weather data collection and coordination efforts with airport authorities. Real-time weather intelligence is becoming a standard component of safety management systems (SMS). Many companies now employ in-house or contracted meteorologists to support decisionmaking during dynamic weather situations. Infrastructure also plays a role in mitigating risk. “The equipment available depends on the size and location of the airport,” Eggert said. “For example, northern airports may have snowplows, while some locations even use jet dryers to manage wet runways – similar to what you’d see at a NASCAR track.” However, Eggert emphasized that beyond accurate forecasting, there is often little that can be done to keep operations running during the most severe weather events. MITIGATING RISK To better understand the most prominent risks to aviation, AWC’s Stroozas said her office hosts a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps officer, who can fly scientific missions like hurricane hunting to provide expertise and input from a pilot perspective. AWC also has a research and development arm that’s laser-focused on advancing the science of aviation hazards. “This includes joint research projects with our FAA partners,” said Stroozas. “AWC also hosts testbed experiments to evaluate new models, research methods and techniques before they are incorporated into operations.” Echoing AWC’s work, both Weiss and Eggert underscored the importance of integrating weather preparedness into a larger SMS framework – a system that includes planning, logistics, insurance, meteorological resources and employee safety. “At the end of the day, whether you’re the aircraft owner, broker, trip support provider or handler, it’s about mitigating the risk to your part of the business,” Weiss said.“And working together to ensure that plan is executed effectively.” remotely or from unaffected locations to ensure operational continuity. Weiss recommends FBOs and aviation businesses – regardless of size – develop similar strategies. WEATHER INTELLIGENCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE One of the most effective tools in weather preparedness, Weiss noted, is a robust weather detection system. Eggert agrees, he said even smaller airports should maintain stations that report key aviation weather metrics, such as wind, temperature, barometric pressure, cloud cover and precipitation. Larger airports often benefit from nearby NWS offices, which provide radar coverage and contribute to the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) network. Jointly operated by the NWS, FAA and Department of Defense, the ASOS network supports 14 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06
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