AWOS III Weather Systems Now Live at Bethel, Strengthening Safety and Community Resilience

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has announced that a new Automated Weather Observing System III (AWOS III) unit is officially operational at Bethel Regional Airport (0B1), with Princeton Municipal Airport (PNN) to follow soon.

This state-of-the-art system delivers continuous, real-time weather data that enhances aviation safety, supports emergency response, and bolsters local economic activity.

In a state known for fast-changing weather, rugged terrain, and a mix of coastal, island, and rural communities, AWOS III delivers critical weather information that protects lives and supports local economies. The new installations represent a major step forward for our communities.

AWOS III will assist with the following:

  • Support Safe Operations at Coastal Airports 
  • Critical Support for First Responders in Surrounding Areas 
  • Economic Growth and Local Airport Viability 
  • Integration with National Weather and Aviation Systems 

The state’s AWOS III efforts are funded through a combination of the FAA Airport Improvement Program Grants, which is providing 95% of project costs, with the remaining share contributed by the Maine Department of Transportation.  The current grant also includes design for AWOS III at three other Maine airports.

For more information about AWOS III systems or MaineDOT’s aviation initiatives, please contact the Maine Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division.

Weather data for Bethel can be found here: Airport Weather Advisor® AWOS Live™ | K0B1

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.