Analysis Of The Performance Of The Aviation Weather System

This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. The National Weather Service's (NWS) weather products are a vital component of the FAA¿s air traffic control system. In addition to providing aviation weather products developed at its own facilities, NWS also provides on-site staff at each of FAA's en route centers -- the facilities that control high-altitude flight outside the airport tower and terminal areas. NWS and FAA have been exploring options for improving the aviation weather services provided at en route centers. This report: (1) determines the status of the agencies' efforts to restructure aviation weather services; (2) assesses the agencies' progress in establishing performance baselines in order to measure the effect of any changes; and (3) evaluates plans to address key challenges. Ill.

Each time we see grim pictures of aircraft wreckage on a rain-drenched crash site, or scenes of tired holiday travelers stranded in snow-covered airports, we are reminded of the harsh impact that weather can have on the flying public. This book examines issues that affect the provision of national aviation weather services and related research and technology development efforts. It also discusses fragmentation of responsibilities and resources, which leads to a less-than-optimal use of available weather information and examines alternatives for responding to this situation. In particular, it develops an approach whereby the federal government could provide stronger leadership to improve cooperation and coordination among aviation weather providers and users.