Issue Date Org. Code NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Program Part Chap.
4-29-70 W1x1 Operations Manual 010 A 18
040
OPERATING NON-FEDERAL EQUIPMENT
Table of Contents:
1. Purpose
2. Background
3. Policy
* * * * *
1. Purpose. This chapter outlines policy with respect to the operation of non-Federal equipment (controls and devices such as position-locks and lights for wind tees, runway lights, rotating beacons, UNICOM Radio, etc.) at airports by Weather Bureau personnel.
2. Background. Some airport offices are cooperating with state, county, city, or local organizations (airport managers, fixed base operators, etc.) by operating or monitoring non-Federal equipment at the airport. Requests for such assistance often develop because the Weather Bureau office is the only one open 24 hours per day.
3. Policy. All current agreements may be continued. However, when changes are proposed or new requests are received, authorization will only be granted where:
a. responsibility for operation will not interfere with or detract from Weather Bureau functions.
b. it will render a valuable service that would otherwise not be possible.
c. the controlling agency is agreeable to terms:
(1) that Weather Bureau assistance will be of secondary responsibility to Federal Government functions.
(2) that the Weather Bureau or the Federal Government will assume no liability.
(3) that the agency which owns the equipment will provide training in its operation, and will provide reimbursement for necessary licenses or other expenses that may be incurred.
(4) that the agency which owns the equipment will provide all logistical and maintenance support required for its upkeep, and will in no way expect or request assistance from Federal Government technicians.
4. Obtaining Authorization. Authorization will be issued by regional headquarters. Consideration for such authority will be given upon receipt of a written request initiated by the controlling agency and a determination that the request is in line with the policy above.
Prior to authorization, recommendations will be solicited from the local MIC with regard to provisions (a) and (b) of section 3. Upon favorable consideration by the regional headquarters, a written agreement will be forwarded to the controlling agency through the local Weather Bureau office. Such written agreement, duly signed by the parties and documented with the supporting correspondence, will constitute authority for the Weather Bureau to provide the service.
WBOM Issuance
70-13 4-29-70