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