What does HIWAS stand for in aviation terminology?

HIWAS stands for Hazardous In-flight Weather Advisory Service. This service plays a critical role in aviation by providing pilots with timely and essential information about hazardous weather conditions. It broadcasts alerts regarding severe weather phenomena that could impact flight safety, such as thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, or low visibility.

Since HIWAS is typically delivered over VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) radio frequencies, pilots can access this vital information during flight, helping them make informed decisions about routing and safety. This proactive measure is particularly important for ensuring that aviation operations are conducted with up-to-date situational awareness regarding weather hazards, thereby enhancing flight safety.

An understanding of HIWAS and its function in aviation helps pilots and flight crews prepare for and respond to varying weather conditions efficiently.