Operational Aeronautical Forecasters Course

Graduates of this course are expected to:

·  Analyze and interpret synoptic weather charts and diagrams depicting current weather conditions.
·  Identify the physical and dynamical processes creating the weather conditions and be able to predict what conditions will evolve from the effects of these processes
·  Interpret and use NWP products in the prediction of the weather
·  Interpret satellite imagery and use these in analysis and forecasting
·  Prepare terminal and other forecasts for aviation and prepare documentation for use in flight planning and aircraft movement
·  Know the weather conditions which are hazardous to the movement of aircraft and be able to predict these conditions
·  Familiarize themselves  with the relevant ICAO and WMO standards, recommended practices and codes relating to aviation

Topics covered in this course are:

Aeronautical Meteorology

• Meteorological phenomena hazardous to aviation
• Meteorological aspects of flight planning
• Aviation knowledge
• Procedures for meteorological services for international air navigation.
• Air traffic services .
• Familiarisation with relevant WMO and ICAO documents

Synoptic Meteorology Analysis

• Analysis of surface and constant pressure charts
• Streamline analysis
• Thermodynamic chart analysis
• Familiarisation with and use of numerical weather prediction products in analysis and forecasting

Forecast Office Simulation and Current Weather Discussions

• Forecasting techniques
• Analysis of real time data
• Preparation and writing of local and regional forecasts
• Briefings and preparation of flight documentation
• Preparation of terminal and other aviation forecasts
• Examination, description and use of numerical model output data
• Weather discussion and oral presentations