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Weather Systems Processor

AIM ¶ 4-1-23 — Weather Systems Processor

AIM 4-1-23 explains the Weather Systems Processor (WSP): wind shear, microburst alerts, and 6-level terminal weather for ASR-9 sites. Study with GroundScholar.

In Plain English

The Weather Systems Processor (WSP) is an enhancement added to selected ASR-9 (Airport Surveillance Radar) facilities to give controllers and pilots better terminal-area weather awareness. Per AIM 4-1-23, the WSP performs several key functions:

  • Alerts Air Traffic Control to hazardous wind shear and microbursts so controllers can warn arriving and departing aircraft.
  • Displays 6-level terminal area weather (precipitation intensity).
  • Shows storm cell locations and movement.
  • Identifies the location, predicted future position, and intensity of wind shifts that could affect airport operations.

Why it matters: as a student pilot, you'll often hear ATC issue wind shear alerts, microburst advisories, or precipitation intensity calls in the terminal environment. Knowing they may originate from WSP-equipped ASR-9 radar helps you understand how timely those advisories are and why a go-around or delayed departure may be the safest response. The WSP supplements — but does not replace — onboard weather radar and pilot judgment.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-1-23
4-1-23. 4-1-23. Weather Systems Processor The Weather Systems Processor (WSP) was developed for use in the National Airspace System to provide weather processor enhancements to selected Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-9 facilities. The WSP provides Air Traffic with warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts. The WSP also provides users with terminal area 6-level weather, storm cell locations and movement, as well as the location and predicted future position and intensity of wind shifts that may affect airport operations. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is the Weather Systems Processor (WSP) and where is it installed?
Per AIM 4-1-23, the WSP is a weather processor enhancement developed for the National Airspace System and installed at selected ASR-9 (Airport Surveillance Radar) facilities to improve terminal-area weather detection.
Q2What hazardous weather warnings does the WSP provide to Air Traffic?
Per AIM 4-1-23, the WSP provides Air Traffic with warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts in the terminal area.
Q3Besides wind shear and microburst alerts, what other weather information does the WSP supply to users?
Per AIM 4-1-23, the WSP also provides 6-level terminal area weather, storm cell locations and movement, and the location, predicted future position, and intensity of wind shifts that may affect airport operations.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4
4-1-1
Air Route Traffic Control Centers
4-1-10
CTAF IFR Approach Procedures
4-1-11
UNICOM/MULTICOM Frequencies
4-1-12
UNICOM for ATC
4-1-13
ATIS Broadcasts
4-1-14
Alaska AFIS Broadcasts
4-1-15
Radar Traffic Advisories
4-1-16
ATC Safety Alerts
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AIM 4-1-23 — Weather Systems Processor (WSP)