Progress in Weather & Turbulence Observations Using Aircraft & Satellites

The use of aircraft as a sensing platform to report near-real-time observations continues to gain wider adoption. For example, dozens of global airlines are now reporting millions of weather and turbulence observations every month. There are several benefits for the aviation industry as well as for the public as much of this data is being assimilated into forecast models. Other examples of the value in the creation of datasets of the state of the atmosphere will be discussed, ranging from near-real-time aviation operational use, to training deep learning models for satellite-inferred turbulence, and towards providing historical data for future climate trend studies.

Some ongoing analyses for the extensive global coverage of relatively comprehensive aircraft meteorological observations will be presented. Progress towards furthering datasets and their use will also be discussed as well as the need for more aircraft types and market segments to contribute globally to the available data. Considering recent turbulence events from the past year, context will be given for how emerging global aircraft and satellite data and algorithms provide opportunity to improve safety, optimize routing decisions, improve passenger and crew comfort, and facilitate ongoing research within aviation and the scientific communities.