| Leaders: |
Tom Hicks (ZFW) and Steve.Amburn (TSA) |
| Description: |
This is one of the most ambitious, yet vital, initiatives to the aviation program enhancement effort. In the very near future, changing customer requirements (e.g, anticipated Traffic Management Unit Requirements Document) will make it necessary for both automation and collaboration among all organizational elements (the AWC, CWSUs, WFOs, and the Spaceflight Meteorology Group [SMG]) to play key roles in producing what can be termed "ramp-to-ramp" aviation weather forecasts: ramp-to-terminal-to-departure zone-to-center airspace-to-approach zone-to-terminal-to-ramp.
The result of the automation and collaboration process will be to generate forecasts that are consistent, accurate, timely, and tailored to the specific needs of the various aviation customers. While automation will be critical to the success of this effort, it will not eliminate the need for the aviation forecaster. Indeed his/her role may become more important, but likely will need to be redefined.
A typical forecast scenario of the future might proceed as follows:
- A resolute national grid of "aviation impact variables" is produced through automation and made available for forecaster review.
- The grid values are transposed to interactive database for manipulation by the forecasters.
- Collaboration commences that involves the AWC, CWSUs, and WFOs (The methodology for conducting the collaboration is currently undetermined; however, use of the FX-Connect system developed by Forecast Systems Laboratory [FSL] is a possibility.) The FX-Connect system enables participants at varying locations, using differing computer platforms, to collaborate in real-time employing both visual and voice interaction. In addition to the benefit of enabling true interaction, FX-Connect operates in an AWIPS-like environment, thus allowing participants to view basic AWIPS displays using AWIPS functions.
- Refinements are made to the database thus producing a final "collaborative database" for product generation.
- Product generators, developed specifically for the various aviation offices will produce products tailored specifically for the offices' customers. It is envisioned that there will be product generators at the AWC, WFOs, CWSUs, and SMG. For example, the CWSU product generator would utilize FSL's Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE) to generate prototype graphical, textual, and gridded forecasts in support of the TMU's monitoring of the terminal, approach/departure zone, and center airspace. The WFOs would have generators for TAFs and Airport Weather Warnings (AWWs). SMG's generator, which would support NASA and Shuttle operations, might produce graphical forecasts of the critical parameters for downrange "launch abort landing sites.
Rigorous testing of this entire collaborative forecast and product development process can best be accomplished through the establishment of a test facility. It is of the utmost importance that such a facility be established in an operational environment, where customers can interact directly with the development and testing process, and provide immediate feedback.
The CWSU appears best suited to house such a prototyping facility. Specifically, it is recommended that a Prototyping and Aviation Collaboration Effort (PACE) be initiated at the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). |
| Tasks: |
Developing and testing an accurate and efficient aviation forecast system can be accomplished by: |
| 3.1 |
Negotiating the operation of a prototyping test facility at the Fort Worth ARTCC with the regional FAA. Target: March 2001
|
| Resources: None |
| 3.2 |
Publishing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both the NWS Southern Region Director and FAA Southwest Region Administrator authorizing the establishment of the PACE facility at Fort Worth ARTCC.
This MOA should address issues of funding, staffing (including the need for position upgrades, FTE transfers/additions, contract employment), and operations of the facility.
NOTE: It is anticipated that, with approval of the FAA, preliminary developmental activities may commence within the PACE facility prior to actual sign-off of the MOA. Target: April 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.3 |
Assessing the need for acquiring new or upgrading existing technology and/or communications for the PACE facility. Target: September 2000
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.4 |
Researching staffing options for the PACE facility. Target: November 2000
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.5 |
Finalizing the PACE Facility Operating Plan. Target: March 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.6 |
Establishing a mechanism for recruiting expertise based on projected needs (post on the regional aviation website). Target: April 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.7 |
Implementing a staffing plan. Target: May/June 2001
|
Resources: Resources for the staffing and operation of the PACE facility are estimated to be as follows:
Staffing:
Staffing for the PACE facility will be handled through temporary assignments. These assignments will be established such as to take advantage of the NWS meteorological community within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and across the country, as well as partnerships established with cooperating agencies (e.g., FSL). Costs for staffing the facility are currently unknown; however, it is anticipated that no additional FTEs will be required.
Travel:
Two trips per year to FSL $1,500
Two trips per year to Headquarters $ 1,500
Three trips per year to the AWC $ 1,500
Initial trip to WFO Tulsa $500
(evaluate current verification effort) |
| 3.8 |
Beginning operations of the PACE. Target: May/June 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.9 |
Posting comparative verification statistics on the regional aviation website, in compliance with agency policy regarding privacy issues. Target: September 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.10 |
Establishing the responsibilities and confirming the participation of interested organizational elements in PACE facility operations Target: Summer 2001
|
| Resources: Minimal, if any. |
| 3.11 |
Accelerating development of computer-generated forecast guidance. Target: TBD
|
| Resources: Software/hardware upgrade/maintenance $2,500. |
| 3.12 |
Applying the collaboration process to first-generation graphical products and testing (in close cooperation with customers). Target: FY 02
|
| 3.12.1 |
Develop methodology for producing an automated gridded database of aviation impact variables (AIVs). |
| 3.12.2 |
Develop and test a methodology for conducting wide-scale collaboration among NWS offices. |
| 3.12.3 |
Develop technique(s) for revising the database and producing a collaborative forecast graphic. |
| 3.12.4 |
Develop methodology/software for generating customized forecast products. |
| Resources: Software/hardware upgrade/maintenance $2,500. |
| 3.13 |
Posting of products on the regional aviation website for review and comments. Target: September 2001
|
| Resources: None |
| Note: Refinements to methodologies and product prototypes as we strive to move closer to achieving the goal of developing an accurate and efficient forecast system will obligate the activities of the PACE facility for an indefinite period of time. |
