1 RESPONSIBLE SERVICE
1.1 The meteorological services for civil aviation are provided by the Meteorological Services Division of the National Environment Agency.
Post:
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Meteorological Service Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport,
P.O. Box 8
SINGAPORE 918141
Tel: (65) 65457190(HQ)
(65) 65425059 / (65) 65422837 (MET Office)
Fax: (65) 65457192 (HQ)
(65) 65425026 (MET Office)
AFS: WSSSYMYX
URL: www.weather.gov.sg
1.2 The service is provided in accordance with the provisions contained in the following ICAO documents:
| Annex 3 | – Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation |
| Doc 7030 | – Regional Supplementary Procedures Part 3 - Meteorology |
1.3 Differences to these provisions are detailed in subsection GEN 1.7.
4 TYPES OF SERVICES
4.1 The Meteorological Office and Meteorological Watch Office at Singapore Changi Airport operate H24 and provide the following services for civil aviation:
Full meteorological documentation and briefing for current operational planning for all flights operating out of Singapore Changi Airport;
Area meteorological watch over the Singapore FIR with the supply of meteorological information including SIGMET information to aircraft in flight through the Singapore ATS radio channels (see subsection AD 2.11);
HF RTF VOLMET broadcasts of meteorological information (see page GEN 3.5-7), Aviation weather report with trend statement, strong low level vertical wind shear report and aerodrome warnings are also included in VHF ATIS broadcasts for Singapore Changi Airport (see page GEN 3.4-3);
Meteorological information for ATS
4.2 Weather briefing by a forecaster is available H24 to qualified flight operations personnel at the Meteorological Office at Singapore Changi Airport or via telephone at (65)65425059 / (65)65422837. Weather information is available online via our Aviation Intranet at URL http://www.weather.gov.sg/ (see paragraph 9.2 for further details).
4.3 The Meteorological Office at Seletar Aerodrome operates H24 and provides meteorological documentation without briefing for international and general aviation flights operating out of Seletar Aerodrome.
4.4 Details of documentation supplied for each flight are determined by arrangement between the operator and the Meteorological Office. In general, the pilot-in-command is provided with documentation comprising one or more fixed-time prognostic streamline/istotach/spot temperature charts of standard isobaric surfaces appropriate to the cruising level (ICAO model IS), one of fixed-time prognostic significant weather chart code form. Alternatively, he may be provided with a tabular forecast of enroute conditions with wind and temperature conditions for climb and descent and for one or more standard levels appropriate to the cruising level (ICAO model TA), and appropriate aerodrome forecasts in TAF code form.
4.5 Routine aerodrome forecasts received from other Meteorological Offices are normally included in meteorological documentation without modification. When a required aerodrome forecast is not received, a provisional forecast may be issued by the Meteorological Office providing the documentation.
4.6 After documentation has been issued and until take-off (i.e. the latest ETD notified to the Meteorological Office), the Meteorological Office at Singapore Changi Airport makes available amendments to the documentation. It is the responsibility of the operator’s local representative or the pilot-in-command to obtain any pre-departure amendment(s) from the Meteorological Office at Singapore Changi Airport. The pilot-in-command may request pre-departure amendment(s) through the Singapore Changi Airport Control Tower.
4.7 Climatological Summaries for Singapore Changi (WSSS-48698) are available from the Meteorological Service Singapore.
4.8 OBSERVING SYSTEMS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES AT SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT AND SELETAR AERODROME
4.8.1 SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT
4.8.1.1 RWY 02L/20R (Runway 1)
4.8.1.1.1 Surface wind is measured by three cup anemometers and wind vanes located as follows:
| DIST FROM END OF RWY | DIST FROM RWY CENTRELINE |
| (i) One set at | 470 metres north of RWY 02L | 130 metres |
| (ii) One set at | middle of runway | 130 metres |
| (iii) One set at | 470 metres south of RWY 20R | 130 metres |
4.8.1.1.2 RVR observations are made by means of three sets of transmissometers, located as follows:
| DIST FROM END OF RWY | DIST FROM RWY CENTRELINE |
| 1st set | 370 metres north of RWY 02L | 110 metres |
| 2nd set | Middle of runway | 110 metres |
| 3rd set | 360 metres south of RWY 20R | 110 metres |
RVR is reported in steps of 25 metres between 0 and 400 metres, 50 metres between 400 and 800 metres and 100 metres between 800 and 1,500 metres.
4.8.1.2 RWY 02C/20C (Runway II)
4.8.1.2.1 Surface wind is measured by three cup anemometers and wind vanes located as follows:
| DIST FROM END OF RWY | DIST FROM RWY CENTRELINE |
| (i) One set at | 450 metres north of RWY 02C | 130 metres |
| (ii) One set at | middle of runway | 130 metres |
| (iii) One set at | 450 metres south of RWY 20C | 130 metres |
4.8.1.2.2 RVR observations are made by means of three sets of transmissometers, located as follows:
| DIST FROM END OF RWY | DIST FROM RWY CENTRELINE |
| 1st set | 400 metres north of RWY 02C | 110 metres |
| 2nd set | Middle of runway | 110 metres |
| 3rd set | 400 metres south of RWY 20C | 110 metres |
RVR is reported in steps of 25 metres between 0 and 400 metres, 50 metres between 400 and 800 metres and 100 metres between 800 and 1,500 metres.
4.8.1.2.3 Surface wind is also measured by an ultrasonic wind sensor located at the meteorological station, which is situated at 345 metres west of middle of RWY 02L/20R. Surface wind report in METAR and SPECI is taken from this measurement.
4.8.1.3 Wind Shear Observations (Singapore Changi Airport)
4.8.1.3.1 Horizontal low level wind shear observations are measured continuously by a system of 13 wind sensors located in Singapore Changi airport and its vicinity.
4.8.1.3.2 ATC will pass to all aircraft taking off or landing for the next 1/2 hour from the time of report whenever microburst or wind shear of intensity 15 knots or greater is observed/reported.
4.8.1.3.3 The phraseology used by ATC to warn pilots of the presence of wind shear of intensity between 15 and 30 knots is:
| “.................. (callsign) WIND SHEAR WARNING
STRONG LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR OBSERVED IN THE VICINITY OF
CHANGI AIRPORT AT ....... (time)” | |
4.8.1.3.4 The phraseology used by ATC to warn pilots of the presence of wind shear of intensity greater than 30 knots is:
| “...........(callsign) WIND SHEAR WARNING
SEVERE LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR OBSERVED IN THE VICINITY OF
CHANGI AIRPORT AT ........(time)” | |
4.8.1.3.5 The presence of wind shear will also be broadcast in the ATIS for the next half an hour.
4.8.2 SELETAR AERODROME
4.8.2.1 Surface wind is measured by cup anemometers and wind vanes at ends of runway. Surface wind report in METAR and SPECI is taken from measurements of cup anemometer and wind vane at RWY 03.
4.8.2.2 Wind Shear Observations (Seletar Aerodrome)
4.8.2.2.1 ATC will pass to all aircraft taking off or landing for the next 1/2 hour from the time of report whenever microburst or windshear of intensity 15 knots or greater is observed/reported.
4.8.2.2.2 The phraseology used by ATC to warn pilots of the presence of wind shear of intensity between 15 and 30 knots is:
| “...........(callsign) WIND SHEAR WARNING
STRONG LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR OBSERVED IN THE VICINITY OF
SELETAR AIRPORT AT ........(time)” | |
4.8.2.2.3 The phraseology used by ATC to warn pilots of the presence of wind shear of intensity greater than 30 knots is:
| “...........(callsign) WIND SHEAR WARNING
SEVERE LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR OBSERVED IN THE VICINITY OF
SELETAR AIRPORT AT ........(time)” | |
5 NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FROM OPERATORS
5.1 It is the responsibility of the operator or the pilot-in-command to notify the meteorological office of any flight for which meteorological documentation is required (ref. ICAO Annex 3, paragraph 2.3). As much prior notice as possible should be given, and at least one hour notice at Singapore Changi Airport and two hours at Seletar Aerodrome would be required for nonscheduled flights.
6 AIRCRAFT REPORTS REQUIRED FROM OPERATORS
6.1 AIREP
6.1.1 Routine aircraft meteorological observations shall be made and the reports transmitted at ATS/ MET reporting points listed on page GEN 3.5-6 and as indicated in subsection ENR 3.1 - ATS ROUTES.
6.1.2 Special aircraft observations and aircraft observations during climb-out and approach shall be made and the reports transmitted as necessary.
6.1.3 Special aircraft observations of pre-eruption volcanic activity, volcanic eruption or volcanic ash cloud shall be recorded on the special Air-Report of Volcanic Activity form which can be downloaded from URL https://fpl-1.caasaim.gov.sg/. A copy of the completed Volcanic Activity Report shall be delivered by the operator or a flight crew member, without delay, either personally or by telephone facsimile (TEL: 65425026 or 65429978) to the Meteorological Office, Singapore Changi Airport.
6.2 REPORTING OF LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR
6.2.1 Pilots encountering wind shear shall report to ATC as soon as possible.
6.2.2 When reporting wind shear on radiotelephony, the information should be transmitted in this order:
- Aircraft callsign;
- WIND SHEAR report;
- Time (of wind shear occurrence);
- Position (of wind shear);
- Intensity (moderate, strong or severe);
- Average height of wind shear layer.
6.2.3 On receipt of a wind shear report from a pilot, ATC will pass it to other aircraft in the vicinity. The following phraseology will be used:
| “WIND SHEAR WARNING
ARRIVING (or DEPARTING) ........... (type of aircraft)
REPORTED ...................... (moderate, strong, severe)
WIND SHEAR IN APPROACH (or DEPARTURE)
RUNWAY ................ (number) AT ..................... (time)
HEIGHT OF WIND SHEAR LAYER ................... (feet)” | |
6.2.4 The presence of wind shear as reported by a pilot will also be broadcast in the ATIS for the next half an hour unless subsequent reports indicate that wind shear no longer exists.
6.3 AIRCRAFT ATS/MET REPORTING POINTS IN THE SINGAPORE FIR
6.3.1 Aircraft Meteorological Observations shall be made in relation to and transmitted in flight by all aircraft at the following selected Air Traffic Services position reporting points within the Singapore FIR except when:
- The flight duration is less than 2 hours, or
- The altitude of the flight path is less than 5 000ft, or
- The aircraft is less than 1 hour’s flying time from the next intended point of landing.
6.3.2 The aircraft ATS/MET reporting points listed below are indicated in chart page ENR 3.1/ATS Chart-17.
6.3.3 The position of the mean wind or spot wind, to the nearest whole degree latitude and longitude, shall be recorded and transmitted in flight.
| ATS ROUTE | AIRCRAFT ATS/MET REPORTING POINTS
IN THE SINGAPORE FIR |
| G580 | NIMIX |
| L642 | ESPOB |
| L644 | KIKOR |
| M635 | SURGA |
| M758 / M767 | TERIX |
| M767 | TEGID |
| M768 / N884 | LAGOT |
| M774 | KADAR |
| L504 | BAVUS |
| N875 | ARUPA |
| N892 | MELAS |
8 SIGMET SERVICE
| TABLE GEN 3.5.8 SIGMET SERVICE |
|---|
| Name of MWO/ location indicators | Hours of Operation | FIR or CTA served | Type of SIGMET / validity | Specific procedures | ATS unit served | Additional Information |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| SINGAPORE | H24 | Singapore FIR | SIGMET / 4-6HR | Nil | Singapore ACC | Nil |
| | | | | | | |
8.1 General
8.1.1 For the safety of air traffic, the Meteorological Authority maintains an area meteorological watch and warning service. This service consists partly of a continuous weather watch within the lower and upper FIR and issuance of appropriate information (SIGMET) by Meteorological Watch Office and partly of the issuing of warnings for Changi Airport.
8.2 Area Meteorological Watch Service
8.2.1 The area meteorological watch service is performed by the Meteorological Office, Singapore.
8.2.2 The Meteorological Office, Singapore issues information in the form of SIGMET messages about the occurrence or expected occurrence of one or several of the following significant meteorological phenomena:
- thunderstorms *
- severe turbulence
- severe icing
- severe mountain waves
- heavy sand storm/dust storm
- volcanic ash cloud
- tropical cyclone
* Area of widespread cumulonimbus clouds or cumulonimbus along a line (squall line) with little or no space between individual clouds, or cumulonimbus embedded in cloud layers or obscured by haze.
8.2.3 The SIGMETs are issued in abbreviated plain language using ICAO abbreviations and are respectively numbered consecutively for each day commencing at 0001. Their period of validity is generally not more than 4 hours and less than 6 hours from the time of transmission.
8.2.4 SIGMETs issued by the Meteorological Office, Singapore are transmitted to adjacent MWOs in accordance with regional air navigation agreements and inserted in the MET page of LORADS (Long Range Radar and Display System) for use by the Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre.
8.3 Warning Service
8.3.1 Aerodrome warnings for Changi Airport are issued by Meteorological Office, Singapore if one or several of the following phenomena are expected to occur at the airport:
- squall
- thunderstorm
- hail
- tornado
- horizontal visibility and/or RVR of 800 metres or less
- mean surface wind speed of 25 knots or more
- wind gusts of 35 knots or more
- cloud of BKN or OVC amount with base 500 ft or less
8.3.2 The warnings are:
- for the protection of parked and moored aircraft,
- for the protection of equipment at the airport, and
- for the safety of arriving and departing aircraft.
8.3.3 The warnings are issued in English and are distributed in accordance with a distribution list which has to be agreed upon locally. In order to guarantee rapid dissemination of the warnings, the distribution list to be used shall, as far as possible, contain only one recipient for an interested group; this recipient will be responsible for the further dissemination of the warning within the group.
8.3.4 SIGMET is disseminated by directed transmissions to aircraft through general calls by the Area Control Centre, Singapore for Singapore FIR.
9 OTHER AUTOMATED METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES
9.1 Besides VOLMET and ATIS broadcasts, airline operators can obtain access to various operational meteorological information through our Aviation Intranet dedicated computer to computer links and automated faxing service.
9.2 Aviation Intranet is free to airlines or flight operators with flights departing from Changi and Seletar Airports. It is accessible at URL http://www.weather.gov.sg/. A registered user account is required for the access. For registration, please email to MSS_Operations@nea.gov.sg
| TABLE 3.5.9 AVIATION INTRANET |
|---|
| Service Name | Information Available | Area, Route and
Aerodrome Coverage | Telephone and
Telefax numbers
Remarks |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Aviation Intranet | METAR, SPECI, TAF, SIGMET, Typhoon and Tropical Cyclone Warnings, Tropical Cyclone / Volcanic Ash Advisories | All METAR, SPECI, TAF, SIGMET, Typhoon and Tropical Cyclone Warnings, Tropical Cyclone / Volcanic Ash Advisories received | |
| Latest hourly IR MTSAT-1R and FY2E Satellite pictures | Southeast Asia and full globe | |
| Latest images from other satellites | Europe, America and Asia Pacific | |
| Mid-Level Significant Weather charts | Medium-High level (FL100-FL450) covering 30E -180E; 45N - 45S | |
| WAFS (World Area Forecast System) SIGWX charts | Medium-High level covering Asia, Middle East, Africa, America and Europe | |
| Prognostic Wind-Temperature charts | Standard levels covering Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific Regions | |
| Weather Radar images | Latest Singapore Changi Airport 70km range rain intensity radar plots. | |
| | | | |
Note: Details of meteorological briefing at aerodromes are given in the individual aerodrome sections, i.e. AD2