A program to improve aircraft icing forecasts

A cooperative research program designed to study aircraft icing forecasting and related subjects will commence this winter and continue for six years. Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this program will lead to an improved in-flight aircraft icing forecast methodology and a revised icing severity index. The forecasts and severity index will be meteorologically based and will also take advantage of the new measurement systems being deployed as part of the National Weather Service's (NWS) Modernization and Restructuring Demonstration (MARD). The research program will involve a substantial scientific effort to enhance the overall understanding of winter storm and aircraft icing environments. The latest synoptic, mesoscale and cJoud-scale models will be evaluated for real-time use to aid in winter storms and icing forecasting.This paper will discuss the development of the program, its objectives, the facilities to be used and the participants. A brief description of plans for the studies to be conducted during the first winter is included.