NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-16-049 to FAA Regarding Controller Weather Training

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released safety recommendation CEN15FA044, designated as A-16-049, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive requires the FAA to establish mandatory training protocols for all air traffic controllers and their supervisors. The training must cover all available methods and procedures for acquiring surface weather information at airports and other weather reporting stations within the controllers' areas of jurisdiction. Furthermore, the recommendation specifies that this instruction must include detailed education on the capabilities of center weather service units (CWSUs) in providing immediate tactical weather support to air traffic control operations. Controllers must be trained on when CWSU support can and should be requested. Additionally, the training must instruct personnel on how to acquire National Weather Service support specifically for situations when CWSUs are closed, ensuring continuous access to critical weather data.