Adding value to numerical weather predictions for the aviation industry in South Africa

Abstract

The aviation industry forms part of the backbone of modern society. Air travel enables people and goods to be transported over vast distances in short periods of time. The aviation industry, therefore, enables the populace of the world to interact in a way no other form of transport could do before. This heavy reliance on air travel brings with it a great responsibility to the safety of passengers and cargo. One of the greatest safety hazards the aviation industry faces is the weather, since an aircraft, on the ground or in the air, is subjected to weather-related hazards. Such hazards include reduced visibility due to fog or precipitation, windy conditions (crosswinds or gust fronts), ice accumulation on the wings of the aircraft reducing lift, turbulence, and the numerous hazards associated with thunderstorms.