Flight Crew Advisories

Flight Crew Advisories
METAR
PIREPS
SIGMETS

References

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      Data from all of the above previously mentioned resources translates into reports. In these reports are inputs from a variety of sources such as ground observations, surface and winds aloft weather reports, remote sensing satellite imagery and visual reports observed by the pilot community. This essential safety of flight information is then converted into a standardized aviation language such as METAR, PIREPS, and SIGMETS to provide preflight crew briefings of existing weather conditions of departing and arrival airports and of anticipated weather enroute. Armed with these pertinent weather details and of expected weather conditions along the way, as well as having effective real time communication links between ground stations (dispatchers and air traffic controllers) and the aircraft throughout their course of travel, pilots can make informed, safety oriented decisions in terms of flight route modifications.

    
 "Avoidance requires the coordinated efforts of a broad group of technical specialists. The goal of these efforts is to avoid an area of airspace that has been contaminated by volcanic ash. Avoidance of Volcanic Ash Clouds is the only procedure that guarantees flight safety."
 (Leonard Salinas, United Airlines, Aircraft Dispatcher ATC Tactical Operations Coordinator-Chicago, IL)