The Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training has collaborated with the NWS Warning Decision Training Branch to deliver a blended training approach in the second part of the Distance Learning Aviation Course. Entitled Producing Customer-Focused TAFs, this course focuses on using special data, tools, techniques, and an understanding of customer needs to produce the best possible terminal aerodrome forecasts.

Traditionally, aviation forecaster training in the NWS has been conducted one-on-one with an experienced meteorologist in an operational setting. This training has been supplemented with computer-based instruction. However, this new course integrates Web-based modules with facilitated Warning Event Simulator exercises to allow students to apply the data, tools, and techniques using archived weather cases in a simulated operational setting. This approach is similar to that of NWS Advanced Warning Operations Courses. The Warning Decision Training Branch will provide a robust library of aviation-related simulations so local offices can customize the training for the aviation hazards typical in their area.

The course is composed of five self-paced Web modules. Module 1 addresses basic strategies behind producing effective terminal aerodrome forecasts and stresses the importance of understanding user needs; Module 2 challenges the student to prepare forecasts for various types of convection; Module 3 introduces the concept of airport-specific criteria and how to create value-added forecasts of wind, low-level wind shear, blowing dust, and other related hazards. Modules 4 and 5, slated for delivery during the next two years, will apply the airport-specific criteria concept to forecasts of winter weather and low clouds/fog, respectively. Relevant simulations will be delivered concurrently with the publication of each module.