THE VISION
In 1997, aviation is part of America's lifeblood. Aviation is a major industry. Aircraft tie the country together and play a role in nearly every facet of society. Currently, weather is a primary or contributing factor in roughly one-third of all aviation accidents. Statistics show that the Aviation Weather System is successful, but clearly not flawless. The nation is already making the serious commitment of resources necessary to build and refine an infrastructure capable of coping with weather-related hazards to all classes of aviation. A safe, efficient National Air Space depends on maintaining our aviation weather capabilities. Today's infrastructure is complex, cutting across many agencies to serve the nation. It is essential that we maintain and evolve this Aviation Weather System to provide a solid foundation for meeting our goals.
By the year 2007, air traffic volume is expected to double; the stresses on an already busy infrastructure can only increase with this growth. As the demands grow, as the numbers of passengers increase, as new routes are opened, the risk of weather-related accidents will grow. Only if the government and the private sector are committed to the diligent maintenance, carefully-planned integration, and technical evolution of the Aviation Weather System, it will be possible to say that....
The weather-related safety and efficiency in the conduct of aviation within the National Air Space has improved substantially. National Air Space operations personnel pilots, controllers, dispatchers, etc. are able to make highly informed and accurate decisions relating to weather's impact on flight safety and efficiency in any situation.
The weather information being provided to the decision-making process is accurate and reliable. Human observers and automated aviation weather systems are able to rapidly, reliably, and frequently tap surface-based, airborne, and space-based sensors to obtain the key pieces of information needed to adequately describe conditions impinging on flight operations. Analyses and forecasts are clear, concise, and easily understood by those who must ultimately use them. Products are consistent and reliable, regardless of the provider, because data and analysis standards are universally accepted.
In addition, decision makers are better equipped to know what to do with the information as they receive it. End users of the information - pilots, dispatchers, controllers, and operational personnel in all sectors - can quickly receive tailored weather products and, with a minimum of analysis, use them to identify accurately conditions to avoid, conditions to engage, and specific mission-limiting factors. Aircraft designers are able to fully specify the weather "envelope" in which their products can safely operate and also to design aircraft which are more capable of dealing with adverse conditions. Operational personnel can rely on both specific training programs and clearly defined procedures to guide them to safe, effective decisions.
The Nation's airspace is being managed to full capacity, safely and efficiently, through the cooperative action of Federal agencies working under the umbrella of the National Aviation Weather System. The System is composed of interagency components: aviation weather products, a modern operational delivery system, and research and development support. These various components are able to work together within a framework of institutional commitments that actively monitors the System, evaluating and building on its successes and making improvements. The System has strong ties to commercial, private, and international organizations so that the multiple synergies between users and providers; among government, commercial, military, and private sectors; between researchers and end-users are focused on improving weather-related safety and efficiency. Clear, well-planned, and integrated capital investment strategies are in place. Research has been brought to bear on those areas clearly in need of advancement. The National Aviation Weather System provides the best possible decision-making capacity to the aviation community to meet its single goal: safe, efficient air travel, with minimal weather-related risks.
Preface
Chapter 1:
Introduction
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