When is a pilot expected to use ASOS or AWOS information?

• A. Only in flight.
• B. Never.
• C. When weather observation data are provided via automated weather observing systems, often informing pilots before landing or takeoff.
• D. Only at night.

Answer: (C)

Automated weather observations from ASOS/AWOS are used whenever such data are available, and they play a key role in preflight planning and in the approach/landing stage. These systems provide current conditions at an airport—wind, visibility, ceiling, and more—that pilots rely on to judge whether weather meets takeoff and landing minimums, to plan alternates if needed, and to make timely in-flight decisions. That’s why the best choice is using these observations when weather data are provided by automated weather observing systems, often informing pilots before landing or takeoff. The other options fail because these data are not limited to in-flight use, never used, or restricted to nighttime; in reality they support operations anytime the observations are available.