Meteorologist-in-Charge Justin Weaver explains how the NWS fits into the aviation weather picture. (Photo: Gary Skwira, WFO Lubbock)

(Nov. 4, 2005) -- As part of the ongoing effort to work with local aviation partners, the aviation team at WFO Lubbock hosted a two hour aviation workshop for local pilots on the evening of October 11th.

The Lubbock NWS office has sponsored aviation training in the past, but a first with this workshop was the fact that it was hosted on site at the Science Spectrum, which is the same facility that houses the local NWS office.

The workshop was conducted in the Science Spectrum mini-theater, complete with theater style seating and superb audio and visual aids. Topics covered at the workshop included a brief overview of the National Weather Service by MIC Justin Weaver, Low Clouds and IFR by Journeyman Forecaster Ken Widelski, and Thunderstorms and Flight Planning by Jody James, Senior Forecaster and Private Pilot/FAA Volunteer Aviation Safety Counselor.

The workshop was very well received by the 12 pilots in attendance, and most mentioned that they appreciated the effort at WFO Lubbock to reach out to local pilots and were pleased with the quality of the training.

A week later, WFO Lubbock Warning Coordination Meteorologist Brian LaMarre and General Forecaster Shawn Ellis interact with children at the Kent County Health and Safety Fair in Jayton, TX on October 18, 2005. The outreach effort was a success in educating children from nearby elementary, middle and high schools on the hazards of adverse weather conditions.

Given the extremely active 2005 severe weather season across the area, numerous questions were answered on lightning, tornado, and hail safety. Approximately 450 attended the event with representation from various health and safety organizations across West Texas.

WFO Lubbock Warning Coordination Meteorologist Brian LaMarre (left) and General Forecaster Shawn Ellis (right) interact with children at the Kent County Health and Safety Fair. (Photo: Marsha Black, WFO Lubbock)