Continual Evolution of CCFP—User Needs for Extended Range Prediction

The Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) was developed in response to user needs of commercial aviation for the prediction of intense convection in the extended range—up to 6 hours in advance. This product was designed to meet the specific needs of traffic management as exercised collaboratively by the airlines, the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), and the Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) at 20 sites in the CONUS. The product has grown from a prototype to an accepted operational product through continual evolution. The product suite is defined by its 3 components: Collaboration, the Forecast, and the Applications. The evolution of the CCFP is documented through a joint effort of Users and Producers from industry, the National Weather Service, and System Operations of the FAA and is published in a Statement of User Needs. Changes to CCFP will be documented, and an estimate of the further evolution of the forecast suite will be made.