ABSTRACT
The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is a continuing program to improve safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System. Weather and workload are two major challenges that must be addressed to meet the goals of NextGen. In this simulation, pilots flew in three plausible concepts of operation for separation assurance, using two types of weather displays (current day radar and 3D NEXRAD). Performance data of pilots maneuvering past weather is presented. When using NEXRAD pilots began maneuvers to avoid weather earlier, passed weather faster, and required fewer flight plan changes compared to conditions using current day radar. As such, NEXRAD may be a more efficient tool for strategic weather avoidance. Weather avoidance performance was also affected by operating concept for separation assurance.
