WHEATON, Md., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The FAA has Air Traffic Controllers working in Flight Service Stations that are trained in providing weather information and assisting pilots in avoiding hazardous weather like thunderstorms, turbulence and icing.

Since many aviation accidents are caused by weather, user group representatives from; AOPA, NBAA, GAMA, SAMA, EAA, and the 99's, FAA officials, and union officers met to discuss potential improvements in technology, services and staffing between November 15 and 19, 1999. Follow-up meetings are planned for January and February of 2000.

The theme for the meeting was the renaissance of Flight Service. The results were revolutionary for flight service. Among the unanimous recommendations:

• Overhaul the entire NOTAM system,

• Replace DF with Aircraft Situational Displays at all FSSs,

• Allow FSS to provide real time SUA information,

• Spend the briefing time on the most important items, de-emphasize legal requirements that hamper communications,

• Do not permit offloading to another facility when a pilot calls a specific facility location on the ground or inflight,

• Provide FSS controllers with aircraft "tags", including briefing history,

• Revise present policies to provide FSS controllers with training and certification for forecasts and nowcasts,

• Provide a shared database between all FAA facilities,

• Replace WMSCR lines to improve data communication rates,

• Provide operational weather graphics that show current and forecast weather hazard areas for instrument conditions, thunderstorms, icing and turbulence. Ensure these are highly accurate, precise and timely,

• Fully fund the FAA aviation weather research program,

• Improve number and quality of PIREPs by educating pilots on the need and best practice methods of reporting.

The combined summit participants briefed these recommendations, as well as several others, to AT-1. It was stressed that these are unanimous recommendations and implementation is expected and will be closely monitored. An Interim Review Group (IRG) will be formed with representatives of management, user groups and NAATS to ensure implementation. In May of 2000, another meeting will be held by the participants to review progress.

It is exciting that industry users are supporting these efforts. For these efforts to be successful, the FAA will have to change the way they look at flight service.

NAATS is the labor organization the represents Flight Service Air Traffic Controllers. These controllers provide pilots with weather information including real-time radar, turbulence and icing reports and severe weather advisories.

SOURCE National Association of Air Traffic Specialists

    -0- 12/9/1999

    /CONTACT: Walter Pike of NAATS, 301-933-6228, [email protected] /

    /Web site: https://www.naats.org /