This is the first of a number of METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report)/TAF (International Aerodrome Forecast) Training Notes aimed at assisting NWS forecasters in better familiarizing themselves with the intricacies of the upcoming observation and forecast code changes. This initial installment will focus on the particulars of the implementation process, with future editions outlining the specifics of the codes themselves. The final issuance, a METAR/TAF drill, will serve as sort of a final exam helping to tie together information provided in previous notes.
Many of our forecasters already have some familiarity with the new codes, especially the TAF. For these individuals, much of what will be presented should serve as a nice review. However, some subtle nuances in the codes resulting from recent U.S. requests and fine-tuning by the international community should be new to everyone.
BACKGROUND
For years, much of the international community has been reporting surface weather observations and aviation terminal forecasts in a slightly varied form of the METAR and TAF codes, respectively. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has placed increasing pressure on the United States to satisfy International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements and convert to the new codes. In 1993, the U. S. finally committed to the conversion, but in two distinct phases.
The first phase involved the automatic conversion of surface airways observations (SAO) and terminal forecasts (FT) generated within Region IV of the WMO (the U. S. and Caribbean) and Region V (the Pacfic). This code conversion for approximately 230 airports would be automatic and therefore transparent to NWS field forecasters in that it would be handled at NWS Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) by an adjustment to software. Observations and forecasts written in our domestic codes would be converted by the software prior to dissemination to the international community. This was successfully accomplished by July 1, 1993.
The second phase, to be completed by January 1, 1996, is a bit more involved and will have a much more wide-ranging effect on aviation services. The conversion process now will extend to all surface observations and terminal forecasts both generated and transmitted within WMO Regions IV and V. In other words, the SAO and FT codes that we have become so comfortable with will become obsolete on the above-listed date.
Obviously, this is not a trivial task. If the commitment is to be fulfilled on time, it will require a concerted effort by a number of participating agencies, including the NWS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The NWS has committed itself to the meeting of the January 1, 1996 deadline. Thus, only delays within the FAA and/or DOD will derail the process.
MANAGEMENT
The NWS will, of course, play the most significant role in implementating the code changes. Within our agency, the focal point for the implementation activities will be the Office of System Operations (OSO). OSO staff members are responsible for ensuring that (1) all schedules are met; (2) all project activities are fully coordinated; (3) appropriate NWS officials are briefed on a continuous basis; and (4) senior NWS management is immediately alerted to potential delays.
A number of activities will need to be completed to ensure success and timely implementation. NWS Operating Manual chapters will need to be revised or re-written, software (including that for ASOS, MAPSO, and AFOS decoders) will require updating, and sufficient training will be essential for NWS personnel and external users. OSO will interface with other branches within the NWS and other agencies within NOAA, including the Forecast Systems Laboratory (FSL) and National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) to accomplish this massive effort.
TRAINING/NOTIFICATION
The training and notification process will involve observers (both NWS and contract) and users of the observations and forecasts. A plethora of training material has been and is currently being developed by OSO. The latest word is that the "floodgates" may soon open for much of this information to enter the field.
External Users. While it is the responsibility of the Office of Meteorology (OM) to coordinate the code change with the external user community, NWS Regional Headquarters and field offices will need to play major roles in this process. A number of outlets are available to spread the word.
From the regional standpoint, the Regional Aviation Meteorologist (RAM) will maintain close cooperation with appropriate personnel in the FAA Regional Headquarters. Semi-annual meetings are held between the NWS Southern Region and FAA Southwest Region which provide an excellent forum for discussing progress on the implementation process. Twice-yearly meetings, however, fall far short of that needed to ensure adequate progress updates. Instead, the NWS Southern Region is establishing a working group that will meet monthly with FAA regional personnel and perhaps local Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) training representatives to discuss the implementation efforts and map out training plans.
The FAA has for a number of years conducted monthly safety seminars. These are excellent opportunities for NWS field personnel to reach a broad cross-section of aviators with the news of the code changes. Representatives at a nearby FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) will have information on upcoming safety meetings and probably will be more than happy to allot time on the seminar agenda for METAR/TAF training.
WSEOs and/or WCMs may have the opportunity from time to time to conduct METAR/TAF training at area AFSSs. At the very least, they should serve as the contact point for questions related to the new codes and be the conduit for dissemination of METAR/TAF training material.
Observers. OSO's Observing Systems Branch will coordinate the training of all NWS and Supplemental Aviation Weather Reporting Station (SAWRS) contract personnel in the new METAR observation format. This is particularly important at manual or non-commissioned ASOS sites using the MAPSO software. The Regional Surface Observations Program Manager will have more information regarding this aspect of training.
Source: National Weather Service (NWS) METAR/TAF Coding Implementation Plan (Draft), NOAA/NWS Office of Systems Operations, September 1994.