The Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service, or HIWAS, is an important resource for pilots flying in the United States. Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HIWAS provides a continuous broadcast of critical weather information. This includes various alerts such as AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs, and urgent Pilot Reports (PIREPs). These broadcasts use the voice capability of selected VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range stations) to ensure pilots receive timely updates.
To find out if HIWAS information is available on a specific VOR, look for an ‘H’ in the upper right corner of the box that shows the navaid frequency on your enroute or terminal area chart. This simple indicator helps pilots quickly assess whether they can access this vital weather service while navigating through potentially hazardous conditions. Understanding HIWAS is essential for maintaining safety in the skies.
