Launching New Mobile Weather Applications Serving Aviation

20 December 2013

Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), Ms Sharon S.Y. Lau, launched a new mobile application "MyAeroMET" and a new version of "MyObservatory" enhanced with aviation weather information on 19 December 2013. The opportunity was taken to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Airport Meteorological Office at Chek Lap Kok. President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Hong Kong, Captain Francis Chin, J.P., and Director (Technical Training) of the Hong Kong Youth Aviation Academy, Captain Anthony So joined Ms Lau inthe ceremony (Figure 1).

"MyAeroMET" is the latest effort by the Observatory to bring weather information closer to the aeronautical users. It features satellite images and significant weather information (Figure 2) as well as the latest forecasts and reports of about 350 aerodromes around the globe."MyAeroMET" will be made available to registered users including airlines and pilots.

"MyObservatory" on Android platform is also enhanced with the addition of local aviation weather information (Figure 3). Apart from weather reports and forecasts at Chek Lap Kok, Shek Kong and Kai Tak, the new version also provides information useful for those participating in aviation sports such as paragliding. Members of the public are welcome to download the free software. Please refer to the following webpage for details:
http://www.weather.gov.hk/myobservatory_e.htm

At the ceremony, Ms Sharon Lau recounted some of the Observatory's achievements in aviation weather services in the past 15 years. These include the implementation of the world's first LIDAR windshear alerting system in 2005 and lately the provision of new significant convection monitoring and forecast service in support of more efficient air traffic management, both winning a number of Information and Communication Technology and civil service awards. In respect of the mobile app, she said, "MyAeroMET is only a start. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our services for the aviation industry through scientific research and provision of more user specific services."

Anthony So, who is also an airline pilot in Hong Kong, commended the Observatory for seeking every opportunity to enhance its weather services for aviation users. He said, "With MyAeroMET, pilots on the move can have the latest weather information for major flight routes and airports around the world available at their fingertips."

Francis Chin warmly welcomed the Observatory's initiative in enhancing the mobile app support to general aviation. "Apart from the latest weather information for Chek Lap Kok, the newly added "Aviation Weather" page includes the latest weather photos, winds, temperature, and pressure at a number of popular aviation sites in Hong Kong. This is very convenient to members of the public engaging in aviation sports," he said.

The Observatory started serving the aviation sector in 1937. Opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok in 1998 offered unique opportunities for the Observatory to bring the aviation weather services to the world's frontiers. Since then, the air traffic at Chek Lap Kok has doubled. To meet the increasing weather information needs, the Observatory has recently upgraded its meteorological facilities and services to support the new air traffic management system of the Civil Aviation Department. At the consoles of the air traffic controllers, real-time and forecast weather radar imageries are displayed together with aircraft positions to facilitate their appreciation of the weather situation ahead of the flights. A very high-resolution numerical weather prediction model, at a horizontal resolution of 200 meters, will also be implemented with a view to improve the forecast of changes in weather conditions at the airport.

Figure 1 Ms. Sharon Lau (middle), together with Captains Francis Chin, J.P. (left) and Anthony So (right) joined hands to launch the new mobile apps.

Figure 2 Significant Weather Chart on MyAeroMET

Figure 3 Aviation Weather on MyObservatory