NCEP, AWC EARN FAA EXCELLENCE AWARD

NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in Camp Springs, Md., and its Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, Mo., are recipients of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Excellence in Aviation Award for 2002. The AWC was cited for its contribution to the FAA’s Aviation Weather Research Program, which was organized to generate more accurate and accessible aviation weather observations, warnings and forecasts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)is an agency of the Commerce Department.

“From pilots to passengers, safe aviation depends on accurate, timely weather forecasts,” said Brig. Gen. Jack Kelly, USAF (ret.), director of the National Weather Service (NOAA Weather Service), the parent agency of NCEP and the AWC. “Our participation in this aviation weather research program is going to make the forecasts better.”

Jack May, director of the AWC, said the center “appreciates this recognition from the FAA. We are proud of our relationship with the FAA’s Aviation Weather Research Program and our partnership with organizations dedicated to improving aviation weather safety. Our role at the AWC is to move research results into operations. The public directly benefits from this investment. The skies are safer and air traffic is more efficient as a result of this team effort.”

The Excellence in Aviation designation is a competitive, non-monetary award presented each year to individuals and/or institutions that show how their past research benefits the aviation community today. The FAA employs the award to recognize significant accomplishments in aviation-related research and to highlight the benefits of research activities.

“We have a solid commitment to the Aviation Weather Research Program, and will continue working to improve aviation weather forecasting,” said Louis Uccellini, director of NCEP.

Other recipients of the 2002 Excellence in Aviation Award include: NOAA’s Forecast Systems Laboratory and National Severe Storms Laboratory; the National Center for Atmospheric Research; Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Lincoln Laboratories; Naval Research Laboratory; University of Quebec at Montreal; University of Alaska Fairbanks; San Jose State University; and Oklahoma State University.

NOAA National Weather Service (NOAA Weather Service) is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

To learn more about NOAA Weather Service, please visit:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov.