Providing Aviation Weather Services To The Federal Aviation Administration

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.

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.

This official handbook provides an authoritative weather tool for pilots, flight instructors, and those studying for pilot certification. From the Federal Aviation Administration with contributions from the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this edition offers up-to-date information on the interpretation and usage of U.S. aviation weather products and services. Revised to take into account the phasing-out of some traditional weather products in favor of newer web-based tools, this newly organized guide can help pilots and operators use every available tool to plan safe and efficient flights. Color photographs, satellite images, diagrams, charts, and other illustrations enhance understanding of weather as it applies to flight and make this book an exhaustive resource no aviator or aeronautical buff should be without. Chapters included in the Aviation Weather Services Handbook are: Aviation Weather Service Program, Aviation Weather Product Policy, Observations, Analysis, Forecasts, and Aviation Weather Tools. Readers will also find useful appendices with definitions of common terms used in en route forecasts and advisories, a standard conversion chart, density altitude calculation, and a map of weather radar network sites. Educational, comprehensive, and potentially lifesaving, this is an indispensable manual for anyone involved in handling a plane.

"Written by Robert A. Prentice with assistance from Douglas D. Streu, and edited by Cynthia Abelman and Tom Dulong"--Frwd.

Published the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the participation of the National Weather Service, this FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-45H explains the U.S. aviation weather products and services available to pilots. With full-color illustrations throughout, it details the interpretation and application of advisories, coded weather reports, forecasts, observed and prognostic weather charts, and radar and satellite imagery. Readers will find full coverage of weather-related tools to assist every pilot's flight planning and in-flight decisions. Weather product examples and explanations are supported with hundreds of weather website references for further resources, definitions, and additional related FAA publications. Applicable to both VFR and IFR pilots, low and high-altitude operations, this new edition now includes weather resources for soaring, space, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). This book is the weather services resource to use when studying for pilot certification exams and should remain a part of every aviator's library. Subjects covered include METARs, Pilot Reports (PIREPs), Surface Analysis Charts, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), Significant Weather Charts and much more. With additional weather station location tables, symbols and conversion charts, internet links and more, this book is key for all pilots seeking an understanding of the weather resources available for preflight and inflight decision-making.