Seven Oklahoma airports have installed new Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) with funding from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
The upgrades are part of the agency’s Airport Construction Program, a five-year plan operated in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and local airport sponsors. The goal is to strengthen a statewide system of airports serving business, transportation, and commerce needs.
“Oklahoma is well-known for its rapidly changing weather, and it is critical that pilots know the real-time weather conditions at airports across the state,” said Nick Young, ODAA airport division manager. “These AWOS installations deliver on our commitment to improve safety and enhance operational reliability statewide.”
Airports in Ada, Alva, Claremore, Grove, and Sallisaw replaced aging AWOS units, while Fairview Municipal and South Grand Lake Regional received brand-new installations to fill coverage gaps.
Each replacement system cost about $133,793, with most of the funding covered by ODAA. New installations averaged $233,390, also largely financed through the program. Altogether, the state invested more than $1.13 million in the upgrades.
