by Rick Lavoie, St. Augustine Florida USA
January 1995
If you are not obtaining your weather and filing flight plans on line, you're missing out! This how to article can get you past your first log on experience.
I prefer Macintosh because it is more user friendly, but any DOS computer (preferably with MS Windows) is also ok. Any speed modem will work fine. Just about any kind of communications software will work or you can call GTE at 1-800-345-3828 and they will mail you their Golden Eagle DUATS software for FREE! There are also a number of flight planning software on the market that have all kinds of bells and whistles, too.
Congress funds an 800 number for pilots to direct access DUATS. The number is 1-800-767-9989. The idea is that it is more cost effective for pilots to obtain weather & flight planning direct vs. calling up a briefer.
Enough background talk, let's go on line right now. As I've mentioned, any old communications software will work, but you must use the following settings:
Now give the command to dial up DUATS (1-800-767-9989). Since this is your first time logging on to DUATS, you will need to answer some questions in order to get an access code. The system needs to verify that you are, in fact, a certified pilot. Required entries are self prompting. Get out your pilot certificate. Once logged on, you will need to enter your last name, first name and middle initial exactly as they appear on your pilot certificate. When entering your certificate number, again give it exactly as it appears on your certificate, with no dashes or spaces. You will next need to enter a six to eight character alphanumeric password of your choice. The system will generate an access code for you, but you can change this to any 9 or 10 digit number you like (i.e. your phone #). Next you need to give a security authentication as a unique identifier (like your mother's maiden name). Then number of characters per line for your computer display (usually 80), then number of lines (I use 0 for continuous scroll). I like continuous scroll because I get the info I need, then log off and view it off line. The system now will ask for your Tail N number, type of aircraft (HXB), Home base (SGJ), aircraft colors (W = White), and finally airspeed in knots (170). Now all that is stored in the system and ready every time you log on. If you ever need to change this info, select "Modify Personal Data Profile" from the DUATS main menu.
You are now set up to use the system! Go ahead and explore the various menu options for weather info & flight planning. Have fun!
Editors Note: Go to "Helpful Links" for other more current links to online DUATS & weather services.