TABLE OF CONTENTS The basic purpose of aviation systems is airborne transportation of people and material. The primary component of aviation systems consists of the aircraft themselves, which actually perform this task. By its very nature, aviation is a highly organised and co-ordinated activity. The prime focus of such organisation and co-ordination is to ensure the twin objectives of flight safety and efficient use of airspace and other resources deployed in support of aviation. The objectives of major aviation systems are typified by the US Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which defined the mission of the Federal Aviation Agency as (Fischetti, 1986) to provide the regulation and promotion of civil aviation in such a manner as to best foster its development and safety, and to provide for the safe and efficient use of airspace .
Aviation safety and efficiency are affected by a number of factors, among which weather is a major one. The purpose of this book is to discuss the various effects of weather on aviation, and the modern electronic systems devised to combat the harmful effects. It is obvious that such systems will not work in isolation, but in harmonious conjunction with other electronic systems used in service of aviation, sharing resources (such as communication channels, displays, information processing power, electromagnetic spectrum and operating personnel) with them, and operating within the overall framework of the policies and procedures that govern aviation. It is thus necessary to understand some basic features of the aviation...
