Aviation Weather Services

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. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Current Roles and Missions Chapter 3: Current Services Chapter 4: Research and Development Chapter 5: Regional Requirements Chapter 6: Future Roles and Missions Chapter 7: The First Step Appendix A: Summary of Findings and Recommendations Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members Appendix C: Participants in Committee Meetings Appendix D: Reference Documents for Current Roles and Missions Appendix E: ASOS Assessment Appendix F: General Aviation Flight Scenarios—1994 and 2015 Appendix G: Federal Funding Appendix H: Research Documents and Organizations Appendix I: Detailed Assessment of User Needs in Alaska Appendix J: Alternative Approaches for Improving Aviation Weather Services and Research