Background
Following the reorganization of the Secretariat and the panel structure of ICAO in 2014, the Meteorology Panel (METP) was established at the fifth meeting of the 197th session of Air Navigation Commission (ANC 197-5) held on 30 September 2014. The panels of the ANC are technical groups of the qualified experts formed by the ANC. The purpose of a panel is to address specific problems or develop standards for the planned evolution of air navigation within specified timeframes which cannot be advanced within the ANC or established resources of the Secretariat.
The primary responsibility of the METP is to define and elaborate concepts and to develop ICAO provisions for aeronautical meteorological (MET) services consistent with operational improvements envisioned by the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) (Doc 9750) and in keeping with the Working Arrangements between the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Meteorological Organization (Doc 7475).
Scope
The METP shall collaboratively determine operational requirements for aeronautical MET service provision as an enabling function for a future globally interoperable air traffic management system and identify solutions, in coordination with WMO, to effectively and efficiently fulfil the requirements through sound scientific and/or technological capabilities.
Objectives
The METP shall conduct its work in keeping with the following objectives:
- to define and elaborate concepts for aeronautical MET service provision consistent with the identified operational requirements, including the functions and processes necessary to provide quality-assured, cost-effective aeronautical MET services and information supporting the future globally interoperable air traffic management system through system-wide information management (SWIM);
- to identify the scientific and/or technological capabilities necessary to fulfil the identified operational requirements;
- to develop and/or maintain ICAO Provisions necessary for meteorological service for international air navigation;
- to develop and/or maintain aeronautical MET integration roadmaps (or similar) that provide transition strategies for aeronautical MET services and information consistent with the GANP; and
- to develop proposals fostering interoperability through appropriate collaborative arrangements for global, multi-regional, regional, sub-regional and national/local MET systems and services.
General Working Arrangements
In view of the working arrangements between ICAO and WMO, a nominee from WMO should be a member of the METP, securing close cooperation in all aeronautical MET service provision activities.
The METP should also coordinate its work with the various groups of experts responsible for other Annexes and disciplines as appropriate including, but not limited to, the:
- ATM Requirements and Performance Panel (ATMRPP);
- Communications Panel (CP);
- Aerodrome Design and Operations Panel (ADOP);
- Airworthiness Panel (AIRP);
- Air Traffic Management Operations Panel (ATMOPSP);
- Flight Operations Panel (FLTOPSP);
- Information Management Panel (IMP);
- Navigation Systems Panel (NSP);
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Panel (RPASP), and;
- Safety Management Panel (SMP).
The ANC shall suggest the forming of a specific working group under a Panel. The Panel chairperson may also establish working groups as necessary to develop proposals on draft material for consideration by the Panel.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the working groups should be viewed in the context of defining a work programme to develop requirements, standards and guidance necessary for the provision of globally harmonized meteorological services for international air navigation. Working groups are responsible for fulfilling the following five functions:
- Define Requirements: Based on identified user needs and shortfall analyses, identify the functional and performance requirements for the provision of quality-assured meteorological services to support international air navigation;
- Establish Standards: Based on agreed-upon performance requirements, establish the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for inclusion in Annex 3 and/or a PANS-MET document;
- Develop Guidance: Promulgate information on the provision of agreed-upon global meteorological services for international air navigation to enable service to be implemented consistently across all ICAO regions;
- Develop Governance: Develop the policies necessary to ensure the provision of global and regional meteorological services for international air navigation including establishing selections criteria for global and regional service providers and cost-recovery mechanisms, and;
- Global Harmonization: Working collaboratively with the Planning and Implementation Regional Groups (PIRGs), to ensure that the requirements and standards for the provision of global and regionals meteorological services are consistent across all ICAO regions.
