Calibration of the device is done in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures. A log with the date of last battery change, latest calibration date, the result (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), and the name of the individual who performed the calibration should be kept with the device.

Estimates of visibility can be made using the runway length (e.g., a 5,300-ft runway is 1 SM, geographical features or prominent obstructions at a known distance, markers placed for the purpose of measuring distance visually or with FAA cameras).

Ceilings can be estimated using geographical features or prominent obstructions of a known elevation of height. Ceilings can be estimated using:

Prior to departure, the PIC records all required elements on the weather record log, then communicates with the responsible aircraft dispatcher or flight follower. A mutual agreement is achieved on these conditions for a flight release. In this process, the PIC advises, and the aircraft dispatcher records the following information:

This information is part of the dispatch and flight release documents and is retained in the company’s three-month retention file.

All airports and runways on which STOP operations are conducted are documented in the CH’s Safety Assurance System (SAS), which is maintained and updated by active surveillance.

For airports that do not appear in the Alaska Chart Supplement, the CH uses an airport analysis program to ensure the facility is adequate for the proposed STOP operation. This may require a full airport risk assessment, strip check, or airport condition report to be completed. If the airport appears in the Alaska Chart Supplement but runway conditions are not monitored, only the runway contaminants section of the strip check or an airport condition report is completed. The CH determines how this will be accomplished and requests the POI’s approval.

For airports not listed in the Alaska Chart Supplement, or non-14 CFR part 139 in the State of Alaska only, the airport risk assessment, strip check, or airport condition report includes airport pictorials to familiarize the flightcrew with the area. Suitable pictorials include pictures taken from the air or from the ground, satellite pictures, and excerpts from aeronautical charts, etc.

Flight operations to airports with weather reporting deficiencies are thoroughly evaluated to ensure the facility is adequate for the proposed operation. For all STOP flight operations to temporary runways (frozen bodies of water or flat open terrain), the CH may need to accomplish a physical, onsite inspection of the runway and facilities and complete the company’s documented report.

The dispatcher, flight follower, and flightcrew member use the completed airport analysis, airport risk assessment, strip check, or airport condition report during the crew briefing. If during the crew briefing the PIC, dispatcher, or flight follower determines the conditions at the destination airport are not adequate for safe operations, the flight is not released.