The recommendations are based on NTSB accident
investigations involving aircraft encountering
weather conditions, such as adverse surface
wind, dense fog, icing, turbulence, and
low-level wind shear. Currently, although
information on these conditions may exist, it is
not always provided to pilots through NWS
products during preflight weather forecasts.
"What's difficult to understand is why weather
advisories from the National Weather Service to
the general public, at times, provide more
comprehensive information about weather
conditions than the advisories they provide to
pilots experiencing the same conditions," said
NTSB Board Member Earl Weener. "Why pilots would
receive less information makes no sense, and
increases the risk of flying in severe weather
conditions. That is why this issue is on the
NTSB's Most Wanted List."
Additionally, although the NWS routinely advises
pilots of turbulence and weather patterns
associated with mountain wave activity (MWA),
which can cause unique and adverse flying
conditions, there are currently no requirements
for the NWS to issue advisories specific to MWA.
The NTSB believes notification of the potential
for and the existence of MWA allows pilots to
prepare for these atmospheric disturbances.
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