What is aviation forecasting?
One of the earliest users of weather forecasting was the aviation industry. Today aviation weather forecasters work in the National Weather Service, the military, and private weather companies. Pilots need forecasts before they even take off to be sure that they will be able to land at their chosen destination or alternates. En route, avoidance of icing, severe turbulence, and thunderstorms is essential. Weather is still the leading cause of flight delays and cancellations (about half) and of aviation accidents, which result in 800 lives lost in the United States annually. Improvements are needed not only in the forecasts themselves but in the communication of the information to the pilots and their proper utilization of the forecasts. Accurate winds aloft forecasts are vital to economizing on fuel for long-haul jet traffic. Improved wind forecasting could save an additional quarter-billion dollars in aviation fuel each year.