Private sector firms in the aviation industry consists of major airlines, aviation contractors, and aviation forecasting companies. Most if not all of these firms have a global reach, which requires their meteorologists to understand global and regional weather patterns at the surface level but also at higher altitudes. Meteorology, Aviation, Mathematics, and Science courses with a broader curriculum would allow students to become more knowledgeable of the physics, weather, and climate across the globe and better position them for a career in the aviation industry.  As individuals gain experience in this field, opportunities will arise to diversify skill sets. An advanced business degree (MBA), programming skills, marketing skills, and obtaining a Dispatch and Commercial Pilot license will help the individual move beyond the traditional role of aviation forecaster.

Suggested Courses:

1) Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology

Having a good solid foundation in forecasting is critical when it comes to working in aviation weather. Most of the time as an aviation forecaster you are dealing with weather impacts on a smaller scale that will be directly affecting the airport. However, you will also be working with dispatchers and helping them decide which flight plan is best when there is a large storm system involved. You will have to forecast and analyze the weather from the surface up to about 40,000ft just slightly above cruising altitude. Forecast soundings and upper level winds are two things you will look at every day to help with your decision-making.

2) Tropical Meteorology

Tropical storms and hurricanes impact both west and east coast, the gulf coast and the tropical islands for several months of the year. During this season, the airlines like to plan ahead as much as possible. They want to know how long they can continue operations while it is still safe before an airport will likely shut down. Sometimes airports will take a direct hit and can be out of commission for weeks or even months.

3) Radar and Meteorology

This is a great class for anyone going into a forecasting job. However, in real-time operations you will be watching radar like a hawk so being able to analyze and understand what you see on radar and convey that information is extremely important for those making decisions for the airlines such as delays, cancellations or even shutting down an airport. 

4) Satellite/Remote Sensing

Being able to analyze satellite imagery is helpful in so many ways for aviation. The main one being turbulence. Obviously thunderstorms and winter storms can put out some dangerous turbulence reports, so it important to be able to recognize these signatures on satellite, include them in your forecast and be able to give dispatchers the best option for a flight plan.

5) Weather Communications/Intro to Aviation Weather

Taking a class on how to read/decode METARS and read/write TAFs. Learning the aviation lingo: phonetic alphabet, airport codes, etc. Learning how translate different sky coverages, precip/storm chances and winds into TAF form. An aviation forecast is very different than just a regular area forecast from the NWS. In aviation, you are taking into account the minimum requirements for each airport and airline to give the operation the best possible chance at success.

6) Public Speaking and Written Communication

These classes are great for any job in the weather industry, especially aviation. It is very important to be able to deliver a weather briefing that is clear and concise to dispatchers, Air traffic controllers, airline managers, etc. Also being able to write a brief but informative forecast discussion for your TAFs is also crucial to the job. Some dispatchers and pilots will be able to understand more technical meteorology terms, but it’s best to keep the discussion simple.