Description / Abstract: Scope and Approach

The guidance in this document is based on three areas of interest: wake mitigation, the RTA aspect of four-dimensional (4D) Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), and IM. These operations were selected and prioritized through SC and sub-group meetings as well as technical interface meetings with other subject matter experts (SMEs). In addition to considering the need for and use of data linked wind information, it was recognized that wind is not an independent variable when analyzing aircraft performance in meeting the criteria for safe and efficient operations. Other factors, especially airspace procedures/constraints are variables that need to be considered in their relation to influencing the determination of wind requirements. The approach taken for each of these operations is described in the subsections below.

Note: Forecast flight-level temperatures are routinely coupled with flight-level winds and both are provided to aircraft. The impact of the quality of forecast temperature information, however, was not included in the simulations and studies referenced in this document.

The findings and recommendations included in this document are specific to each of the three operations and are made within the context of the assumptions for each operation.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the use of and quality requirements associated with data linked forecast and current wind information used in Air Traffic Management (ATM) operations.