Seminars for operational MET personnel at Croatia Control

Croatia Control ltd is a national air navigation provider and MET service is a part of the company. Observations, forecasts and warnings are made by aeronautical meteorological forecasters (AMF) and observers (AMO). To maintain the level of education at a very high level, regular refresh seminars have been held for all licensed personnel since 2008.

Almost one week is reserved for the education of forecasters, within spring and autumn seminars,  and two days yearly for observers. Topics balance meteorological theory and practice through lectures on the latest developments in science, measurements and models, the technology of work, operational manuals etc. Exercises are always warmly welcomed. Because of Croatia’s specific climate diversity due to its position between central Europe and the Mediterranean, we have to cover meteorologically very different topics: convection, winter precipitation, fog and low clouds, sea breeze, mountain waves, downslope wind storms and turbulence.

Most of the talks are given by support and education personnel inside the company, while some are even prepared and given by more experienced operational forecasters. Additionally, invited speakers give lectures–usually from the National meteorological institute (DHMZ), Faculty of Science Zagreb, inside company (e.g. ATM support) and others.

For some events, we invite aviation forecasters from neighbouring countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Our lectures are helpful to others, and their participation helps all to improve communication which is present for internationally coordinated products and warnings for aviation. Feedback surveys after seminars and from regular assessments of forecasters are used to improve our in-house education continuously.