Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No. FHWA/TX-00/1799-2 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES IN DELIVERING WEATHER DATA TO February 2000 TEXAS PILOTS AND OTHER USERS 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No. James S. Noel, P.E., and George B. Dresser, Ph.D. Report 1799-2 9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) Texas Transportation Institute The Texas A&M University System 11. Contract or Grant No. College Station, Texas 77843-3135 Study No. 0-1799 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 13. Type of Report and Period Covered Texas Department of Transportation Research: Construction Division September 1998 – August 1999 Research and Technology Transfer Section 14. Sponsoring Agency Code P.O. Box 5080 Austin, Texas 78763-5080 15. Supplementary Notes Research performed in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Research Project Title: Integration of Weather Data from All Available Sources to Enhance Aviation Weather Data Available in Texas 16. Abstract This project will ultimately serve to supplement the manner in which Texas pilots receive weather data. This will be accomplished first by inventorying the sources used by pilots to get weather data. The reliability, and convenience, of these sources will be evaluated and the unmet needs enumerated. The approach described above will be tailored to the needs of pilots with all levels of competency. This includes the weekend-only pilot interested in whether the local area will continue to have visual meteorological conditions (VMC) to those planning a cross-country routing in VMC, to the high time, instrument-rated pilot who will wonder about airframe icing on route or about low ceiling and visibility at the destination. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement Aviation Weather, Weather Data No restrictions. This document is available to the public through NTIS: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 19. Security Classif.(of this report) 20. Security Classif.(of this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price Unclassified Unclassified 124 Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES IN DELIVERING WEATHER DATA TO TEXAS PILOTS AND OTHER USERS by James S. Noel, P.E. Consultant and George B. Dresser, Ph.D. Research Scientist Texas Transportation Institute Research Report 1799-2 Research Study Number 0-1799 Research Study Title: Integration of Weather Data from All Available Sources To Enhance Aviation Weather Data Available in Texas Sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation In Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration February 2000 TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE The Texas A&M University System College Station, Texas 77843-3135 IMPLEMENTATION STATEMENT The results of research documented in this report clearly demonstrates that the collection of weather data is distinct and separate from its dissemination. There are relatively few primary weather data collection sources (e.g., NWS), while there are a multitude of intermediary processing and interpretation agencies and firms (e.g., commercial outlets). In addition, several collection and dissemination sources are in transition. The numerous sensors and overlapping dissemination systems and networks within Texas demonstrate the potential for synergistic uses of the gathered data. The transportation, construction, agriculture, and energy industries, as well as the media, all have the need for improved weather data. Low-cost sensing devices are on the near horizon and will allow the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to extend its weather data collection activities. Data from these advanced sensing and delivery systems will allow pilots to make better decisions before flight and while en-route. However, to access and effectively use these advanced systems, Texas pilots must become familiar with their operation. TxDOT can take the lead in this continuing education process by implementing advanced practices into pilot training and recurrent training programs. The availability of training on the use of advanced systems will help Texas pilots improve their skills and help them learn to make better decisions concerning flight into all types of weather. v DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the opinions, findings, and conclusions presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect official views or policies of the Federal Highway Administration or the Texas Department of Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Additionally, this report is not intended for construction, bidding, or permit purposes. George B. Dresser, Ph.D., was the Research Supervisor for the project. vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The research team would like to acknowledge the cooperation of individuals at the Texas Department of Transportation as well as individuals with federal, state, and local agencies and private companies who assisted in the development of this report, from data collection to final review. The team also acknowledges the guidance and assistance of Bill Gunn, the project director. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................................xiii LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................... xiv SUMMARY................................................................................................................................ xvii CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................1 CHAPTER 2. NEW WEATHER SENSORS AND DATA DELIVERY SYSTEMS ....................5 Advanced WIeathernteractive Processing System..............................................................5 Automated SObservingurface Systems...............................................................................6 Controlled Airspace .................................................................................................7 Uncontrolled Airspace ...........................................................................................13 Minimum WeatherIFR Requirements...................................................................14 Current Assessment of ASOS Installations.........................................21 in the U.S. AWOS and ASOS Installations Planned in Texas.................................................23 Super Unicom................................................................................................................. ...24 Doppler Radar...................................................................................................................24 . Weather Satellites........................................................................................................... ...25 Pilot Training............................................................................................................... ......26 High-Tech Approaches to Weather Data in Flight ............................................................26 National Aeronautical and Space Administration Research..............................................28 System Features .....................................................................................................28 CHAPTER 3. AIRBORNE WEATHER DECISION-MAKING ..................................................31 Making Decisions ..............................................................................................................31 Decisions for ...................................................................................................32VFR Pilots Judgement Training ...............................................................................................32 Operational Pitfalls ................................................................................................34 AAROW and EATS...............................................................................................36 Environment.......................................................................................................................36 Headwork Response .............................................................................................37Process Attitudes.............................................................................................................................41 Risk Manag..............................................................................................................ement 41 Reliability of New Weather Sensing Technology..............................................................42 Personal Minimums...........................................................................................................43 Summary............................................................................................................................45 CHAPTER 4. USE OF DATA FROM HIGH-TECH WEATHER SENSORS AND OTHER SOURCES ..............................................................................................................49 The PictureBig ..................................................................................................................50