Operational Wind Compression Guidance Needs and Shortfall Mitigation

Winds that change direction and/or speed with altitude, or wind shear, in critical airspace regions and in the presence of sufficient air traffic demand can result in constraints where required aircraft separation may be lost, termed wind compression. Unanticipated wind compression, especially on descent and final approach into Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) airspace, can result in increased impacts and delays that cascade across the National Airspace System (NAS). Despite the growing adaptation of available path-based shear guidance at some FAA facilities, critical shortfalls and challenges related to the conversion from meteorological wind shear to path-dependent headwind change prediction still hamper air traffic operators and supporting meteorologists trying to mitigate wind compression impacts.

This paper will outline existing Air Traffic Management needs and how best to address previously characterized shortfalls and challenges related to wind compression guidance usage and adoption. Current and desired controller and traffic manager usage of converted wind compression guidance specific to operational configuration, collected through interviews and site visits, will be described. This will include what specific forecast information is used, actions taken based on associated wind compression guidance, and preferred prediction lead times and methods for information dissemination. An evaluation of one specific product providing converted wind compression forecast guidance, the Automated Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU) Wind Compression Tool, will be pointedly evaluated as part of this effort. Focused assessment of the CWSU Compression Tool will help to determine how forecast decision support for this particular aviation weather constraint aids in addressing / exposing traffic management needs for impact mitigation.