A GOES-R Proving Ground Overview from the 2015 Summer Experiment at NOAA's Aviation Weather Center

The 2015 Summer Experiment at NOAA's Aviation Weather Center (AWC) is a testbed environment in which to evaluate and explore experimental products in the forecasting of summertime aviation hazards. Embedded within the experiment, the GOES-R Proving ground plays an important role in the demonstration, using the pre-operational setting to expose forecasters to the capabilities of the next generation GOES satellites in aviation forecasting.

The two-week experiment in 2015 focused on FAA operations and requirements for the new Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement (CAWS) while additionally exploring a new concept for that would allow the AWC to work collaboratively with Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs) and Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) to produce a more consistent forecast for cloud and visibility (C&V). GOES-R Proving Ground products were available at all of these desks, with the Satellite Support desk serving as the central location for next generation satellite evaluation. The purpose of this desk was to 1) identify areas in which to further integrate various satellite products into aviation operations by providing additional situational awareness to the CAWS and C&V desks, and 2) expand and promote the GOES-R PG within the aviation entities throughout the National Weather Service, including the CWSUs and WFOs.