The Minnesota Department of Transportation aims to provide general aviation pilots with easy, secure, reliable access to up-to-date weather and NOTAM information before taking off. This essential information helps pilots make informed decisions and ensure safe flying.
One way MnDOT Aeronautics supports that critical flight information is by providing weather information computer stations at every local public airport in Minnesota. Pilots will find at least one “Minnesota Weather Access System” (MnWAS) computer in every arrival-departure building at Minnesota’s 133 local public airports. These computers are publicly accessible, free to use, and allow pilots to access weather updates, flight information and briefing tools. Pilots and others can also directly report any issues with NAVAID devices, facilities, runways, or the airport environment to MnDOT Aeronautics through the resources provided in the MnWAS computer.
MnDOT Aeronautics is currently in the process of upgrading the existing network of MnWAS computer systems throughout the state. We are replacing the old, bulky computers with smaller, modern computers that can be hidden behind the monitors. This update will help ensure that MnWAS stations remain available to provide essential information to pilots and will enhance MnWAS performance and efficiency. All MnWAS hardware and software upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Pilots will find that the look and feel of the software remains the same after a MnWAS station is upgraded. You’ll still be able to access the internet browser as before, making the transition seamless. After finishing a session, you may close all windows to reset the system and erase any personal information you may have entered. Alternatively, if the computer is left alone for 20 minutes, the browser will self-reset and erase any personal information. One of the most significant improvements is that the new computer systems have additional management features to help manage each MnWAS computer station, enabling remote updates and management.
If you encounter any problems with a MnWAS computer, please don’t hesitate to report them to MnDOT Aeronautics at navaids.dot@state.mn.us. We are here to support you. If you have questions, comments, or ideas on how to improve the new computers or the airport, we’d love to hear from you about your local public airport experience. The easiest way to contact us using the MnWAS system is to click the “Provide feedback directly to MnDOT” link on the upper righthand side of any MnWAS computer’s default screen and complete the form. Your feedback will be automatically routed to the appropriate MnDOT staff, who will be delighted to assist you. We value your opinion and would like to hear any suggestions that could further enhance airport operations and improve the overall user experience.