Meteorology Panel
Background
The Meteorology Panel was established to define and elaborate concepts and to develop ICAO provisions for aeronautical meteorological (MET) services consistent with operational improvements envisioned by the GANP. The Panel is also in charge of keeping with the working arrangements between ICAO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Scope
The METP shall collaboratively determine operational requirements for aeronautical MET service provision as an enabling function for a future globally interoperable air traffic management system and identify solutions, in coordination with WMO, to effectively and efficiently fulfil the requirements through sound scientific and/or technological capabilities.
Objectives
Elaborate aeronautical MET service provisions consistent with operational requirements and quality assurance, for cost-effective services and information in line with SWIM, develop and maintain provisions for meteorological service for international air navigation, develop integration roadmaps that provide transition strategies and information consistent with the GANP, and develop proposals fostering interoperability and collaboration for global, regional and national MET systems and services.
Working Arrangements
In view of the working arrangements between ICAO and WMO, a nominee from WMO is a Member of the METP, in order to secure close cooperation in all aeronautical MET service provision activities. The panel chairperson may establish working groups as necessary, as outlined in Doc 7984. The METP should coordinate its work with the various groups of experts responsible for other Annexes and disciplines, as appropriate, including but not limited to ADOP, AIRP, ATMOPSP, FLTOPSP, IMP, NSP and RPASP.
Required expertise
The panel is composed of experts involved in aeronautical MET and relevant atmospheric and geophysical sciences. Members should also have expertise in ATM, AIM, communications and navigation, flight operations, aerodrome design and operation, education, training and personnel competency, quality management, safety management and regulatory oversight.
IFATCA METP REPRESENTATIVE - ERIK AVILA (USA)
Mr. Eric Avila (United States of America) represents IFATCA on the Panel. Mr. Avila is an active controller for the FAA, working at the Houston ARTCC. He has been the National Weather Representative for NATCA since 2019. Mr Avila has worked for the National Weather Service (USA) in Houston, Texas, where he was member of the National CWSU Website Team, the Southern Region Content Management Team, the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Houston Local Technology Team, and the WFO Houston Outreach Team. He has also worked for the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia, and in Corpus Christi, Texas. Mr. Avila also holds a bachelor degree in Sciences in Meteorology from the Texas A&M University. Mr. Avila can be reached at eric.avila@ifatca.org.