Flight meteorological effects are the impacts of atmospheric conditions on aircraft performance, systems, and operational safety. This discipline addresses a range of weather-related hazards encountered during flight, with particular emphasis on aircraft icing. Icing is a significant safety risk because it disrupts airflow over aircraft surfaces, increases drag, reduces lift, and can affect propulsion and control systems. Ice can accumulate on wings, propellers, windshields, antennas, vents, intakes, and cowlings, making effective ice protection and mitigation essential to safe operations. The discipline also addresses the safety risks posed by volcanic ash in the atmosphere, including both near-field and far-field effects of high-altitude ash and associated chemical contaminants on aircraft.

The expertise in this discipline supports research, analysis, and guidance related to aircraft icing, ice protection concepts, deicing and anti-icing fluids, essential ground crew training, and the operational impacts of volcanic ash. This includes international collaboration with industry, other government agencies, standards development organizations, and academia to inform FAA policy, guidance, engineering standards, and training aimed at mitigating meteorological hazards and enhancing aviation safety. 

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Cris Bosetti, Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor
cris.k.bosetti@faa.gov
2200 S 216th Street 
Des Moines, WA 98198
 

Aircraft Icing Forum

The Aircraft Icing Forum, hosted jointly by Cris Bosetti (FAA) and Andy Broeren (NASA), provides a recurring monthly space to discuss aircraft icing research, technology, regulation, and related questions and challenges. The purpose of this forum is to provide an opportunity to share information, improve visibility, make connections, and advance the overall approach to aircraft icing knowledge and safety.

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