Interim Runway Visual Range Rvr Automated Surface Observing System Asos Interface Operational Test And Evaluation Ot E Regression Test Number 2 Report

This report discusses results of a regression test performed on the Interim Runway Visual Range (RVR)/Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Interface. Testing was conducted from September 29, 1997, to October 13,1997, at Memphis International Airport. This was the second regression test performed on the interface following modifications to the RVR-ASOS executable, which operates on the Hewlett Packard Palmtop Personal Computer (HP Palmtop PC). Regression Test #2 was primarily intended to determine if the HP Palmtop RVR-ASOS executable would accurately calculate Long-Line RVR data during various configurations and combinations of New Generation RVR data. Proper ingestion and Display of Long-Line RVR products were also confirmed on ASOS display screens. Test results indicate the custom HP Palmtop software accurately calculated Long-Line RVR readings during the conducted test scenarios. Proper ingestion and display of Long-Line RVR data were confirmed on the ASOS. Results also indicate several problems found during previous OT & E tests were corrected from software modifications to the HP Palmtop and the ASOS. These results suggest the Interim RVR/ASOS Interface is suitable for field deployment and usage. Despite the performance improvements observed, four problems were documented during testing. Three problems related to operation of the ASOS and one concerned operation of the HP Palmtop. Since it is anticipated the observed problems will not impact normal operation of the Interim RVR/ASOS Interface or ASOS, ACT-320 recommends deployment at locations designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS).