CHAPTER B4 
RELEASE AND RECORDER RECORD 
1. Observation Schedules. The standard times of observations are 
0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 GMT. Insofar as possible, the release times 
(actual times of observation) will be scheduled as close as conditions 
permit to 2330, 0530, 1130, and 1730 GMT. Except for earlier releases 
from moving vessels, as provided in special instructions, no other re- 
leases will be scheduled more than 15 minutesearlier nor more than 30 
minutes later than 2330, 0530, 1130, and 1730 GMT. Delayed releases 
may be made after the standard times’ of observation, but in no case 
later than 0100, 0700, 1300, and 1900 GMT. Special observations may be 
made outside these specified release times when authorized. 
1.1 Number of Observations Per Day. The number of observations per 
day will be specified in separate instructions. 
1.2 Priority of Balloon Release. At stations where observing per- 
sonnel are responsible for both upper air andsurface weather observa- 
tions, special, local, and scheduled surface weather observations will 
have priority over the release and computation of the radiosonde. If the 
release of the radiosonde conflicts with the time of a surface weather 
observation, the release will be delayed until the surface weather ob- 
servation is completed. Insofar as possible, the exact time of the release 
should be scheduled so that it does not conflict with any scheduled sur- 
face observations. 
ae Release Notices. Before making the release, appropriate agencies 
will be notified as indicated in the following paragraphs. 
2.1 (WB) NOTAMS. At least thirty minutes before the radiosonde is 
released, all stations located at airports having FAA ATCS broadcast 
facilities will file a ''Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM) with the communi- 
cator. This NOTAM will state the probable time of the balloon's release 
and the time it is expected to reach the altitudes of 10,000 and 25,000 
feet,m.s.l. If it becomes apparent that the release will be delayed more 
than fifteen minutes, a correction to the first NOTAM will be filed at 
once. These NOTAMS will be broadcast. Whenever the upper-air station 
is adjacent to the FAA ATCS broadcast facility, the NOTAM will be filed 
on Form 610-5. Whenever, through previous arrangements, the NOTAM 
is filed via telautograph, teletypewriter, or voice communications, the 
upper-air station will keep a log showing the date and time of the ex- 
pected release, the expected time at 10,000 and 25,000 feet, and the 
time the NOTAM was filed. A copy ofthe telautograph or teletypewriter 
1 Iie) B4-1 FMH#3 
