The FAA has added another key component to its long-term modernization plan by deploying advanced weather processing systems at all 20 air route traffic control facilities. The Weather and Radar Processor – called WARP – allows air traffic controllers to see more accurate, timely weather information on the same display that shows aircraft position data. WARP reduces the potential for weather-related accidents and lessens the impact of bad weather on air space capacity. 

"When it comes to weather delays, controllers may not be able to fool Mother Nature, but WARP can help them steer clear of her," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. "We can now see the same weather that the pilots see and, as a result, make more informed decisions about re-routing traffic to reduce delays and increase efficiency."

Displayed on color monitors, WARP shows precipitation at three different altitudes. The system allows controllers to concentrate on the weather affecting a particular airspace sector and see a more timely view of local precipitation. By seeing both the aircraft and the storm, where the aircraft is going, and when and where it will return to its original path, the controller is able to move other aircraft around more efficiently. 

The color-coded weather information is shown as background graphics to the aircraft data on the display. The system provides much more accurate and localized information than earlier sources of weather data and the system it replaces.

FMI: www.faa.gov