Speak up for better convective forecasts
Pilots willing to spend about five minutes sharing their perspective on convective weather forecast tools in a survey will help the FAA and the National Weather Service determine which products pilots use, and optimize the offerings.
The online survey seeks input from a cross-section of aviation stakeholders, including dispatchers and traffic management coordinators, on the specifics of what information is considered most important. Respondents are asked to rank a list of different types of information from most to least important, and express which data they consider most relevant to assessing convective weather. Respondents are also asked to identify which weather forecast products they use, and how frequently.
“We join the FAA and the National Weather Service in advocating to improve weather information overall,” McClay said. “Spending a few minutes completing this survey will help forecasters learn more about how we can improve aviation safety by having most important information about thunderstorms and other convective activity delivered reliably, and consistently in a way that is clear and accessible.”
Currently available forecast products, accessible from the Aviation Weather Center, among other popular sources, range from traditional text products (METARs, TAFs, and area forecasts) to sophisticated, interactive graphic products such as the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Tool and other specialized weather forecast products.
