Thunderstorms 

"A thunderstorm makes its way through three distinct stages before dissipating. It begins with the cumulus stage, in which lifting action of the air begins. If sufficient moisture
and instability are present, the clouds continue to increase in vertical height. Continuous, strong updrafts prohibit moisture from falling. Within approximately 15 minutes, the thunderstorm reaches the mature stage, which is the most violent time period of the thunderstorm’s life cycle. At this point, drops of moisture, whether rain or ice, are too heavy for the cloud to support and begin falling in the form of rain or hail. This creates a downward motion of the air. Warm, rising air; cool, precipitation-induced descending air; and violent turbulence all exist within and near the cloud. Below the cloud, the down-rushing air increases surface winds and decreases the temperature. Once the vertical motion near the top of the cloud slows down, the top of the cloud spreads out and takes on an anvil-like shape. At this point, the storm enters the dissipating stage. This is when the downdrafts spread out and replace the updrafts needed to sustain the storm" (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, 2020). 
I chose thunderstorms not for the lighting, since most aircraft have some type of protection built in the wing to include lighting wicks at the trailing edges of wings and rudder. I chose thunderstorms for the turbulence and hail that is created by the storm. "Flying under thunderstorms can subject aircraft to rain, hail, damaging lightning, and violent turbulence" (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, 2020). 

References 

“Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.” Template. Accessed January 21, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Comparison and Contrast to Radar Systems in Support of Air Traffic Control

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is part of the F.A.A. next gen new technology that is designed to assist air traffic controllers in providing more accurate aircraft location to assist in better aircraft separation. "ADS-B functions with satellite rather than radar technology to more accurately observe and track air traffic. Aircraft equipped with an ADS-B Out transmitter send their position, altitude, heading, ground speed, vertical speed, call sign, and International Civil Aviation Organization identifier to a network of ground stations that relays the information to air traffic control displays. Pilots of aircraft equipped with a receiver for optional ADS-B In also receive traffic information and can experience several other benefits. Aircraft operating in most controlled U.S. airspace must be equipped for ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020" (New Technology, 2020).

"Compared to radar, which was authorized for its first civilian use in 1947, ADS-B gives controllers a more accurate picture of all the aircraft in their airspace and works where radar often doesn't — even in remote or mountainous areas. With a better view of the traffic they are managing, controllers can eliminate wasted space between aircraft, which increases airspace capacity and decreases the need for holding patterns"(NextGen-FAQ,2020). Radar is an outdated technology. I think it should definitely remain as a backup for the ADS-B, yet the ADS-B provides a much more accurate location for the air traffic controller, which in turns provides a safer airspace.  

References 

“NextGen – FAQs.” Accessed January 14, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/faqs/#q21.

“New Technology.” Accessed January 14, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/.

Wildlife Strikes 

"During the past century, wildlife-aircraft strikes have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives worldwide, as well as billions of dollars in aircraft damage" (Wildlife Hazard Mitigation, 2020). "The number of wildlife strikes reported per year to the FAA increased steadily from about 1,800 in 1990 to 16,000 in 2018"(FAA,2020). 

"Animals are attracted to areas that reflect their natural habitat and provide basic living needs such as food and water" (FAA, 2020). The goal over the years is to provide an environment that is unattractive to animals. Which if you look at the layout of most airports that's almost impossible. Most airports make the areas attractive for passengers and in the process make the landscape very attractive for animals. 

My thought is if you brought in a predator, the top of the food chain, it would disperse the animal population from that area. They did this in my old hunting grounds in Montana. They reintroduced the wolves and the elk herds were thinned and completely removed from certain areas. The fencing around the airport for security takes care of most mammals. that for the most part leaves birds. The money savings would be massive in no longer requiring a constant upkeep of making the airport unattractive to wildlife and the reduction in bird strikes would be a massive cost savings for the operators.

References 

“Wildlife Hazard Mitigation.” Template. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/wildlife/.

“FAA Wildlife Strike Database.” Accessed January 7, 2020. https://wildlife.faa.gov/home.