Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) 1994 Demonstration Phase OT&E Final Report.
Abstract
The Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) will produce a fully automated, integrated terminal weather information system to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity of terminal area aviation operations. The ITWS will acquire data from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) weather sensors as well as aircraft in flight to provide FAA air traffic personnel with products that require no meteorological interpretation. These products include current terminal area weather and near-term predictions of significant weather phenomena (e.g., microbursts, wind shear, gust fronts, precipitation, lightning, terminal winds, etc.). A Demonstration/Validation (DEMVAL) of ITWS prototypes was conducted at Memphis and Orlando International Airports (MEM) (MCO) and the Memphis and Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) during the summer of 1994. ITWS products were evaluated for operational suitability, usefulness, and meteorological validity. Questionnaires were completed by air traffic controllers, supervisors, and traffic managers at the completion of the DEMVAL. This report summarizes the results of the meteorological data analysis and questionnaire results, as determined by ACT-320. The resolution of Critical Operational Issues (COl) are also discussed. The results of these analyses indicated that during the DEMVAL: (1) The ITWS products (a) were useful during operationally significant weather, (b) were displayed without the need for meteorological interpretation, and (c) enhanced supervisor effectiveness in traffic planning/management during adverse weather; (2) Terminal airspace and runways were utilized more efficiently when the ITWS was operational; and (3) The ITWS reduced perceived controller workload during adverse weather conditions in the terminal area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA303702
Entities
People
- Glenn Smythe
- Gloria Yastrop
- Thomas M. Weiss
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration