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This article discusses the functional audit and joint assessment of current operations of the Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs) in the aviation industry. It explores the mission and responsibilities of CWSUs, technological advancements, the need for consolidation, and the value of these services to the FAA and users. The article also presents concepts for improvement, including the development of an interactive weather channel and raising the level of performance. The goal is to enhance the mission, responsibilities, and value of CWSUs in supporting traffic management while ensuring safety and efficiency.
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Progress in Ground-Based Dissemination/Display Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs)Functional Audit and Joint Assessmentof Current Operations Friends and Partners of Aviation Weather NBAA, Orlando Dave Rodenhuis, ATT-260 October 2003
Current Configuration ARTCCs and 20 Center Weather Service Units (+ ZAN)
Background CWSU Mission and responsibilities: unchanged since 1978 (~25 years) Technology radical changes in observations, communications, and weather forecasting. National Research Council (NRC, 1995): recommendation: consolidate to 8 centers NTSB (1995, 2001): operate whenever significant weather is present review the program; set national standards Costs are $9-10 M and increasing December 2002: Management responsibility to Air Traffic Tactical Operations Program (ATT) What is the value to the FAA? What is the value to users of the NAS?
Joint Evaluation by ATT, ARS, and the NWS • FAA Orders 7210.38a (1979, 1984, 1990) • Guidelines for Restructuring • Functional Audit • ARS Reports • Kies Questions • CWSU Appraisals (FY02) • Role of the Weather Coordinator
Functional Audit (ARS and NWS) Notwithstanding the high performance and conscientious work at some centers…….. Functional Audit and Assessment 1. Current Mission and Responsibilities? • Unfulfilled, and overtaken by technology 2. Current Level of Service? • Uneven and sharply deficient 3. Value of Products and Services? • Marginal
We can do better Concepts: Change the mission initiate (40) HUB Forecasts out to 8 hours, updated 24x7 operations develop an “interactive weather channel” consolidate centers and raise level of performance/grade level strengthen the delivery of weather information to the FAA and users into support of traffic management, while maintaining safety more efficient; cost savings no change for ZAN, Alaska
Next Steps Guidelines March 03 Joint Assessment (ATT, NWS) October 03 Restructuring: November 03 Mission and Concept of Operations Restructuring Plan: January 04 Implementation: 2 years (FY04-05) The Goal: Improvements: mission and responsibilities level of service value to the TFM and ATC training management funding