Key To Aviation Weather Forecasts

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.

The Nat. Weather Services¿s (NWS) weather products are a vital component of the FAA air traffic control system. In addition to providing aviation weather products developed at its own facilities, NWS also provides staff on-site at each of FAA¿s en route centers. This group of meteorologists provides air traffic managers with forecasts and briefings on regional conditions incl. turbulence, icing, and freezing precipitation. This report: (1) determines the status of NWS¿s plans for restructuring the offices that provide aviation weather services at FAA¿s en route centers; (2) identifies FAA¿s requirements and its alternative sources for these services; and (3) evaluates both agencies¿ current abilities to ensure the consistency and quality of these services. Illus.