NWS Support to the National Airspace: Coordination, Consistency, Collaboration, Customization, Consultation, Confidence

NWS Support to the National Airspace: 

Coordination, Consistency, Collaboration, Customization, Consultation, Confidence

Frank Brody

Meteorologist in Charge

 NWS/NCEP/AWC/NAM

NWS National Aviation Meteorologists (NAMs) embedded in the FAA Air Traffic Control Systems Command Center (ATCSCC) in Warrenton, VA provide integrated weather decision support for national air traffic management of the National Air Space (NAS).  Decision support includes summarizing and interpreting NWS aviation weather forecast products, creating weather impact outlooks for aviation impact hazards for the current day through the next 4 days and providing scheduled and ad-hoc weather briefings.  NAMs also provide face-to-face and email briefings to FAA senior management regarding major widespread weather impacts such as winter storms, tropical cyclones, and thunderstorm outbreaks.  The focus is typically on major U.S. "Core 29" airports  and on key jet routes, especially in the eastern half of the U.S.   Other key roles include meteorological consultation to FAA, formal and informal weather training, and briefing international visitors on weather support processes for air traffic management.

NAMs coordinate and collaborate with NWS Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs), WFOs, National Centers, and some airline meteorologists to help ensure that the weather picture for the NAS is consistent and coherent. 

A key theme and mantra for NAM support is the Six C's:  "Coordination, Collaboration, Consistency, Customization Consultation, Confidence."  This presentation will describe the roles and decision support provided by the NAMs at ATCSCC, and will show specific examples of products and that illustrate the “Six Cs."