Grace Meng: “This amendment is a simple one. The entire text reads as follows: The FAA Administrator shall develop global-scale…”

“This amendment is a simple one. The entire text reads as follows: The FAA Administrator shall develop global-scale probabilistic convection guidance capability. In plain English, this means that the FAA would be required to develop the capability to predict where convection occurs so that aircraft can avoid it, if possible. Atmospheric convection is thought to induce a significant proportion of turbulence experienced by commercial aircraft, and that turbulence, even if only moderate, can lead to passenger and crew injuries and can result in high insurance costs for airlines. The FAA has been doing a commendable job of developing the capability to produce probabilistic forecasts of domestic oceanic convection over a 36-hour timeframe, but work remains to be done to improve this capability globally. The FAA would like to pursue further work in this area and has the hope of possibly achieving this capability by the end of 2020. In order to support this effort, I believe Congress should fully authorize the development of this important capability, and after doing so, it should adequately appropriate funds to accomplish the mission. Should this amendment pass today, I am committed to fully supporting the FAA's work in this arena through my seat on the Appropriations Committee. I know we would all like a smooth flight in and out of D.C. each week.…”