FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 17006: Use of the Localized Aviation Model-Output-Statistics (MOS) Program (LAMP), Weather Product
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO provides information to operators, pilots and aircraft dispatchers, regarding the use of the LAMP weather product, which is provided by the United States (U.S.) National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
The LAMP weather product is a statistical model program that provides specific point forecast guidance on sensible weather elements (perceivable elements such as temperature, wind, sky cover, etc.). LAMP weather product forecasts are provided in both graphical and coded text format, and are currently generated for more than 1,500 locations.
Recommended Action
All pilots, aircraft dispatchers and operators interested in reviewing information on the LAMP product should access the information via the web address provided in this InFO.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: Use of the Localized Aviation Model-Output-Statistics (MOS) Program (LAMP), Weather Product
Purpose: This InFO provides information to operators, pilots and aircraft dispatchers, regarding the use of the LAMP weather product, which is provided by the United States (U.S.) National Weather Service (NWS).
Background: The LAMP weather product is a statistical model program that provides specific point forecast guidance on sensible weather elements (perceivable elements such as temperature, wind, sky cover, etc.). LAMP weather product forecasts are provided in both graphical and coded text format, and are currently generated for more than 1,500 locations. The LAMP weather product is entirely automated and may not be as accurate as a forecast generated with human involvement.
However, information from the LAMP weather product can be used in combination with Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), and other weather reporting and forecasting products and tools, to provide additional information and enhance situational awareness regarding a particular location.
Discussion: An advantage of using the LAMP weather product is that it’s updated hourly, incorporating the latest surface conditions to produce hourly forecasts of weather elements reaching up to 25 hours in the future. The user is able to access fresh forecast information for the next 24 hours. The LAMP weather product provides both categorical and probabilistic forecast guidance on various elements, allowing users to extract the type of information they want. Categorical ceiling/visibility forecast information is presented, along with forecasts conditional on the occurrence of precipitation. This data attempts to account for some of the temporary fluctuations that occur in flight.
A list of LAMP airports can be located at:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/gfslamp/meteoform.php#AK
A detailed description of the LAMP can be accessed at:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/gfslamp/docs/LAMP_description.shtml
The NOAA/NWS LAMP Home Page can be accessed at:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/lamp/index.shtml
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
InFO 17006
DATE: 4/10/17
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
NWS newsletter, “The Front”, provides several useful articles regarding LAMP. Of particular interest are the newsletters dated June 2006 and March 2010. All of “The Front” newsletters can be accessed at: https://www.aviationweather.gov/news/front.
Recommended Action: All pilots, aircraft dispatchers and operators interested in reviewing information on the LAMP product should access the information via the web address provided in this InFO.
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to the Air Transportation Division’s Part 121 Air Carrier Operations Branch (AFS-220) at (202) 267-8166.
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 17006