September 09, 2007	Sunday	Sha'aban 26, 1428

WASHINGTON: Scientists are testing a new turbulence system that alerts pilots to patches of rough air as they fly through clouds.

Designed by the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the new system promises to better protect passengers from injuries caused by turbulence while reducing flight delays and lowering aviation costs.

It uses a mathematical method developed by NCAR scientists, known as the NEXRAD Turbulence Detection Algorithm, or NTDA, to analyse data obtained from the National Weather Service’s network of Next-Generation (NEXRAD) Doppler radars.

The resulting real-time snapshot of turbulence is then transmitted to pilots in the cockpit and made available to airline meteorologists and dispatchers via a web-based display.

“Pinpointing turbulence in clouds and thunderstorms is a major scientific challenge. Our goal is to use these radar measurements to create a three-dimensional mosaic showing turbulence across the country that can help pilots avoid hazardous areas,” said NCAR scientist John Williams.—Dawn/The Times of India News Service