by Dr Tomáš Púčik and Dr Christoph Gatzen
27 – 31 March 2023

ESSL Research and Training Centre Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Severe convective storms are a major risk factor in the aviation sector, being true for ground and en-route operations as well as for terminal areas. Hazards include extreme windshear and turbulence, icing and large hail, for ground operations prominently also extremely high wind gusts and lightning.

Tornado (and also very large hail) close to Vienna International Airport on 10 July 2017. Photo (c) Robert Gallina

Main topics

The course will translate leading-edge science and forecasting concepts into the practical forecasting needs for aviation meteorology:

• Ingredients-based probabilistic forecasting of severe convective gusts (both from gust fronts and downbursts), large hail, and tornadoes.
• Forecasting storm coverage and storm top height.
• Forecasting the predominant convective mode (storm type), and anticipating the related predominant hazards.
• Anticipating severe turbulence in the presence of AACPs (Above-Anvil Cirrus Plumes) above and downstream of overshooting cumulonimbus clouds.
• Nowcasting of convection, including dealing with convective developments where numerical model guidance is poor.

Our senior trainer, Dr. Tomáš Púčik, is as passionate about forecasting severe convective storms as one can be. Alongside his past experience in forecasting severe weather at national weather services and at ESTOFEX, he is an active researcher in severe storm environments at the ESSL.

Each day will consist of a morning lecture and of a practical afternoon exercise.

The four afternoon exercises will deal with interesting cases of relevance for aviation forecasting in Europe. Dr. Tomáš Púčik:
“Afternoon exercises will involve forecasting convection either in the current situation or using past cases for different parts of Europe in small groups. After the forecast, a discussion will follow with an emphasis on the subject that was studied during the morning”.

Lecture and exercise times:
Mon 10:00 – 17:00
Tue 09:00 – 17:00
Wed 09:00 – 17:00
Thu 09:00 – 17:00
Fri 09:00 – 13:00, optional Testimonials 14:00 to 16:00

At the end of the course you will receive a participation certificate. You may choose to take an exam on Friday after the course and earn a testimonial.

Registration

To register, please fill in the registration form and proceed to pay the registration fee by on ESSL’s payment page or by bank transfer (see below). Your registration is fixed after we have have received your participation fee and confirmed your participation. See our Terms and Conditions.

BANK TRANSFER

You may pay by bank transfer to the following account:

With your transfer, please indicate “Aviation course fee” and your name so that we can ensure that the transfer came from you.