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AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONS WEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS. Mr. David Whatley Director Aviation Weather Program Federal Aviation Administration. AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONS WEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS. Overview. Snow Removal De-icing Operations Refueling Operations Equipment Protection
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AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Mr. David Whatley Director Aviation Weather Program Federal Aviation Administration
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Overview • Snow Removal • De-icing Operations • Refueling Operations • Equipment Protection • Ground Support Personnel Effectiveness • (Maintenance and Baggage Handlers)
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Snow Removal • Customer • Airport Operations • Needs • Forecasts of snowfall onset • Forecast and observations of rate of accumulation (e.g. DCA 0.5" per hour) • Forecasts of snowfall termination • Temperature forecasts dictate spraying and/or sanding (after plowing/sweeping)
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS De-icing Operations • Customers • Air Carriers • General Aviation Operations • Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) • Needs • Forecasts of freezing precipitation (Snow, Freezing Rain, Ice Pellets, etc) including accumulation rate • (e.g. forecasts issued 3 times per day in percent probability in hourly increments out to 16 hours)
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS De-icing Operations • Needs • Forecasts and observations of rain on cold wings • Updates on actual accumulation (drives fluid type and hold-over times) • Forecasts and observation of ice pellets, frost, ice fog, ice crystals • Forecasts and observations of sudden wind shifts (reposition equipment)
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Refueling Operations • Customers • Air Carriers • FBOs • Needs • Forecasts of lightning potential • Observations of lightning within 3 nautical miles of airport
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Equipment Protection • Customers • Air Carriers • FBOs • Airport Operations • Needs • Forecasts and observations of gust front occurrence • Lead-time for stowing equipment
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Ground Support Personnel Effectiveness • Customers • Airport Operators • Air Carriers • FBOs • Needs • Forecasts and observations of temperature and wind chill factor • Mitigation of effect on people and equipment
AIRPORT GROUND OPERATIONSWEATHER SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS Summary • Weather factors into the daily airport ground operations • Goals: • Improve the safe, efficient, and effective throughput at air terminals by improving the use of existing weather capabilities and developing new technologies