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 ContentsFront MatterSummaryChapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Current Roles and MissionsChapter 3: Current ServicesChapter 4: Research and DevelopmentChapter 5: Regional RequirementsChapter 6: Future Roles and MissionsChapter 7: The First StepAppendix A: Summary of Findings and RecommendationsAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix C: Participants in Committee MeetingsAppendix D: Reference Documents for Current Roles and MissionsAppendix E: ASOS AssessmentAppendix F: General Aviation Flight Scenarios—1994 and 2015Appendix G: Federal FundingAppendix H: Research Documents and OrganizationsAppendix I: Detailed Assessment of User Needs in AlaskaAppendix J: Alternative Approaches for Improving Aviation Weather Services and Research