TAF and TREND verification
The development and implementation of internationally accredited and applicable forecast verification systems has long been a great source of difficulty and complexity for MET ANSPs (Meteorological Air Navigation Service Providers). In many cases, organizations carry out their own verification, which leads to a duplication of efforts and dissatisfaction by the users, as such individualized schemes do not lend themselves to comparison or to the determination of best practice in forecast production.
Since 2009, all MET Alliance members have been basing their TAF verifications on a scheme developed by Austro Control. Verification activities have since been expanded to include TREND and TAF Guidance. Once a year, experts from all member organizations meet face-to-face to discuss their respective results, to share best practice and to consider possible modifications required in conjunction with changes to regulations (e.g. ICAO amendments).
Further information concerning the TAF verification scheme used is available on the Austro Control website.
Automated observations
The MET Alliance has a standing group of experts from member and associated expert organisations which monitors developments in automated observations and exchanges knowledge and expertise. Most member organizations have now implemented automated observations to some degree, from full automation to a mixture of human and automated observations with part-time and/or local variations.
The main task of the MET Alliance in this area is to act as a clearing house for ideas related to automated observations, to set high-level standards and to provide guidance for these developments while addressing existing and future challenges.
Reviewing the regulatory framework
At regular intervals, experts from MET Alliance member organisations meet with various associated experts to discuss developments with regard to the regulatory framework within which MET ANSPs (Meteorological Air Navigation Service Providers) operate. This includes exchanging best practice on the interpretation of and compliance with the pertaining regulations in order to support MET Alliance members and the associated expert organisations in the efficient and harmonized implementation of meteorological services for international air navigation.