The National System Strategy Team (NSST) at the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Herndon VA. Is responsible for the daily strategic planning process of air traffic management initiatives across the National Airspace System.

This process becomes highly challenging during days with convective weather outbreaks. This past season has been especially challenging and was plagued with a very high number of air traffic delays.

One key item used in Operations Plan for air traffic management initiatives is the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP).

Due to real and perceived CCFP limitations, the planning for specific flow management actions is often delayed which can create significant

delay situations. The use of additional forecast data and methods are proposed as a way to enhance the planning process and to possibly mitigate

some of the large delay scenarios.

There are illustrations of weather impact on air traffic including a graphical depiction of large scale meteorological conditions on three of the most delayed days this year.

There are several currently available forecast products that provide useful data that could be incorporated into the strategic planning process to improve strategic planning effectiveness.