Approach Area Weather

The airport terminal maneuvering area (TMA) or terminal control area is a high traffic section of controlled airspace surrounding a major airport. The TMA is the busiest part of flight ops — and the area where most weather-related incidents and delays occur. Regulatory automatic weather observation systems (AWOS) cover the airport area but not the TMA, leaving crucial gaps in awareness. These gaps can result in suboptimal flight approaches or departures, landing difficulties, and increased emissions.

Remote sensing goes beyond these boundaries to cover the entire airport area and beyond. Radar, lidar, lightning detection and decision support software combine for total weather awareness and high-resolution nowcasting to support the highest levels of safety and efficiency.