AVIATION & AEROSPACE

Aviation@2x

Federal Research Powers American Aviation & Aerospace

Federal investments in earth science and weather intelligence are essential for increased safety for flight crews and passengers, minimized fuel burn, and substantial cost savings for airlines and the public.

American aviation powers economic growth and connects our country – but only if our pilots and airlines have the necessary tools and information to stay safe and efficient. Wind conditions, severe storms, and temperature changes all affect aviation operations. But when operators can anticipate weather changes, they can make informed decisions for flights – from route planning and fuel management to takeoff and landing windows.  

While pilots and airlines access critical weather information, the data at the heart of it all is powered by federal research institutions that provide sophisticated monitoring networks, predictive models, and real-time data systems. This essential information is the foundation of the U.S. aviation industry that keeps operators ahead of the curve and competitive.

Farmers get their information from a variety of sources, yet all rely on the same foundation: weather data powered by federal research institutions that provide sophisticated monitoring networks, predictive models, and real-time data systems. This essential information is the foundation of the U.S. agricultural economy that keeps farmers ahead of the curve and competitive.

The Research and Data that Keeps Americans Safe in the Air

NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system

Turns satellite data into real-time images for forecasters working to protect lives, health, and property.  

NOAA’s GSL High Resolution Rapid Refresh model

Provides high-resolution, short-term forecasts around key locations like airports.

NASA, NSF NCAR, and NOAA

Incorporate real-time environmental observations into complex weather and climate models that help industry decision makers anticipate rapidly arising conditions in order to alter plane loading and planning. 

NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Uses supercomputers to provide increasingly detailed forecasts of future weather.  

NOAA’s Fire Weather Testbed (FWT)

Improves responses to wildfires, feeding better information to decision makers about wildfire threats, improving the alerts that pilots receive. 

NOAA OAR’s research laboratories (GSP, PSL) and NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Conducted groundbreaking research to improve icing detection and alerts. This data has also helped to develop critical deicing fluids.  

USGCRP’s National Climate Assessment and the NOAA/CDC NIHHIS

Provides regionally detailed information about weather and climate hazards for outdoor workers, enabling industries to improve plans to keep workers safe during heat waves, floods, ice storms, and more. 

NOAA’s Office of Education

Builds the public’s understanding of weather and climate and provides educational resources relevant for meteorologists, pilots, and other decision makers in the aviation sector. 

A Massive Enterprise

In 2024 alone, more than 859 million passengers flew domestically within the United States. Each day, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages more than 44,000 flights consisting of more than 3 million passengers. U.S. airports support a total of 12.8 million jobs, provide $619 billion in annual payroll, and produce $1.8 trillion in annual economic output. Passenger safety and economic activity supported by the aviation industry depend on federal investments in research and weather data.

invest IN WHAT MAKES AMERICA EXCEPTIONAL

PRESERVE FEDERAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH