Science & ResearchISCO 2112

Aviation meteorologist

An aviation meteorologist is a person who forecasts the weather for aviation: producing the observations, forecasts and warnings an airport, its pilots and the airlines work from.

Check yourself in a minute: aviation meteorologist

Rate 5 of the 20 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

coach employees

prepare forecasts for take-off and landing

perform data analysis

use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions

provide reports on routine meteorological observations

About aviation meteorologist

The day runs on a fixed rhythm. The aviation meteorologist makes observations at set intervals, every hour, analyses the situation, reports current conditions and issues airport forecasts along with route forecasts. Meteorological tools are used to forecast weather conditions and reports on routine observations prepared.

The meteorologist prepares forecasts for the time of departure and arrival and warns of fog, a low cloud base, thunderstorms, wind shear, icing and heavy precipitation, because a decision to delay, change runway or divert rests on that information.

The meteorologist advises pilots, airport operators and carriers on the weather, uses several communication channels, including mobile communication systems on board aircraft, works as part of a flight crew and adapts to changing situations. Other staff are trained as well. Expected conditions at the airport, current conditions and route forecasts are reported to pilots, airport operators and airlines.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a aviation meteorologist.

1

Weather Data Collection and Analysis

  • Collect weather-related data from various meteorological sources and instruments
  • Perform comprehensive data analysis to identify weather patterns and trends
  • Review meteorological forecast data for consistency and accuracy
  • Monitor performance of meteorological equipment to ensure reliable data collection
2

Forecast Development and Hazard Warnings

  • Prepare detailed forecasts for take-off and landing operations at airports
  • Forecast meteorological conditions using specialized computer models and tools
  • Issue timely warnings and advisories about hazardous weather conditions
  • Advise aircraft and airport operators in hazardous meteorological situations
3

Aviation Communications and Reporting

  • Provide reports on routine meteorological observations to aviation stakeholders
  • Use aeronautical mobile service communications to transmit weather information
  • Communicate weather forecasts and warnings through multiple channels clearly and concisely
  • Provide day-to-hour observations and analysis to pilots and airport operators
4

Quality Assurance and Equipment Management

  • Provide quality assurance for meteorological services to maintain aviation safety standards
  • Plan procurement of meteorological equipment and systems
  • Adapt to changing weather situations and adjust forecasts accordingly
  • Coach and train employees in meteorological procedures and aviation weather services
5

Research and Professional Development

  • Conduct meteorological research to improve forecasting accuracy and methods
  • Analyze weather forecast outcomes to identify improvements
  • Stay current with developments in meteorology and aviation weather standards
  • Train other staff members in meteorological analysis and aviation procedures

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (20)

coach employeescoach employeesMaintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited em...prepare forecasts for take-off and landingprepare forecasts for take-off and landingPrepare accurate forecasts of climatic conditions for the take off and landing of aircraft; take into account parameters such as temperature, wind direction, and wind speed.perform data analysisperform data analysisCollect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditionsuse meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditionsUse meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.work in an aviation teamwork in an aviation teamWork confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety,...provide reports on routine meteorological observationsprovide reports on routine meteorological observationsProvide local routine reports for dissemination at the airport of origin including information on parameters such as wind direction and speed, visibility, runway visual range, cloud volume, and type, ...adapt to changing situationsadapt to changing situationsChange approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.advise aircraft in hazardous conditionsadvise aircraft in hazardous conditionsRecommend the most effective course of action to assist aircraft in hazardous conditions.review meteorological forecast datareview meteorological forecast dataRevise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.plan procurement of meteorological equipmentplan procurement of meteorological equipmentPlan and organise the ordering and purchase of appropriate meteorological equipment and tools required for weather forecasting.provide quality assurance for meteorological services+H40provide quality assurance for meteorological services+H40Develop operating procedures for meteorological services; provide quality assurance and pursue continuous improvement of service.analyse weather forecastanalyse weather forecastAnalyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maint...carry out meteorological researchcarry out meteorological researchParticipate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena. Study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.monitor performance of meteorological equipmentmonitor performance of meteorological equipmentMonitor the performance of meteorological forecasting equipment.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...forecast meteorological conditionsforecast meteorological conditionsConduct surveys of meteorological conditions; prepare weather forecast for airport.use aeronautical mobile service communicationsuse aeronautical mobile service communicationsMake use of aeronautical communications devices to transmit and receive technical information to and from aircraft, in line with technical regulations and provisions.use specialised computer models for weather forecastinguse specialised computer models for weather forecastingMake short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.collect weather-related datacollect weather-related dataGather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.
Optional (3) — show
present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.follow airport safety proceduresfollow airport safety proceduresComply with airport safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of passengers.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

Frequently asked questions

What does an aviation meteorologist do?

Aviation meteorologists forecast weather conditions in airports. They provide day-to-day, hour-to-hour observations, analysis, forecasts, warnings, and advice to pilots, airport operators and airlines in meteorological matters. They report weather conditions expected at airports, current conditions, and en route forecasts.

What skills does an aviation meteorologist need?

An aviation meteorologist needs 20 essential skills, including coach employees, prepare forecasts for take-off and landing, perform data analysis, use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions, use different communication channels.

Will AI replace aviation meteorologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for aviation meteorologist is 51/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide reports on routine meteorological observations, collect weather-related data, use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions. Most resilient: tolerate stress, adapt to changing situations, coach employees.

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills20

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