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Approaching a non-meteorological

community - Air Traffic Controllers –

for MET training

ALEXANDRU HOZOC

MET EXPERT - ROMATSA

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OBJECTIVE

“WHY” and

“HOW”

ROMATSA’s air traffic controllers (ATCOs) are trained in meteorology and also some

ideas for

“WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?”

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY

WHY?

HOW?

WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY

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Briefly … meteorological services in ROMANIA …

National Meteorological Administration,

Army Meteorological Service,

ROMATSA Aeronautical Meteorological Service,

each of them belonging to different ministries.

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MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

CIVIL AVIATION DIRECTORATE

TAROMnational airline

ROMATSAANS provider

RCAA Authority

Othercompanies

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ROMATSA

…provides all Air Navigation Services as defined by ICAO:- Air Traffic Services,- Air Information Services,- Communication, Navigation,

Surveillance,- Search And Rescue (partly),- Aeronautical MET Services.

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CONTENTS

WHY?

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MET Data and Air Traffic Management

Because:MET data contribute to the safety, regularity and efficiency of flights.and therefore:several ATM domains are dependent on MET data…

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MET Data and Air Traffic Management

…the following ATM domains are influenced by the impact of MET data:

Air-Ground Datalink, Flight Data Processing and

Distribution (FDP&D), Air Traffic Services (ATS).

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MET Data and Air Traffic Services

Due to the safety implications of the services provided, ATS is the most important element in ATM.Most impact of the MET data is on these two ATS sub-domains:

ATC Tools, ATC Human factor: the Air Traffic

Controllers (ATCOs)

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MET Data andAir Traffic Controllers

Suitable formats and content of MET data are available for direct use of the ATCOs through a user friendly HMI.

The HMI is located in the ATC room and is integrated in the ATC console.

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MET Data andAir Traffic Controllers

MET data available on HMI include: OPMET data (METAR/SPECI, TAF,

SIGMET); AWOSs data from sensors; IR and VIS satellite imagery every 15

minutes, back to 6 hours; Radar imagery every 10 minutes

(local radars and composite); Forecast upper-wind at standard

levels.

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CONTENTS

HOW?

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

By integrating meteorology modules into ATCOs courses!

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

Modules related to meteorology are included in three categories of courses for ATCO’s:

Ab initio courses – mandatory, Licence-conversion courses –

mandatory, Refresher courses – by request.

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

The meteorology course modules are developed in respect with ICAO doc. 7192, part F-1 and EUROCONTROL ESARR standards.

The curricula includes both theory and practical applications.

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

Theory includes: Aviation meteorology (turb, icing, CB/TS,

etc.), Satellite imagery: basic features, types of

imgs, primary interpretation of imgs (mainly CB clouds).

Radar imagery: basic features, types of imgs, primary interpretation of imgs (mainly TS signatures).

Meteorological codes.

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

Practical applications include: Using the dedicated HMI, Using criteria for discriminating between

types of imagery, Identifying CB clouds on SAT and RAD imgs, Applying rules of the thumb (the “W&W” or

“at least 45”rules) and c orrelating information

First guess appreciation of 2D+T evolution of the CB clouds

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

THE “W&W” RULE: applies only to clouds that have a convective pattern/shape on SAT imgs;If:

1. cloud is White in IR channel = high cloudand

2. cloud is White in VIS channel = thick cloudThen: it’s a CB cloud

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

THE “at least 35” RULE: applies to targets detected on RAD imgs;If:target reflectivity is at least 35dBzThen: it’s a CB cloud

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CONTENTS

WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?

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MET Training andAir Traffic Controllers

More satellite information correlated to aviation hazards to be included in the ATCOs training, by using RGB composites imagery:

e.g. Icing in clouds (02,04r,09), Most vigorous storm CBs or CB stage

evolution (12,12,09-04 / 10-09,09-04,09 / 02,04r,09)

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Thank you!