FreeScopes MET and the SkySMC MET Extension simulate meteorological observation, forecasting, and system maintenance in line with ICAO Doc 10057, ICAO Annex 3, and WMO competency standards.
In aviation, weather is not merely a background variable — it is a decisive operational factor that influences flight safety, efficiency, and situational awareness. For Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), understanding how meteorological information is collected, processed, and distributed is essential. They must not only know what weather data means but also how the technical systems behind it function and how to maintain them in reliable, 24/7 operation.
To support this, SkyRadar has developed two complementary simulators: FreeScopes MET and the SkySMC MET Extension. Together, they form a complete training environment that combines meteorological fundamentals with applied system management and troubleshooting, aligned with ICAO Doc 10057, ICAO Annex 3, and the WMO Competency Standards for Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel.
FreeScopes MET introduces the principles of meteorological observation and forecasting in a fully interactive simulation environment. Built around meteorological observation and reporting systems (AWS, AWOS, and WMS interfaces), it enables trainees to explore how sensors gather environmental data, how this information is processed, and how it is transmitted to aviation users.
The simulator presents a virtual yet realistic meteorological station. Students can visualize temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and visibility measurements in real time and watch how the system generates and updates METAR or TAF reports.
FreeScopes MET follows ICAO Doc 10057’s competency-based training approach, focusing on application and comprehension rather than theoretical meteorology. It helps ATSEP trainees understand how forecasting systems function, how data integrity affects operational decision-making, and how technology supports weather-related safety in air traffic management.
Modern meteorological infrastructures are built on a layered architecture of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS), and Weather Management Systems (WMS).
AWS units collect raw environmental data; AWOS platforms process and convert this information into aviation weather reports such as METAR and SPECI; and WMS applications aggregate, validate, and distribute the data across the wider air traffic management network.
To train ATSEPs in maintaining and supervising this critical chain, SkyRadar developed the SkySMC MET Extension — a simulator designed to replicate operational scenarios, system interactions, and troubleshooting procedures across all three layers.
While FreeScopes MET builds conceptual understanding, the SkySMC MET Extension introduces the operational and maintenance dimension. Integrated into the SkySMC System Monitoring and Control environment, it provides a realistic platform for fault analysis, network management, and system troubleshooting in accordance with ICAO Annex 3 and WMO standards for observing and reporting systems.
Instructors can inject sensor failures, data latency, or network interruptions to simulate real operational issues. Trainees learn to detect anomalies, interpret alarms, calibrate sensors, and restore normal operation — all within a safe, simulated setting. The system mirrors how ATSEPs monitor and maintain actual meteorological infrastructures across airports and regional networks.
Exercises can be configured for single-station supervision or distributed multi-site monitoring, covering redundancy management, data-flow validation, and remote diagnostic procedures. The result is a powerful link between meteorological knowledge and technical system competence.
Together, FreeScopes MET and the SkySMC MET Extension form a modular, scalable training solution that supports both classroom and laboratory environments. They can be deployed independently or integrated with other SkyRadar training systems in CNS domains, ensuring consistent methodology, interoperability, and alignment with ICAO and WMO standards.
By merging meteorological observation, data processing, and technical maintenance into one learning continuum, SkyRadar transforms meteorology into an applied engineering discipline. Trainees gain the insight and practical skills required to manage AWS, AWOS, and WMS networks with confidence — ensuring that aviation weather data remains accurate, timely, and dependable.
Through these simulators, SkyRadar brings meteorology from the atmosphere into the hands of tomorrow’s aviation professionals.
Stay tuned to be always the first to learn about new use cases and training solutions.
Or simply talk to us to discuss your project.