In-flight weather advisories play a critical role in preventing loss of control in aircraft by providing timely and accurate meteorological information.
Weather conditions play a significant role in aviation safety. One of the most critical aspects of this is the use of in-flight weather advisories, which can significantly help prevent loss of control in aircraft. These advisories provide pilots with real-time meteorological information, enabling them to make informed decisions during their flights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense, and various private sector aviation weather service providers jointly provide weather service to aviation. The FAA, being the Meteorological Authority for the U.S., originates requirements for all aviation weather products.
NWS meteorologists are assigned to all air route traffic control centers (ARTCC) as part of the Center Weather Service Units (CWSU) and the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). These meteorologists provide specialized briefings and tailored forecasts to support the needs of the FAA and other users of the National Airspace System (NAS).
The NWS maintains an extensive surface, upper air, and radar weather observing program and a nationwide aviation weather forecasting service. Airport observations (METAR and SPECI) supported by the NWS are provided by automated observing systems. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) are prepared by 123 NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) for over 700 airports. These forecasts are valid for 24 or 30 hours and amended as required.
Inflight aviation advisories, such as Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMETs) and Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMETs), are issued by three NWS Meteorological Watch Offices (MWOs); the Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, MO, the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) in Anchorage, AK, and the Weather Service Forecast Office (WFO) in Honolulu, HI.
The FAA provides the Flight Service program, which serves the weather needs of pilots through its flight service stations (FSS) and via the Internet, through Leidos Flight Service. The FAA maintains an extensive surface weather observing program. Airport observations (METAR and SPECI) in the U.S. are provided by automated observing systems.
The development of new weather products, coupled with the termination of some legacy textual and graphical products, may create confusion between regulatory requirements and the new products. All flight-related, aviation weather decisions must be based on all available pertinent weather products.
In conclusion, in-flight weather advisories are a crucial tool in preventing loss of control in aircraft. By providing accurate and timely meteorological information, they enable pilots to make informed decisions that ensure the safety of their flights. ♦
References
- Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Chapter 1. Air Navigation. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap_1.html
- Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Chapter 2. Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap_2.html
- Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap_4.html
- National Transportation Safety Board. (2002). In-Flight Icing Encounter and Loss of Control, Simmons Airlines. Retrieved from https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR9601.pdf
- Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Weather Information. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/chap2_section_6.html
- International Air Transport Association. (2019). Loss of Control In-Flight Accident Analysis Report 2019 Edition. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b6eb2adc248c484192101edd1ed36015/loc-i_2019.pdf