Pilot reports that PGB AWOS is located in a low valley among trees and does not give accurate wind direction and velocity for the runway itself.

Narrative

The AWOS at PBG is located in the trees off the approach end of Runway 35. The system itself is in a low valley and does not report accurate weather information in the landing area of Plattsburgh International. It is locally accepted that the winds are usually off by as much as 90 degrees from what is reported by the automated system however; they may be off from any direction and it is impossible to assume the correct wind direction until you can spot the small wind socks in the touchdown zone. Repeated complaints to the airport management fall on deaf ears and this is potentially a severe safety situation. The runway is 12;500 FT long with large expanses of concrete left over from the airport's days as an Air Force Bomber base. The winds tend to be quite strong in the landing areas and with the AWOS sheltered by the trees; a false indication of the direction and speed can be hazardous. Additionally; the approach lighting system on the end of Runway 17 is owned and maintained by the county and is in such poor shape that it should be repaired; decommissioned or removed. The AWOS at PBG is located in the trees off the approach end of Runway 35. The system itself is in a low valley and does not report accurate weather information in the landing area of Plattsburgh International. It is locally accepted that the winds are usually off by as much as 90 degrees from what is reported by the automated system however; they may be off from any direction and it is impossible to assume the correct wind direction until you can spot the small wind socks in the touchdown zone. Repeated complaints to the airport management fall on deaf ears and this is potentially a severe safety situation. The runway is 12;500 FT long with large expanses of concrete left over from the airport's days as an Air Force Bomber base. The winds tend to be quite strong in the landing areas and with the AWOS sheltered by the trees; a false indication of the direction and speed can be hazardous. Additionally; the approach lighting system on the end of Runway 17 is owned and maintained by the county and is in such poor shape that it should be repaired; decommissioned or removed.