AMS Policy Program UNIFIED POLICY APPROACH SEC Airline Workshop Meeting April 4, 2005 Dr. Genene Fisher American Meteorological Society Policy Program

AMS Policy Program What is Policy? “A definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions” Or simply…. A framework for decision-making

AMS Policy Program A flight is about to take off from NY to Hong Kong. NOAA SEC has recently issued an alert for a strong solar radiation storm. What does the pilot do? What does the airline do? What does the air traffic controller do? What is Policy?

AMS Policy Program What is Policy? Our understanding of space weather impacts & risks on the safety & efficiency of airline operations is growing. What should FAA & NOAA/NWS/SEC do? What should IATA & ICAO do? What should the airlines do? What should the International Committee for Space Weather Impacts on Aviation Safety (ICSWIAS) do? What should you do?

AMS Policy Program Policy Issues are Emerging As our understanding of SWx impacts on the airlines increases, many people are realizing the need for a policy framework. For example, emerging issues involve: QStandardization QLegislation QEducation QBetter information and forecasts QBetter dissemination of products QCost/benefit analysis We must also consider how these fit within the current U.S. & international frameworks for aviation safety & operations

AMS Policy Program AMS & SolarMetrics Policy Study Policy Study - integrating SWx observations & forecasts into airline operations  Discuss issues - aviation industry, airline reps, SWx scientists/info providers, & policymakers  Organize a forum & develop a policy report to foster policy level dialogues QWork with agencies/companies/organizations to assist in implementation of community recommendations study will contribute to ICSWIAS goals

AMS Policy Program Standardization  How does the ATC decide when to use a forecast to modify the operations of a flight? Legislation  Do we need laws/regulations in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew? Policy Issues

AMS Policy Program Policy Issues Education  How do we go about establishing an educational program for decision makers (pilots, ATC, crew, etc.)? Better Information and Forecasts  What technical, observational, & modeling capabilities are needed to reduce risks & improve decision making & how will they be achieved?

AMS Policy Program Policy Issues Better dissemination of products  How well is space weather information communicated to decision makers & what improvements are needed? Cost Benefit Analysis  What are the costs/benefits of providing a global space weather service to the airlines?

AMS Policy Program Continue structured dialogue Sort through the policy issues Develop a plan for tackling these issues Next Steps for the Community Pilots Air Traffic Control FAA NOAA/NWS/SEC IATA ICAOAirline crew Passengers Private sector companies Unions AirlinesSWx researchers ICSWIAS Dispatchers

AMS Policy Program Where do we want to be next year at this time? During discussion today: Statement of key policy issues Look at opportunities and barriers Policies needed ICSWIAS Next Steps for this Meeting

AMS Policy Program Thank you Genene Fisher x422