The FAA is seeking comments on two draft advisory circulars (ACs) that update the agency’s reference material on aviation weather by presenting new weather products and dropping those items considered obsolete or set to be discontinued.
AOPA encourages pilots to review the drafts of the new AC 00-45H, Aviation Weather Services, and AC 00-6B, Aviation Weather, and submit comments by Jan. 20, 2016. The documents may be reviewed on this page on the FAA’s website.
The new drafts would replace weather guidance dating to 1943. The weather guidance was completely rewritten in 1975, and updated again in 2015.
“Basic weather science has not changed significantly since 1975. However, new capabilities now necessitate the incorporation of new science. In 1975, aviation users were not directly touched by radar and satellite weather. In 2015, much of what a pilot understands about the current atmosphere comes from these ubiquitous data sources,” the FAA said.
As AOPA noted in October when reporting on the Aviation Weather Center’s (AWC) plans to discontinue most area forecasts in 2016, the AWC and FAA are moving toward distribution of weather information that places greater emphasis on graphical weather products available online. The weather products pilots can access via the Internet “can be more informative than a basic phone call to Flight Service,” said Rune Duke, AOPA director airspace and air traffic.
“AOPA encourages pilots to read over the new drafts and offer any suggestions. AOPA is actively engaged in formulating new weather products and advocating for greater access to weather observations,” he said.
AOPA participates in the FAA’s Weather in the Cockpit program, which aims to improve the presentation of weather on the flight deck to improve a pilot’s situational awareness. AOPA also participates in the Friends and Partners in Aviation Weather forum in which new aviation weather products are discussed.
The two new advisory circulars will probably be finalized by mid-2016, Duke said.
To review the new documents and submit comments by Jan. 20, visit this page on the FAA website, where the individual email and mailing addresses for sending comments on the draft advisory circulars are provided. Please also share your comments with AOPA.
