the temperature is below 0° Celsius.
16 indicated the dew point is 16° Celsius. An “M” preceding the dew
point means the dew point is below 0° Celsius.
10. Altimeter Setting: A2992
A indicates the setting is in inches of mercury.
2992 is the altimeter setting. The first two digits are inches and the
second two are hundredths.
11. Remarks: RMK SLP013 T01760158 PK WND 22030/15
RMK designates the beginning of the remarks. Remarks can con-
tain anything, but often include the following:
SLP indicates sea level pressure in millibars from selected stations.
013 indicates pressure is 1001.3 millibars.
T01760158. Selected stations may also include a 9 place code indi-
cating temperature and dewpoint to the nearest 1/10 degree. T
denotes temperature. 0 indicates temperature is above 0° Celsius.
A “1” in this position indicates a temperature below 0° Celsius. 176
indicates a temperature of 17.6° Celsius. The next 0 indicates the
dew point is above 0° Celsius. A “1” in this position indicates a dew
point below 0° Celsius. 158 indicates a dewpoint of 15.8° Celsius.
PK WND 22030/15. Selected stations may include peak wind obser-
vations which will appear in the remarks element.
PK WND denotes peak wind.
200 indicates wind direction from 200°.
30/15 indicates a maximum instantaneous wind of 30 knots occurred
at 15 minutes past the hour.
12. Maintenance Indicator: $
$ designates that the sensor needs maintenance.
NOTE: When the maintenance indicator is shown, some of the data may
be inaccurate.
UNDERSTANDING TAFS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
TAF KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 WS015/30045KT 20

19 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407 21

00000KT 1SM -RA BR
10
9 FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1315 20010KT
P6SM NSW SKC
16 17 18 11 12 13 14 15
Refer to the numbers on the following diagram to find the appropriate
descriptions.
1. Type of Report: TAF
TAF indicates a Terminal Area Forecast. TAF AMD indicates an
amended forecast.
2. ICAO Station Identifier: KPIT
This is the airport for which the TAF pertains.
3. Date and Time of Issue: 091730Z
The 9th day of the month at 1730Zulu or UTC.
4. Date and Time Valid: 091818
The 9th day of the month, valid for 24 hours from 091800Z to
101800Z. An amended forecast (TAF AMD) will be valid for only the
time interval remaining, usually less than 24 hours.

5. Forecast Wind: 22020KT
See #5 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.
6. Forecast Visibility: 3SM
See #6 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details,
except RVR is not included in a TAF
7. Forecast Weather Phenomenon: -SHRA
8. Sky Conditions: BKN020
9. Beginning of Changed Forecast Conditions: FM1000
FM denotes “from” and 1000 indicates 1000Z. “From” means a sig-
nificant change in prevailing conditions is expected. The described
conditions follow this element and supercede all previous forecast
conditions.
10. Forecast Wind: 22010KT
11. Forecast Visibility: 5SM
12. Forecast Weather Phenomenon: -SHRA
13. Forecast Sky Conditions: OVC020
14. Change in Conditions: BECMG 1315
BECMG indicates “becoming” over the time interval between 1300Z
(13) and 1500Z (15). “Becoming” describes a gradual change in
forecast conditions. The described conditions follow this element
and supercede previously reported like elements.
15. Wind Becoming: 20010KT
See #5 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details. This
element may be omitted if no change is expected.
16. Visibility Becoming: P6SM
17. Weather Phenomenon Becoming: NSW
NSW indicates “No Significant Weather”. See #7 in the UNDER-
STANDING METARs section for details.

18. Sky Conditions Becoming: SKC
19. Change in Conditions: TEMPO 2022
TEMPO indicates “temporary” changes expected as described
between 2000Z (20)and 2200Z (22). “Temporary” indicates a tem-
porary fluctuation in conditions, usually lasting less than one hour.
The described conditions follow this element.
20. Low Level Windshear: WS015/30045KT
WS indicates “windshear” not associated with convective activity.
015 indicates the windshear is expected at 1500 feet. AGL Wind is
expected from 300° (300) at 45 knots (45KT).
21. Change in Conditions: PROB40 0407
PROB40 indicates a 40% “probability” of described conditions
occurring between 0400Z (04)and 0700Z (07). The described con-
ditions follow this element.
UNDERSTANDING PIREPS
1 2 3
KCRW UA/OV KBKW 360015-KCRW/TM 1815/FL120/TP BE99/SK IMC/

WX RA/TA M08/WV 290030/TB LGT-MDT/IC LGT RIME/RM MDT MXD
ICG DURGC KROA NWBND FL080-100 1750Z
The following is an example of a typical PIREP with an explanation of

the elements.
1. Station Identifier: KCRW
This is the station identifier of the nearest weather reporting location
to the reported conditions.
2. Report Type: UA
Reports will be routine (UA) or urgent (UUA).
3. Location: OV KBKW 360015-KCRW
OV indicates the report is in relation to a VOR. KBKW is the VOR
identifier, in this case Beckley VOR. 360015-KCRW indicates posi-
tion as related to the VOR. In this case, 15 miles out on the 360
degree radial. KCRW indicates this is a leg to the Charleston, West
Virginia VOR.

The next series of elements contain data that is read much like that in
METARs and TAFs. Each element starts with a 2-letter designator
which denotes the type of data with that element. The following defines
the element designators:
/TM: Time as Coordinated Universal Time
/FL: Altitude as Flight Level
/TP: Aircraft Type
/SK: Sky Cover (may include cloud height and coverage)
/WX: Weather Phenomenon (can include flight visibility, precipitation
and restrictions to visibility.
/TA: Outside air temperature at altitude in degrees Celsius.
/WV: Wind (direction in degrees magnetic north and speed in knots)
/TB: Turbulence (refer to the Airman’s Information Manual)
CAT - Clear Air Turbulence
CHOP - Choppy Turbulence
OCNL - Occasional
NEG - No Turbulence
ABV - Above
BLO - Below
LGT - Light - Momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in
altitude and/or attitude.
MOD - Moderate - Greater intensity changes in altitude and/or
attitude, but aircraft remains in positive control at all times.
Usually causes changes in indicated airspeed.
SEV - Severe - Causes large and abrupt changes to aircraft
altitude and/or attitude. Large variations in indicated airspeed
and momentary loss of control.
EXTRM - Extreme - Aircraft is violently tossed about and is
nearly impossible to control. May cause structural damage.
/IC: Icing (refer to the Airman’s Information Manual)
CLR - Clear
MX - Mixed (combination of rime and clear icing)
NEG - No Icing
ABV - Above
BLO - Below
Trace - Ice becomes perceptible. Rate of evaporation is
almost equal to the rate of accumulation. Deicing/anti-icing
equipment is not utilized unless encountered for a period of
time greater than 1 hour.

LGT - Light - Rate of accumulation may be a problem if flight
is prolonged for longer than 1 hour without deicing/anti-icing
equipment. Deicing/anti-icing removes and/or prevents accu-
mulation.
MOD - Moderate - The rate of accumulation is such that even
short encounters become potentially hazardous. Use of
deicing/anti-icing equipment or diversion is necessary.
SEV - Severe - Flight diversion is necessary. Deicing/anti-
icing equipment is not effective.
/RM: Remarks (for reporting elements not included or to clarify pre-
viously reported items). Remarks can include anything. The
example translates to “moderate (MDT) mixed (MXD) icing during
climb (DURGC) from Roanoke, VA (KROA) northwestbound
(NWBND) between Flight Level 080 and 100 (FL080100) at
1750Z”.
UNDERSTANDING AIRMETS
1 2 3 4
CHIT WA 151900 AMD

5 AIRMET TANGO UPDT 2 FOR TURB
6 VALID UNTIL 160100
7 AIRMET TURB...KS MO
8 FROM MCI TO STL TO SGF TO ICT TO MCI
9 MOD TURB BLW 100 EXPCD
10 CONDS IPVG AFT 160000Z
The following is an example of a typical AIRMET with an explanation of

the elements.
1. Forecast Area: CHIT
This is the forecast area identifier of the issuing Weather Service
Forecast Office.
BOS Boston
CHI Chicago
DFW Dallas/Ft. Worth
MIA Miami
SFO San Francisco
SLC Salt Lake City
The T denotes the reason for the AIRMET. This could be one of the
following:

S Sierra IFR Ceilings < 1,000 feet and/or visibility
< 3 miles affecting > 50% of the area at
one time or extensive mountain obscu-
ration.
T Tango Turbulence Moderate turbulence, sustained suface
winds of ≥ 30 knots at the surface or
low level windshear.
Z Zulu Icing Moderate icing and/or freezing levels.
AIRMET items are considered widespread. Widespread is consid-
ered an area ≥ 3,000 square miles.
2. Report Type: WA
WA identifies an AIRMET.
3. Date and Time Issued: 151900
15 indicates the 15th day of the month. 1900 indicates UTC.
NOTE: AIRMETs may be issued up to 15 minutes prior to the start of the
validity period. The FIS system will display the data age as zero until the
start of the validity period.
4. AMD indicates an amended report. Reports can be amended due
to changing weather conditions or issuance/cancelation of a
SIGMET. COR in this field would indicate a corrected AIRMET.
RTD indicates a delayed AIRMET.
5. This line indicates that there is a second (2) update (UPDT) to this
AIRMET issued for turbulence (FOR TURB). More than one meteo-
rological condition may be addressed as shown in the following:
FOR IFR AND MTN (mountain) OBSCN (obscuration)
FOR ICE AND FRZLVL (freezing level)
FOR STG (strong) SFC (surface) WINDS AND LLWS (low level
wind shear)
6. This updated AIRMET is valid until 0100 UTC on the 16th day (16)
of the month. An AIRMET does not contain an explicit validity start
time.
7. This AIRMET forecasts turbulence (TURB) for the states of KS
(Kansas) and MO (Missouri). Geographic areas are also covered
such as CSTL WTRS (coastal waters). Other geographic abbrevia-
tions are used as well (see Appendix A).
8. The affected area is defined by lines FROM MCI (Kansas City) TO
STL (St. Louis) TO SGF (Springfield) TO ICT (Wichita) and back TO
MCI. Areas can be defined by lines between points which are air-
port or navaid identifiers.

9. Moderate (MOD) turbulence (TURB) below (BLW) 10,000 feet
expected (EXPCD).
10. Conditions (CONDS) improving (IPVG) after (AFT) the 16th day (16)
of the month 0000 UTC.
If conditions end more than one hour prior to the indicated expiration
time, an amended AIRMET will be issued stating it’s cancellation. If con-
ditions end within one hour of the indicated expiration time, the AIRMET
will be allowed to expire without cancellation. Once the report is can-
celled or expires, the FIS system no longer broadcasts the report.
UNDERSTANDING SIGMETS
1 2 3
CHIR UWS 041430

4 SIGMET ROMEO 1 VALID UNTIL 041830
5 KY TN WV VA OH
6 FROM CVG TO EKN TO PSK TO VXV TO CVG
OCNL SEV TURB BTN 300 AND 360. RPRTD BY AIRCRAFT.
7
CONDS CONTG BYD 1830Z.
8 SLM/GTB
The following is an example of a typical SIGMET issued for turbulence
with an explanation of the elements.
1. Forecast Area: CHIR
This is the forecast area identifier of the issuing Weather Service
Forecast Office.
BOS Boston
CHI Chicago
DFW Dallas/Ft. Worth
MIA Miami
SFO San Francisco
SLC Salt Lake City
The R denotes report ROMEO. A new alphabetic designator is
given each time a SIGMET is issued for a new weather phenom-
enon. The order of issuance is as follows:
N NOVEMBER
O OSCAR
P PAPA
Q QUEBEC
R ROMEO
U UNIFORM
V VICTOR
W WHISKEY
X XRAY
Y YANKEE
SIGMETs are issued for:
Severe icing not associated with thunderstorms
Severe or extreme turbulence or clear air turbulence (CAT)
Dust storms or sandstorms lowering visibilities to < 3 miles
Volcanic ash
2. Report Type: UWS
UWS indicates this is the first issuance of report ROMEO.
Subsequent reports for ROMEO would display WS.
3. Date and Time Issued: 041430.
4. This line indicates that SIGMET ROMEO 1 is VALID UNTIL the 4th
day (04) of the month at 1830 UTC.
Each subsequent report issued for this same weather phenomenon
designated ROMEO would increment the number. For example,
ROMEO 2, ROMEO 3 and so on.
5. Area of coverage by state or geographic area. In addition to state
abbreviations, other area abbreviations may be seen here, such as,
TX CSTL WTRS (Texas Coastal Waters).
6. Location of weather phenomenon. Three letter designators for
navaids or airports are used to describe boundaries of coverage. If
the weather phenomenon extends across multiple forecast areas,
the location is described as if no boundaries exist.
7. Details of weather phenomenon. The example is typical of a syn-
opsis for turbulence:
OCNL (occasional) SEV (severe) TURB (turbulence) BTN
(between) 300 (30,000 feet) AND 360 (36,000 feet). RPRTD
(reported) BY AIRCRAFT. CONDS (conditions) CONTG (contin-
uing) BYD (beyond 1830Z.
More typical examples of descriptors used in other SIGMET weather
phenomenon are as follows:
MOD (moderate) TO
STG (strong) UDDFS (updrafts and downdrafts)
UPDFTS (updrafts)
DWNDFTS (downdrafts)
INVOF (in vicinity of) MTNS (mountains)
BLO (below) 360
BTWN (between) FRZLVL (freezing level) AND 360
ABV (above) 360
RPRTD (reported) BY ACFT (aircraft) IN VCNTY (vicinity)
RPRTD BY SVRL (several) ACFT
8. Issuers initials.
If conditions end more than one half hour prior to the indicated expiration
time, and the report does not state that conditions will continue, a cancel-
lation will be issued with CNCL SIGMET as the report designator. If con-
ditions are expected to continue, a new SIGMET will be issued. If condi-
tions end within one half hour of the indicated expiration time, the
SIGMET will be allowed to expire without cancellation. Once the report
is cancelled or expires, the FIS system no longer broadcasts the report.
UNDERSTANDING CONVECTIVE SIGMETS

1 2 3
MKCC WST 221855

4 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C
5 VALID UNTIL 2055Z
6 ND SD
7 FROM 60W MOT-GFK-ABR-90W MOT
INTSFYG AREA SVR TSTMS MOVG FROM 2445. TOPS ABV FL450.
8 WIND GUSTS TO 60KT RPRTD. TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN…WIND
GUSTS TO 65KT PSBL ND PTN.
The following is an example of a typical Convective SIGMET with an
explanation of the elements.
1. Station Identifier: MKCC
MKC is the station identifier of the Aviation Weather Center (AWC)
in Kansas City.
The C denotes the report is for the Central portion of the continental
United States. The choices are as follows:
C Central
E East
W West
Convective SIGMETs are issued for:
Severe weather including: (a)Surface winds ≥ 50 knots,
(b) Surface hail ≥ 3/4 inch in diameter or (c) Tornadoes
Embedded thunderstorms (obscured by haze or other phenomena)
Line of thunderstorms
Thunderstorms ≥ VIP level 4 affecting ≥ 40% of an area ≥ 3000 sq.
mi.

2. Report Type: WST
WST indicates this is a convective SIGMET.
22 indicates the 22nd day of the month. 1855 indicates UTC.
4. This line is the identifying number of the Convective SIGMET.
Numbering begins daily at 0000 UTC. The C denotes the Central
portion of the country.
5. This line indicates that CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C is VALID
UNTIL 2055Z time. Expiration time is two hours after issuance, but
Convective SIGMETs are issued hourly and replace the previous
hour’s product.
Each subsequent report issued for this same weather phenomenon
would increment the number. For example, 21C, 22C and so on.
6. Area of coverage by state ND (North Dakota) and SD (South
Dakota) or geographic area. In addition to state abbreviations, other
area abbreviations may be seen here, such as FL CSTL WTRS
(Florida Coastal Waters).
7. Location of weather phenomenon (may be an area, single cell or
line). Three letter designators for navaids or airports are used to
describe boundaries of coverage.
The starting and ending point are identical for an area of thunder-
storms, like this: FROM 90W MOT-GFK-ABR-90W MOT (from 90
nm west of Minot, ND to Grand Forks, ND to Aberdeen, SD to 90 nm
west of Minot, ND).
A Single Cell thunderstorm 35 nm west of Kansas City would look
like this: 35WMKC
A Line of severe thunderstorms would look like this: FROM 90SE
SGF-70NE TXK-50NE LFK (from 90 nm southeast of Springfield,
MO to 70 nm northeast of Texarkana, AR to 50 nm northeast of
Lufkin, TX).
8. Details of weather phenomenon. Convective SIGMET details are
mostly in plain language with some abbreviations. This example is
typical for an area of severe thunderstorms:
INTSFYG (intensifying) AREA (of) SVR TSTMS (severe thunder-
storms) MOVG (moving) FROM 2445 (240 degrees at 45 knots).
Storm TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). WIND GUSTS
TO 60KT (knots) RPRTD (reported). TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN
(inches in diameter)…WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (pos-
sible) in the ND PTN (North Dakota portion).

For a single cell thunderstorm:
ISOLD (isolated) SVR TSTM (severe thunderstorm) D30 (30 nm in
diameter) MOVG (moving) FROM 2520 (250 degrees at 20 knots).
Storm TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). HAIL TO 2 IN
(inches in diameter) WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (pos-
sible).
For a line of thunderstorms 25 nm wide:
LINE (line of) SVR TSTMS (severe thunderstorms) 25 MI WIDE
MOVG (moving) FROM 2745 (270 degrees at 45 knots). Storm
TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). WIND GUSTS TO
60KT (knots) RPRTD (reported). TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN
(inches in diameter)…WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (pos-
sible).
UNDERSTANDING ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (AWW)

1 2 3
5
SPC AWW 162236
4 WW 1162 SEVERE TSTM MS AL FL AND ADJ CSTL WTRS
6 162300Z - 170400Z
AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
7
45SW MOB/MOBILE AL/ - 30SSE DHN/DOTHAN AL/
8 ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /37SW MOB - 51WNW TLH/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 1/4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60
9
KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 400. MEAN WIND VECTOR 23035.
The following is an example of a typical Alert Weather Watch with an

explanation of the elements.
1. Station Identifier: SPC
SPC is the station identifier for the Storm Prediction Center in
Norman, Oklahoma.
AWWs are issued for:
Tornado
Damaging winds or winds > 58 knots
Hail ≥ 3/4 inch in diameter.
2. Report Type: AWW
AWW indicates this is an Alert Weather Watch.

4. WW 1162 is the identifying number of the Alert Weather Watch.
Numbering begins yearly at 0000.
5. This line indicates the type of weather and the affected areas.
SEVERE TSTM (severe thunderstorm) for MS (Mississippi) AL
(Alabama) FL (Florida) AND ADJ CSTL WTRS (adjacent coastal
waters).
6. This line indicates that the watch is valid from 162300Z - 170400Z
(the 16th at 2300 Zulu to the 17th at 0400 Zulu).
7. Coordinates of the watch box area. Draw a line 75 STATUTE
MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE.. The endpoints of the line
are 45SSW MOB/MOBILE AL/-30SSE DHN/DOTHAN AL/ (45
miles south-southwest of Mobile, Alabama and 30 miles south-
southeast of Dothan, Alabama). Connect the lines to form the box.
Sometimes it might be defined as EAST AND WEST OF A LINE.. or
EITHER SIDE OF A LINE..
8. Aviation coordinates of the watch box area. Draw a line 65NM N/S /
(65 nautical miles north and south) of a line). The endpoints of the
line are 37SW MOB - 51WNW TLH/ (37 nautical miles southwest of
Mobile, Alabama and 51 nautical miles west-northwest of
Tallahassee, Florida). Connect the lines to form the box.
9. Details of the forecast weather. AWW details are mostly in plain lan-
guage with some abbreviations. This is an example of a typical
product.
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 1/4 INCHES (hail diameter poten-
tial of one and one quarter inches) WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS (wind
gust potential of 60 knots) MAX TOPS TO 400 (maximum tops of
the storms is 40,000 feet). MEAN WIND VECTOR 23035 (motion of
storm is 230 degrees at 35 knots).


Common Weather Abbreviations
APPENDIX B
COMMON WEATHER ABBREVIATIONS

ABNDT Abundant ADVYS Advisories
ABNML Abnormal AFCT Affect
ABT About AFCTD Affected
ABV Above AFCTG Affecting
AC Convective outlook AFDK After dark
or altocumulus AFOS Automated Field
ACC Altocumulus castel- Operations System
lanus clouds AFSS Automated Flight
ACCAS Altocumulus castel- Service Station
lanus clouds AFT After
ACFT MSHP Aircraft Mishap AFTN Afternoon
ACCUM Accumulate AGL Above ground level
ACFT Aircraft AGN Again
ACLT Accelerate AGRD Agreed
ACLTD Accelerated AGRS Agrees
ACLTG Accelerating AGRMT Agreement
ACLTS Accelerates AHD Ahead
ACPY Accompany AIRMET Airman’s Meteoro-
ACRS Across logical Information
ACSL Altocumulus AK Alaska
standing lenticular AL Alabama
ACTV Active ALF Aloft
ACTVTY Activity ALG Along
ACYC Anticyclone ALGHNY Allegheny
ADJ Adjacent ALP Airport Location
ADL Additional Point
ADQT Adequate ALQDS All quadrants
ADQTLY Adequately ALSTG Altimeter setting
ADRNDCK Adirondack ALT Altitude
ADVCT Advect ALTA Alberta
ADVCTD Advected ALTHO Although
ADVCTG Advecting ALTM Altimeter
ADVCTN Advection ALUTN Aleutian
ADVCTS Advects AMD Amend
ADVN Advance AMDD Amended
ADVNG Advancing AMDG Amending
ADVY Advisory AMDT Amendment

Revision 6 Feb/2009 B-1 Appendix B
AMP Amplify ATTN Attention
AMPG Amplifying AUTO Automated report
AMPLTD Amplitude AVBL Available
AMS Air mass AVG Average
AMT Amount AVN Aviation model
ANLYS Analysis AWC Aviation Weather
ANS Answer Center
AO1 Automated AWIPS Advanced Interactive
Reporting Station Weather Processing
System
AO2 Automated
Reporting Station AWOS Automated Weather
Observing system
AOA At or above
AWT Awaiting
AOB At or below
AWW Alert Weather Watch
AP Anomalous
Propagation AZ Arizona
APCH Approach AZM Azimuth
APCHG Approaching B Began
APCHS Approaches BACLIN Baroclinic
APLCN Appalachian BAJA Baja, California
APLCNS Appalachians BATROP Barotropic
APPR Appear BC British Columbia or
patches (descriptor
APPRG Appearing used with FG)
APPRS Appears BCFG Patchy fog
APRNT Apparent BCH Beach
APRNTLY Apparently BCKG Backing
APRX Approximate BCM Become
APRXLY Approximately BCMG Becoming
AR Arkansas BCMS Becomes
ARL Air Resources Lab BD Blowing dust
ARND Around BDA Bermuda
ARPT Airport BDRY Boundary
ASAP As soon as possible BECMG Becoming
ASL Above Sea Level BFDK Before dark
ASMD As Amended BFR Before
ASOS Automated Surface BGN Begin
Observing System
BGNG Beginning
ASSOCD Associated
BGNS Begins
ASSOCN Association
BHND Behind
ATCT Air Traffic Control
Tower BINOVC Breaks in overcast
ATLC Atlantic BKN Broken
ATTM At this time BL Blowing
BLD Build
BLDG Building CAA Cold air advection
BLDS Builds CAPE Convective available
BLDUP Buildup potential energy
BLKHLS Black Hills CARIB Caribbean
BLKT Blanket CAS Committee for
Aviation Services
BLKTG Blanketing
CASCDS Cascades
BLKTS Blankets
CAT Clear air turbulence
BLO Below or below
clouds CAVOK Ceiling and visibility
OK
BLW Below
CAVU Ceiling and visibility
BLZD Blizzard unlimited
BN Blowing sand CB Cumulonimbus
BND Bound CBMAM Cumulonimbus
BNDRY Boundary Mammatus clouds
BNDRYS Boundaries CC Cirrocumulus
BNTH Beneath CCCC Generic WMO format
code group for a
BOOTHEEL Bootheel four-letter location
BR Branch or mist identifier
(METAR, used only CCL Convective conden-
for visibility between sation level
5/8 and 6 miles)
CCLDS Clear of clouds
BRF Brief
CCLKWS Counterclockwise
BRG Branching
CCSL Cirrocumulus
BRK Break standing lenticular
BRKG Breaking CCx Code used in the
BRKHIC Breaks in higher WMO abbreviated
clouds heading to indicate
BRKS Breaks a corrected forecast,
where x is the letter
BRKSHR Berkshire A through X
BRKSHRS Berkshires CDFNT Cold front
BRM Barometer CDFNTL Cold frontal
BRN Bulk Richardson CFP Cold front passage
Number
CG Cloud to ground
BRS Branches (lightning)
BS Blowing snow CHC Chance
BTWN Between CHCS Chances
BWER Bounded weak CHG Change
echo region
CHGD Changed
BYD Beyond
CHGG Changing
C Celsius
CHGS Changes
CA California or cloud-
to-air lightning in CHI Cloud-Height
PIREPs indicator
CHINO Sky condition at
secondary location COMPR Compare
not available COMPRG Comparing
CHOP Turbulence type COMPRD Compared
characterized by
rapid, rhythmic jolts COMPRS Compares
CHSPK Chesapeake COND Condition
CI Cirrus CONS Continuous
CIG Ceiling CONT Continue
CIGS Ceilings CONTD Continued
CIN Convective inhibition CONTLY Continually
CLD Cloud CONTG Continuing
CLDNS Cloudiness CONTRAILS Condensation trails
CLDS Clouds CONTS Continues
CLKWS Clockwise CONTDVD Continental Divide
CLR Clear CONUS Continental U.S.
CLRG Clearing COORD Coordinate
CLRS Clears COR Correction
CMPLX Complex CPBL Capable
CNCL Cancel CPC Climate Prediction
Center
CNCLD Canceled
CRC Circle
CNCLG Canceling
CRCLC Circulate
CNCLS Cancels
CRCLN Circulation
CNDN Canadian
CRLC Circulate
CNTR Center
CRLN Circulation
CNTRD Centered
CRNR Corner
CNTRLN Centerline
CRNRS Corners
CNTRS Centers
CRS Course
CNTRL Central
CS Cirrostratus
CNTY County
CSDR Consider
CNTYS Counties
CSDRBL Considerable
CNVG Converge
CST Coast
CNVGG Converging
CSTL Coastal
CNVGNC Convergence
CT Connecticut
CNVTN Convection
CTC Contact
CNVTV Convective
CTGY Category
CNVTVLY Convectively
CTSKLS Catskills
CONFDC Confidence
CU Cumulus
CO Colorado
CUFRA Cumulus fractus
COMPAR Compare
CVR Cover
COMPARG Comparing
CVRD Covered
COMPARD Compared
CVRG Covering
COMPARS Compares
CVRS Covers DLY Daily
CWSU Center Weather DMG Damage
Service Units DMGD Damaged
CYC Cyclonic DMGG Damaging
CYCLGN Cyclogenesis DMNT Dominant
DABRK Daybreak DMSH Diminish
DALGT Daylight DMSHD Diminished
DBL Double DMSHG Diminishing
DC District of Columbia DMSHS Diminishes
DCR Decrease DNDFTS Downdrafts
DCRD Decreased DNS Dense
DCRG Decreasing DNSLP Downslope
DCRGLY Decreasingly DNSTRM Downstream
DCRS Decreases DNWND Downwind
DE Delaware DP Deep
DEG Degree DPND Deepened
DEGS Degrees DPNG Deepening
DELMARVA Delaware-Maryland- DPNS Deepens
Virginia
DPR Deeper
DFCLT Difficult
DPTH Depth
DFCLTY Difficulty
DR Low Drifting
DFNT Definite (descriptor used
DFNTLY Definitely with DU, SA or SN
DFRS Differs DRDU Drifting dust
DFUS Diffuse DRFT Drift
DGNL Diagonal DRFTD Drifted
DGNLLY Diagonally DRFTG Drifting
DIGG Digging DRFTS Drifts
DIR Direction DRSA Low drifting sand
DISC Discontinue DRSN Low drifting snow
DISCD Discontinued DRZL Drizzle
DISCG Discontinuing DS Duststorm
DISRE Disregard DSCNT Descent
DISRED Disregarded DSIPT Dissipate
DISREG Disregarding DSIPTD Dissipated
DKTS Dakotas DSIPTG Dissipating
DLA Delay DSIPTN Dissipation
DLAD Delayed DSIPTS Dissipates
DLT Delete DSND Descend
DLTD Deleted DSNDG Descending
DLTG Deleting DSNDS Descends

DSNT Distant EMBD Embedded
DSTBLZ Destabilize EMBDD Embedded
DSTBLZD Destabilized EMERG Emergency
DSTBLZG Destabilizing ENCTR Encounter
DSTBLZS Destabilizes ENDG Ending
DSTBLZN Destabilization ENE East-northeast
DSTC Distance ENELY East-northeasterly
DTRT Deteriorate ENERN East-northeastern
DTRTD Deteriorated ENEWD East-northeastward
DTRTG Deteriorating ENHNC Enhance
DTRTS Deteriorates ENHNCD Enhanced
DU Widespread dust ENHNCG Enhancing
storm ENHNCS Enhances
DURC During climb ENHNCMNT Enhancement
DURD During descent ENRT Enroute
DURG During ENTR Entire
DURGC During climb ERN Eastern
DURGD During descent ERY Early
DURN Duration ERYR Earlier
DVLP Develop ESE East-southeast
DVLPD Developed ESELY East-southeasterly
DVLPG Developing ESERN East-southeastern
DVLPMT Development ESEWD East-southeastward
DVLPS Develops ESNTL Essential
DVRG Diverge ESTAB Establish
DVRGG Diverging EST Estimate
DVRGNC Divergence ESTS Estimates
DVRGS Diverges ETA Estimated time of
DVV Downward vertical arrival or ETA
velocity model
DWNDFTS Downdrafts ETC Et cetera
DWPNT Dew point ETIM Elapsed time
DWPNTS Dew points EVE Evening
DX Duplex EWD Eastward
DZ Drizzle (METAR) EXCLV Exclusive
E East EXCLVLY Exclusively
EBND Eastbound EXCP Except
EFCT Effect EXPC Expect
ELNGT Elongate EXPCD Expected
ELNGTD Elongated EXPCG Expecting
ELSW Elsewhere EXTD Extend

EXTDD Extended erage at manual
EXTDG Extending station
EXTDS Extends FL Florida or flight level
EXTN Extension FLG Falling
EXTRAP Extrapolate FLRY Flurry
EXTRAPD Extrapolated FLRYS Flurries
EXTRM Extreme FLT Flight
EXTRMLY Extremely FLW Follow
EXTSV Extensive FLWG Following
F Fahrenheit FM From
FA Aviation area fore- FMGGgg From the time (UTC)
cast indicated by GGgg.
Generic WMO format
FAH Fahrenheit code group, indi-
FAM Familiar cating a significant
and rapid (in less
FC Funnel cloud than 1 hour) change
(+FC = Tornado or to a new set of
water spout) prevailing conditions
FCST Forecast FMT Format
FCSTD Forecasted FNCTN Function
FCSTG Forecasting FNT Front
FCSTR Forecaster FNTL Frontal
FCSTS Forecasts FNTS Fronts
FEW Few (used to FNTGNS Frontogenesis
describe cloud
cover or weather FNTLYS Frontolysis
phenomena, >0 FORNN Forenoon
octas to 2 octas
cloud amount) FPM Feet per minute
FG Fog (METAR, only FQT Frequent
when visibility is FQTLY Frequently
less than 5/8 mile) FRM Form
FIBI Filed but impracti- FRMG Forming
cable to transmit
FRMN Formation
FIG Figure
FROPA Frontal passage
FILG Filling
FROSFC Frontal surface
FIR Flight information
region FRQ Frequent
FIRAV First available FRST Frost
FIS Flight Information FRWF Forecast wind factor
Service FRZ Freeze
FIS-B Flight Information FRZLVL Freezing level
Service - Broadcast
FRZN Frozen
FIRST First observation
after a break in cov- FRZG Freezing

FT Feet or 1/4 inch in diameter)
Terminal Forecast GSTS Gusts
FTHR Further GSTY Gusty
FU Smoke GTS Global Telecommuni-
FV Flight visibility cation System
FVRBL Favorable GV Ground visibility
FWD Forward HAZ Hazard
FYI For your information HCVIS High clouds visible
FZ Freezing HDFRZ Hard freeze
FZRANO Freezing rain HDSVLY Hudson Valley
sensor not available HDWND Head wind
G Gust HGT Height
GA Georgia HI High or Hawaii
GEN General HIER Higher
GENLY Generally HIFOR High level forecast
GEO Geographic HLF Half
GEOREF Geographical refer- HLTP Hilltop
ence
HLSTO Hailstones
GF Fog
HLYR Haze layer
GICG Glaze icing
HND Hundred
GLFALSK Gulf of Alaska
HPC Hydrometeorological
GLFCAL Gulf of California Prediction Center
GLFMEX Gulf of Mexico HR Hour
GLFSTLAWR Gulf of St. HRS Hours
Lawrence
HRZN Horizon
GND Ground
HTG Heating
GNDFG Ground fog
HURCN Hurricane
GOES Geostationary
Operational HUREP Hurricane report
Environmental HV Have
Satellite
HVY Heavy
GR Hail (greater than
1/4 inch in diam- HVYR Heavier
eter) HVYST Heaviest
GRAD Gradient HWVR However
GRDL Gradual HWY Highway
GRDLY Gradually HZ Haze
GRT Great IA Iowa
GRTLY Greatly IC Ice crystals or ice
GRTR Greater ICAO International Civil
GRTST Greatest Aviation
Organization
GRTLKS Great Lakes
ICG Icing
GS Small hail or snow
pellets (smaller than ICGIC Icing in clouds

ICGICIP Icing in clouds and INTSFY Intensify
in precipitation INTSFYD Intensified
ICGIP Icing in precipitation INTSFYG Intensifying
ID Idaho INTSFYS Intensifies
IFR Instrument flight INTSTY Intensity
rules
INTVL Interval
IL Illinois
INVRN Inversion
IMC Instrument meteo-
rolgical conditions IOVC In overcast
IMDT Immediate INVOF In vicinity of
IMDTLY Immediately IP Ice pellets
IMPL Impulse IPV Improve
IMPLS Impulses IPVG Improving
IMPT Important IR Infrared
INCL Include ISOL Isolate
INCLD Included ISOLD Isolated
INCLG Including JCTN Junction
INCLS Includes JTSTR Jet stream
INCR Increase KFRST Killing frost
INCRD Increased KLYR Smoke layer aloft
INCRG Increasing KOCTY Smoke over city
INCRGLY Increasingly KS Kansas
INCRS Increases KT Knots
INDC Indicate KY Kentucky
INDCD Indicated L Left
INDCG Indicating LA Louisiana
INDCS Indicates LABRDR Labrador
INDEF Indefinite LAPS Local Analysis and
Prediction System
INFO Information
LAMP Local AWIPS MOS
INLD Inland Program
INSTBY Instability LAST Last observation
INTCNTL Intercontinental before a break in
INTER Intermittent coverage at a
manual station
INTL International
LAT Latitude
INTMD Intermediate
LAWRS Limited aviation
INTMT Intermittent weather reporting
INTMTLY Intermittently station
INTR Interior LCL Local or Lifted
condensation level
INTRMTRGN Intermountain
region LCLY Locally
INTS Intense LCTD Located
INTSFCN Intensification LCTN Location

LCTMP Little change in tem- ground
perature LTGCCCG Lightning cloud-to-
LDG Landing cloud cloud-to-
LEVEL Level ground
LFM Limited fine mesh LTGCW Lightning cloud-to-
model water
LFTG Lifting LTGIC Lightning in cloud
LGRNG Long-range LTL Little
LGT Light LTLCG Little change
LGTR Lighter LTR Later
LGWV Long wave LTST Latest
LI Lifted Index LV Leaving
LIFR Low instrument LVL Level
flight rules LVLS Levels
LIS Lifted Indices LWR Lower
LK Lake LWRD Lowered
LKS Lakes LWRG Lowering
LKLY Likely LYR Layer
LLJ Low level jet LYRD Layered
LLWAS Low-level wind LYRS Layers
shear alert system M Minus or Less than
LLWS Low-level wind lowest sensor value
shear MA Massachusetts
LMTD Limited MAN Manitoba
LMTG Limiting MAX Maximum
LMTS Limits MB Millibars
LN Line MCD Mesoscale discus-
LNS LInes sion
LO Low MD Maryland
LONG Longitude MDFY Modify
LONGL Longitudinal MDFYD Modified
LRG Large MDFYG Modifying
LRGLY Largely MDL Model
LRGR Larger MDLS Models
LRGST Largest MDT Moderate
LST Local standard time MDTLY Moderately
LTD Limited ME Maine
LTG Lightning MED Medium
LTGCA Lightning cloud-to- MEGG Merging
air MESO Mesoscale
LTGCC Lightning cloud-to- MET Meteorological
cloud
METAR Aviation Routine
LTGCG Lightning cloud-to-

Weather Report MULTILVL Multilevel
METRO Metropolitan MVFR Marginal visual
MEX Mexico flight rules
MHKVLY Mohawk Valley MWO Meteorological
Watch Office
MI Michigan , shallow,
or mile MX Mixed (character-
ized as a combina-
MID Middle tion of clear and
MIDN Midnight rime ice
MIL Military MXD Mixed
MIN Minimum N North
MIFG Shallow fog N/A Not applicable
MISG Missing NAB Not above
MLTLVL Melting level NAT North Atlantic
MN Minnesota NATL National
MNLD Mainland NAV Navigation
MNLY Mainly NAVAID Electronic naviga-
tion aid facility (lim-
MO Missouri ited to VOR or
MOD Moderate VORTAC for
MOGR Moderate or greater PIREPs)
MOS Model Output NB New Brunswick
Statistics NBND Northbound
MOV Move NBRHD Neighborhood
MOVD Moved NC North Carolina
MOVG Moving NCDC National Climatic
MOVMT Movement Data Center
MOVS Moves NCEP National Center of
Environmental
MPH Miles per hour Prediction
MRGL Marginal NCO NCEP Central
MRGLLY Marginally Operations
MRNG Morning NCWX No change in
MRTM Maritime weather
MS Mississippi ND North Dakota
MSG Message NE Northeast
MSL Mean sea level NEB Nebraska
MST Most NEC Necessary
MSTLY Mostly NEG Negative
MSTR Moisture NEGLY Negatively
MT Montana NELY Northeasterly
MTN Mountain NERN Northeastern
MTNS Mountains NEWD Northeastward
MULT Multiple NEW ENG New England

NFLD Newfoundland NS Nova Scotia
NGM Nested grid model NSC No significant cloud
NGT Night NSW No significant
NH New Hampshire weather
NHC National Hurricane NTFY Notify
Center NTFYD Notified
NIL None NV Nevada
NJ New Jersey NVA Negative vorticity
NL No layers advection
NLT Not later than NW Northwest
NLY Northerly NWD Northward
NM New Mexico NWLY Northwesterly
NMBR Number NWRN Northwestern
NMBRS Numbers NWS National Weather
Service
NMC National
Meteorological NY New York
Center NXT Next
NML Normal OAT Outside air temper -
NMRS Numerous ature
NNE North-northeast OBND Outbound
NNELY North-northeasterly OBS Observation
NNERN North-northeastern OBSC Obscure
NNEWD North-northeast- OBSCD Obscured
ward OBSCG Obscuring
NNW North-northwest OCFNT Occluded front
NNWLY North-northwesterly OCLD Occlude
NNWRN North-northwestern OCLDS Occludes
NNWWD North-northwest- OCLDD Occluded
ward OCLDG Occluding
NNNN End of message OCLN Occlusion
NOAA National Oceanic OCNL Occasional
and Atmospheric
Administration OCNLY Occasionally
NOPAC Northern Pacific OCR Occur
NOS National Ocean OCRD Occurred
Service OCRG Occurring
NOSPECI No SPECI reports OCRS Occurs
are taken at station
OFC Office
NPRS Nonpersistent
OFCM Office of the
NR Near Federal Coordinator
NRLY Nearly for Meteorology
NRN Northern OFP Occluded frontal
passage
NRW Narrow
OFSHR Offshore

OH Ohio PERM Permanent
OHD Overhead PGTSND Puget Sound
OK Oklahoma PHYS Physical
OMTNS Over mountains PIBAL Pilot balloon obser-
ONSHR On shore vation
OR Oregon PIREP Pilot weather report
ORGPHC Orographic PK WND Peak wind
ORIG Original PL Ice pellets
OSV Ocean station PLNS Plains
vessel PLS Please
OTLK Outlook PLTO Plateau
OTP On top PM Postmeridian
OTR Other PNHDL Panhandle
OTRW Otherwise PNO Precipitation amount
OUTFLO Outflow not available
OV Over PO Dust/ sand swirls
OVC Overcast POS Positive
OVHD Overhead POSLY Positively
OVNGT Overnight PPINA Radar weather
report not available
OVR Over
PPINE Radar weather
OVRN Overrun report no echoes
OVRNG Overrunning observed
OVTK Overtake PPSN Present position
OVTKG Overtaking PR Partial
OVTKS Overtakes PRBL Probable
P Higher than greatest PRBLY Probably
sensor value PRBLTY Probability
P6SM Visibility forecast to PRECD Precede
be greater than 6
statute miles PRECDD Preceded
PA Pennsylvania PRECDG Preceding
PAC Pacific PRECDS Precedes
PATWAS Pilot's automatic PRES Pressure
telephone weather PRESFR Pressure falling
answering service rapidly
PBL Planetary boundary PRESRR Pressure rising
layer rapidly
PCPN Precipitation PRFG Partial fog
PD Period PRIM Primary
PDS Periods PRIN Principal
PDMT Predominant PRIND Present indications
PE Ice pellets are...
PEN Peninsula PRJMP Pressure jump

PROB Probability PUGET Puget Sound
PROBC C Forecaster’s PVA Positive vorticity
assessment of the advection
probability of occur- PVL Prevail
rence of a thunder-
storm or precipita- PVLD Prevailed
tion event, along PVLG Prevailing
with associated
weather elements PVLS Prevails
(wind, visibility, PVLT Prevalent
and/or sky condi- PWB Pilot weather
tion) whose occur- briefing
rences are directly
related to, and con- PWINO Precipitation identi-
temporaneous with, fier sensor not avail-
the thunderstorm or able
precipitation event PWR Power
PROC Procedure PY Spray
PROD Produce QN Question
PRODG Producing QPFERD NCEP excessive
PROG Forecast rainfall discussion
PROGD Forecasted QPFHSD NCEP heavy snow
discussion
PROGS Forecasts
QPFSPD NCEP special
PRSNT Present precipitation discus-
PRSNTLY Presently sion
PRST Persist QSTNRY Quasistationary
PRSTS Persists QTR Quarter
PRSTNC Persistence QUAD Quadrant
PRSTNT Persistent QUE Quebec
PRVD Provide R Right (with reference
PRVDD Provided to runway designa-
tion) or rain
PRVDG Providing
RA Rain (METAR)
PRVDS Provides
RADAT Radiosonde addi-
PS Plus tional data
PSBL Possible RAOB Radiosonde obser-
PSBLY Possibly vation
PSBLTY Possibility RCA Reach Cruising
Altitude
PSG Passage
RCH Reach
PSN Position
RCHD Reached
PSND Positioned
RCHG Reaching
PTCHY Patchy
RCHS Reaches
PTLY Partly
RCKY Rocky
PTNL Potential
RCKYS Rockies
PTNLY Potentially
RCMD Recommend
PTNS Portions

RCMDD Recommended RLBL Reliable
RCMDG Recommending RLTV Relative
RCMDS Recommends RLTVLY Relatively
RCRD Record RM Remarks
RCRDS Records RMK Remark
RCV Receive RMN Remain
RCVD Received RMND Remained
RCVG Receiving RMNDR Remainder
RCVS Receives RMNG Remaining
RDC Reduce RMNS Remains
RDGG Ridging RNFL Rainfall
RDR Radar RNG Range
RDVLP Redevelop ROT Rotate
RDVLPG Redeveloping ROTD Rotated
RDVLPMT Redevelopment ROTG Rotating
RE Regard ROTS Rotates
RECON Reconnaissance RPD Rapid
REF Reference RPDLY Rapidly
RES Reserve RPLC Replace
REPL Replace RPLCD Replaced
REPLD Replaced RPLCG Replacing
REPLG Replacing RPLCS Replaces
REPLS Replaces RPRT Report
REQ Request RPRTD Reported
REQS Requests RPRTG Reporting
REQSTD Requested RPRTS Reports
RESP Response RPT Repeat
RESTR Restrict RPTG Repeating
RGD Ragged RPTS Repeats
RGL Regional model RQR Require
RGLR Regular RQRD Required
RGN Region RQRG Requiring
RGNS Regions RQRS Requires
RGT Right RRx Code used in the
RH Relative humidity WMO abbreviated
heading to indicate
RHINO RHI not operative a delayed forecast,
RI Rhode Island where x is the letter
A through X
RIME Type of icing char-
acterized by a rough, RS Receiver station
milky, opaque RSG Rising
appearance
RSN Reason
RIOGD Rio Grande
RSNG Reasoning (describing cloud
RSNS Reasons cover or weather
phenomena, 3 to 4
RSTR Restrict octas cloud amount
RSTRD Restricted SCTD Scattered
RSTRG Restricting SCTR Sector
RSTRS Restricts SD South Dakota
RTRN Return SE Southeast
RTRND Returned SEC Second
RTRNG Returning SELY Southeasterly
RTRNS Returns SEPN Separation
RUC Rapid Update Cycle SEQ Sequence
RUF Rough SERN Southeastern
RUFLY Roughly SEV Severe
RVR Runway Visual SEWD Southeastward
Range
SFC Surface
RVRNO RVR system not
available SFERICS Atmospherics
RVS Revise SG Snow grains
RVSD Revised SGFNT Significant
RVSG Revising SGFNTLY Significantly
RVSS Revises SH Showers
RW Rain shower SHFT Shift
RWY Runway SHFTD Shifted
RY Runway SHFTG Shifting
S South SHFTS Shifts
SA Sand (METAR) SHLD Shield
SAB Satellite Analysis SHLW Shallow
Branch SHRT Short
SAO Surface observation SHRTLY Shortly
SASK Saskatchewan SHRTWV Shortwave
SATFY Satisfactory SHUD Should
SBND Southbound SHWR Shower
SBSD Subside SIERNEV Sierra Nevada
SBSDD Subsided SIG Signature
SBSDNC Subsidence SIGMET Significant meteoro-
SBSDS Subsides logical information
SC South Carolina or SIMUL Simultaneous
stratocumulus SK Sky cover
SCND Second SKC Sky clear
SCNDRY Secondary SKED Schedule
SCSL Stratocumulus SLD Solid
standing lenticular SLGT Slight
SCT Scatter or Scattered
SLGTLY Slightly SPENES Satellite precip.
SLO Slow estimate statement
SLOLY Slowly SPKL Sprinkle
SLOR Slower SPLNS Southern Plains
SLP Slope or sea level SPRD Spread
pressure SPRDG Spreading
SLPG Sloping SPRDS Spreads
SLPNO Sea-level pressure SPRL Spiral
not available SQ Squall
SLT Sleet SQAL Squall
SLW Slow SQLN Squall line
SLY Southerly SR Sunrise
SM Statute mile SRN Southern
SMK Smoke SRND Surround
SML Small SRNDD Surrounded
SMLR Smaller SRNDG Surrounding
SMRY Summary SRNDS Surrounds
SMS Sunchronous mete- SS Sunset or sand
orological satellite storm (METAR)
SMTH Smooth SSE South-southeast
SMTHR Smoother SSELY South-southeasterly
SMTHST Smoothest SSERN South-southeastern
SMTM Sometime SSEWD South-southeastward
SMWHT Somewhat SSW South-southwest
SN Snow SSWLY South-southwesterly
SNBNK Snowbank SSWRN South-southwestern
SND Sand SSWWD South-southwest-
SNFLK Snowflake ward
SNGL Single ST Stratus
SNOINCR Snow increase STAGN Stagnation
SNOINCRG Snow increasing STBL Stable
SNST Sunset STBLTY Stability
SNW Snow STD Standard
SNWFL Snowfall STDY Steady
SOP Standard operating STFR Stratus fractus
procedure STFRM Stratiform
SP Snow pellets STG Strong
SPC Storm Prediction STGLY Strongly
Center
STGR Stronger
SPCLY Especially
STGST Strongest
SPD Speed
STLT Satellite
SPECI Special observation
STM Storm
STMS Storms Forecast
STN Station TB Turbulence
STNRY Stationary TCNTL Transcontinental
SUB Substitute TCU Towering cumulus
SUBTRPCL Subtropical TDA Today
SUF Sufficient TEI Text element indi-
SUFLY Sufficiently cator
SUG Suggest TEMP Temperature
SUGG Suggesting TEMPO Temporary
SUGS Suggests THD Thunderhead
SUP Supply THDR Thunder
SUPG Supplying THK Thick
SUPR Superior THKNG Thickening
SUPSD Supersede THKNS Thickness
SUPSDG Superseding THKR Thicker
SUPSDS Supersedes THKST Thickest
SVG Serving THN Thin
SVR Severe THNG Thinning
SVRL Several THNR Thinner
SW Southwest THNST Thinnest
SW- Light snow shower THR Threshold
SW+ Heavy snow shower THRFTR Thereafter
SWD Southward THRU Through
SWLG Swelling THRUT Throughout
SWLY Southwesterly THSD Thousand
SWODY1 SPC Severe THTN Threaten
Weather Outlook for THTND Threatened
Day 1 THTNG Threatening
SWOMCD SPC Mesoscale THTNS Threatens
discussion
TIL Until
SWRN Southwestern
TKOF Takeoff
SWWD Southwestward
TM Time
SX Stability index
TMPRY Temporary
SXN Section
TMPRYLY Temporarily
SYNOP Synoptic
TMW Tomorrow
SYNS Synopsis
TN Tennessee
SYS System
TNDCY Tendency
T Thunder
TNDCYS Tendencies
TA Temperature
TNGT Tonight
TACAN UHF Tactical Air
Navigation Aid TNTV Tentative
TAF Terminal Area TNTVLY Tentatively

TOC Top of Climb snow showers
TOP Top of Clouds TSW+ Thunderstorm with
TOPS Tops heavy snow showers
TOVC Top of overcast TURBC Turbulence
TP Type of aircraft TURBT Turbulent
TPG Topping TWD Toward
TRBL Trouble TWDS Towards
TRIB Tributary TWI Twilight
TRKG Tracking TWR Tower
TRML Terminal TWRG Towering
TRMT Terminate TX Texas
TRMTD Terminated UA Pilot weather reports
TRMTG Terminating UDDF Up- and downdrafts
TRMTS Terminates UN Unable
TRNSP Transport UNAVBL Unavailable
TRNSPG Transporting UNEC Unnecessary
TROF Trough UNKN Unknown
TROFS Troughs UNL Unlimited
TROP Tropopause UNRELBL Unreliable
TRPCD Tropical continental UNRSTD Unrestricted
air mass UNSATFY Unsatisfactory
TRPCL Tropical UNSBL Unseasonable
TRRN Terrain UNSTBL Unstable
TRSN Transition UNSTDY Unsteady
TRW Thunderstorm UNSTL Unsettle
TRW+ Thunderstorm with UNSTLD Unsettled
heavy rain shower UNUSBL Unusable
TS Thunderstorm UP Unknown precipita-
(METAR) tion (used only by
TS + Thunderstorm with automated sites
heavy snow incapable of discrimi-
TSFR Transfer nation)
TSFRD Transferred UPDFTS Updrafts
TSFRG Transferring UPR Upper
TSFRS Transfers UPSLP Upslope
TSHWR Thundershower UPSTRM Upstream
TSNO Thunderstorm infor- URG Urgent
mation not available USBL Usable
TSNT Transient UT Utah
TSQLS Thundersquall UTC Universal Time
TSTM Thunderstorm Coordinate
TSW Thunderstorm with

UUA Urgent PIREP VOR VHF
Weather Reports Omnidirectional
UVV Upward vertical Radio Range
velocity VORT Vorticity
UWNDS Upper winds VORTAC VOR and TACAN
V Varies combination
VA Virginia or Volcanic VR Veer
Ash VRB Variable
VAAC Volcanic Ash VRG Veering
Advisory Center VRBL Variable
VAAS Volcanic Ash VRISL Vancouver Island,BC
Advisory Statement
VRS Veers
VAD Velocity azimuth
display VRT MOTN Vertical motion
VAL Valley VRY Very
VARN Variation VSB Visible
VC Vicinity VSBY Visibility
VCNTY Vicinity VSBYDR Visibility decreasing
rapidly
VCOT VFR conditions on
top VSBYIR Visibility increasing
rapidly
VCTR Vector
VT Vermont
VCTS Thunderstorms in
the vicinity VV Vertical velocity or
vertical visibility
VDUC VAS Data Utilization
Center (NSSFC) VWP VAD Wind profiler
VFR Visual flight rules W West
VFY Verify WA Washington
VFYD Verified WAA Warm air advection
VFYG Verifying WAFS Word Area Forecast
System
VFYS Verifies
WBND Westbound
VHF Very High Frequency
WDLY Widely
VIS Visibility
WDSPRD Widespread
VSNO Visibility at second-
ary location not avail- WEA Weather
able WFO Weather Forecast
VLCTY Velocity Office
VLCTYS Velocities WFSO Weather Forecast
Service Office
VLNT Violent
WFP Warm front passage
VLNTLY Violently
WI Wisconsin
VLY Valley
WIBIS Will be issued
VMC Visual meteorolog-
ical conditions WINT Winter
VOL Volume WK Weak

WKDAY Weekday WTR Water
WKEND Weekend WTSPT Waterspout
WKNG Weakening WUD Would
WKNS Weakens WV West Virginia or wind
WKR Weaker WVS Waves
WKST Weakest WW Severe weather
WKN Weaken watch
WL Will WWD Westward
WLY Westerly WWS Severe weather
watches
WMO World Meteorological
Organization WX Weather
WND Wind WY Wyoming
WNDS Winds XCP Except
WNW West-northwest XPC Expect
WNWLY West-northwesterly XPCD Expected
WNWRN West-northwestern XPCG Expecting
WNWWD West-northwest- XPCS Expects
ward XPLOS Explosive
WO Without XTND Extend
WPLTO Western Plateau XTRMLY Extremely
WRM Warm
WRMG Warming
YDA Yesterday
WRMR Warmer YKN Yukon
WRMST Warmest YLSTN Yellowstone
WRMFNT Warm front
Z Zulu time
WRMFNTL Warm frontal
WRN Western ZN Zone
WRNG Warning ZNS Zones
WRS Worse
WS Wind shear
WSHFT Windshift
WSFO Weather Service
Forecast Office
WSO Weather service
office
WSR-88D NWS Doppler
Radar
WSTCH Wasatch Range
WSW West-southwest
WSWLY West-southwesterly
WSWRN West-southwestern
WSWWD West-southwest-
ward

Honeywell Aerospace
Business and General Aviation
Honeywell International Inc.
One Technology Center
23500 West 105th Street
Olathe, KS 66061
Telephone: (913) 712-0400
FAX: (913) 712-1302
www.honeywell.com N
006-18227-0000
Rev. 6 02/09
© 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2009 Honeywell International Inc.

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N

Flight Information Services

For Software Version 02/02 and later

Revision 6 Feb/2009 006-18237-0000

Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2009 Honeywell International Inc.

Reproduction of this publication or any portion thereof by any means without

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 6, February 2009

Part Number 006-18237-0000

Precipitation Type (at Surface)

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 5, March 2007

Part Number 006-18237-0000

Added XM Receiver functionality.

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 4, November 2004

Part Number 006-18237-0000

Add FIS Area Products (AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 3, June 2004

Part Number 006-18237-0000

METARs and SPECIs now expire after 120 minutes

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 2, November 2002

Part Number 006-18237-0000

Added FIS subscription management

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 1, May 2002

Part Number 006-18237-0000

Complete manual revision

Manual KMD 550/850 Flight Information Services (FIS)

Revision 0, November 2001

Part Number 006-18237-0000

This is the original release of this publication.

BASIC SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

VALUE ADDED SERVICE WEATHER PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

VDL SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Revision 6 Feb/2009 i KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

NEXRAD PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Revision 6 Feb/2009 ii KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

FIS ALERT, NO VALID FIS SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

APPENDIX A, UNDERSTANDING TEXTUAL AVIATION WEATHER

APPENDIX B, COMMON WEATHER ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

Revision 6 Feb/2009 iii KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Intentionally left blank

Revision 6 Feb/2009 iv KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

Revision 6 Feb/2009 1 KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

The following diagram illustrates how XM Wx data is received in the air-

The XM Satellite Radio weather system provides continuous coverage

Revision 6 Feb/2009 2 KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum

No-cost VDL Subscription Fee-based XM Subscription

Pilot Reports (PIREPs)

Convective SIGMETs Convective SIGMETs

Alert Weather Watches (AWW)

Fee-based VDL Subscription

NEXRAD Base Reflectivity NEXRAD Composite Reflectivity

Graphical METARs Graphical METARs

Graphical AIRMETs Graphical AIRMETs

Graphical SIGMETs Graphical SIGMETs