NEW SATELLITE SUPPORT FOR THE SOARING WEATHER FORECASTER AND PILOT

Abstract

Weather satellites have progressed well beyond the experimental stage, and with the improvenents in sensors, the diversity of applications into oceanography, hydrology and other areas are steadily widenlng. With the establishment of several field service stations, the impact of satellite data will continue to increase. In the private sector, an increasing varlety of image products will be available through direct readout of polar orbiter data through connection of quality photo recorders to ground communications systems, and through acquisition of image data relayed via geostatlonary satellites. Apart from a direct imagery, a substantial improvement to computer facilities is underway; these facilities will contribute toward the generation of more timely derived-image products for tactical, near-real-time application. The intent of the foregoing is to indicate potential. The availability of satellite data for direct use at soaring events is recognized as a resource requirement. With the current trend toward automated mass production of National Weather Service forecasts for items such as maximum temperatures for cities, perhaps some form of specialized forecast of soaring conditions night be considered. Alternatively, we may be presenting a challenge to the private sector. A digitally oriented modern APT facility might provide the basis for a variety of specialized servlces. Wave clouds and evidence of convective activity are of interest to a wide variety of aviation and other activities. Support for soaring activities, therefore, might be linked to a more generalized support for the broad spectrum of private flying. The infornation is coming, and there appears to be a real challenge in providing a means for its exploitation for soaring.