* Tropical Training Plan *

TROPICAL CYCLONE ANALYST CERTIFICATION TRAINING CHECKLIST

I. Synoptic Tropical Meteorology And ORIENTATION

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
AWS/TR-95/001 (AWS TR 240 Updated) Forecasters Guide to Tropical Meteorlogy
August 1995 by Colin Ramage, Chapter 9.
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
10 DAYS
Complete Tropical Module I
(Tropical Meteorology overview)
with XOGM Chief Forecaster or

Asst. METSAT Coordinator.

/
  • AWS/TR-95/001
(AWS TR 240 Updated)
Chapters 8 and 9
METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, Training Module, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Written test. Section V, part C, Atch 1 of training binder.
DOCUMENTATION: None.

II.SATELLITE OPERATIONS ORIENTATION

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
Section V, Part B of Tropical Training Plan
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-5
Section V, Part D, Section 6
SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
2 DAYS
A.Complete review Of Basic Satellite
Operations Study Guide /
  • Section V, Part B
  • Tropical Training Module #2

B. Complete Satellite
Section V,Interpretation Terms Worksheet /
  • Section V, Part B, Atch 1
  • Tropical Training Module #2

C. Complete review of Satellite Orbit
Information / ALCOIL /
WATCH Program /
  • AF Form 797, Item #15
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-5

  1. Review SDHS & SIDAS Grid
Check Procedures /
  • Section V, Part D, Section 6
  • SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide

  1. Complete Tropical Module II
(Satellite Meteorology overview)
with XOGM Chief Forecaster
or Asst. METSAT Coordinator /
  • Tropical Training Module #2

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, Training Module, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Written test. Section V, Interpretation Terms Worksheet of training binder.
DOCUMENTATION: See column labelled “REFERENCES / STS ITEM #”

III. INITIAL CYCLONE DEVELOPMENT

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
AWS/TR-95/001 (AWS TR 240 Updated)
Forecasters Guide to Tropical Meteorlogy
August 1995 by Colin Ramage, Chapter 8.
NESDIS 11, Sections III and VIII, page 15
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-2
NOAA TM NWS SR-83 (NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-83)
A Satellite Classification Technique for Subtropical Cyclones
July 1975 by Paul Hebert and Kenneth Poteat Entire Document
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
10 DAYS

A.Complete study of Parameters

Required for Cyclone development /
  • Section V, Part C
  • NESDIS 11, Sections III and VIII, page 15
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-2

B. Complete open-book Written test /
  • Section V Part C, Atch 1

  1. Review conditions for Subtropical
Development /
  • NOAA Technical Memo NWS SR-83
(Hebert-Poteat)
METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Written test. Section V Part C, Atch 1
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

IV. POSITIONING TECHNIQUES FOR CYCLONE ANALYSIS

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
NESDIS 18 – NOAA Technical Memorandum NESDIS 18
Tropical Cyclone Center Locations from Enhanced Infrared Satellite Imagery
May 1987 by Jiang Jixi and Vernon Dvorak - Entire Document
METSAT Analysis SOP (MAS) FIX-1
Duty Priorities and METWATCH Responsibilities - Entire Document
METSAT Analysis SOP (MAS) FIX-2
Tropical Cyclone Position and Intensity Estimation - Entire Document
NAVEDTRA 40971 “A workbook on Tropical Clouds and Cloud systems observed in Satellite Imagery” (Volume II – TROPICAL CYCLONES)
By Vernon Dvorak Chapter 4
XOGM “Book of Shear”
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
11 DAYS
  1. Complete study of Positioning Techniques,
To include Subtropical Systems /
  • Section V, Part D
  • NESDIS 11, Section V
  • AF Form 797,Item #16
  • NOAA Memo NWS SR-83
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –2
  • The “Book of Shear”

  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform the following positioning techniques:
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Shear
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Eye (CDO Type)
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • CDO
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Embedded Center
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Banding Type Eye
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Exposed Low LevelCirculation Center (LLCC)
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Partially Exposed Low Level Circulation Center (LLCC)
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Spiral Band Curvature
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Cloud Minimum Wedge
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Central Cold Cover
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Circle Method
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Conservative Features
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Animation
/
  • See references above in item A.

  • Extrapolation of Low Level Cloud Lines
/
  • See references above in item A.

C. Complete open-book Written test /
  • Section V, Part D, Atch 1

  1. Review procedures for Continuity Breaks
/
  • Section V,Part E, Atch 2,

  1. Complete Tropical Module III (Tropical Cyclone Position Estimation procedures) with XOGM Chief Forecaster or Asst. METSAT Coordinator.

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, Training Module, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Written test. Section V, part D, Atch 3 of training binder.
Practical exercise. Tropical cyclone analysis binder #1 and #2.
DOCUMENTATION: AF Form 797, item #4.

V . DVORAK INTENSITY ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
NESDIS 11 (NOAA Technical Memorandum NESDIS 11)
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Analysis Using Satellite Data
September 1984 by Vernon Dvorak Entire Document
JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/002
Intensity Estimation of Tropical Cyclones during Extratropical Transition
By Dennis Miller and Mark A. Lander, April 1997
Review only (**) SR-83 (NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-83)
A Satellite Classification Technique for Subtropical Cyclones
July 1975 by Paul Hebert and Kenneth Poteat Entire Document
Review only (**) the “Book of Shear” (internal XOGM document)

(**) Note: you should have read these documents already. You should only need to review these documents as a refresher.

ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
11 Days
  1. Complete study of Intensity analysis techniques, to include subtropical and extratropical systems
/
  • NESDIS 11, Sections IV-VII, pages 6-15
  • AF Form 797, Item #17,
  • NOAA Memo SR-83
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-2
  • The “Book of Shear”
  • JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/002

  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform the following intensity analysis techniques:
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Data T Number Determination
/
  • See references above in item A.

a. Shear /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Eye (CDO Type)
/
  • See references above in item A.

c. CDO /
  • See references above in item A.

d. Embedded Center /
  • See references above in item A.

e. Curved Band Pattern /
  • See references above in item A.

Pattern T Number Determination /
  • See references above in item A.

3. Model T Number /
  • See references above in item A.

4. Final T Number (FT #) /
  • See references above in item A.

Current Intensity Number (CI #) /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Dvorak constraints
  • Final T #
  • CI #
/
  • See references above in item A.

B. Complete open-book Written test /
  • Section V,Part D, Atch 2

C. Complete Dvorak Encoding exercise

/
  • Section V,Part D, Atch 3

D. Complete Tropical Module IV

(Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimation

procedures) with XOGM Chief Forecaster

or Asst. METSAT Coordinator.

E. Demonstrate the ability to perform the

Following intensity analysis techniques:

I.Subtropical Cyclones

/
  • NOAA Memo SR-83

II.Cyclones undergoing extratropical

Transition

/
  • JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/002

III.Extratropical Cyclones

/
  • JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/002

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, Training Module, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Written test.
- Section V, part E, Atch 2 of training binder.
- Dvorak encoding exercise; section VI, part E, Atch 3 of training binder.
- Demonstration
DOCUMENTATION: AF Form 797, item #14.
  1. PRACTICAL EXERCISES/ HANDS-ON TRAINING

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
NONE
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
16 HRS
  1. Complete analysis Exercises for Southern Hemisphere and Indian Ocean
/
  • T.C. Analysis Exercise, Binder #2
  • Workstation-Based Training

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

VII. DOCUMENTATION

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-3
AFWA Form 129 Entries
JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/001
Updating Tropical Cyclone Satellite Derived Position Code Number Criteria
April 1997 by Timothy R. Crume and Mark A. Lander
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-4
METSAT Analysis SOP G-1
METSAT Analysis SOP G-2
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
16 HRS
A.Perform proper completion/entries
For the cyclone analysis worksheet
/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –3
  • JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/001

B.Perform proper completion /
Encoding for the analysis bulletin
Worksheet
/
  • AF Form 797, Item #18
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –4
  • JTWC/SATOPS/TN-97/001

  1. Perform documentation of
Equipment/system problems and
Status /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP G –1
  • METSAT Analysis SOP G- 2

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

VIII . TROPICAL CYCLONE ANALYSIS OPERATIONAL TASK

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-10
(Tropical Cyclone Analysis Task Breakdown)
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
32 HRS
  1. Review procedures for use of the
Analysis OT on SDHS /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –10
  • SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide

B.Describe analysis / depiction
Requirements on SDHS
/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –1
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –10

  1. Describe common OT problems
And solutions on SDHS /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP G-2

  1. Describe procedures for continuity
File start-up on SDHS Tropical OT /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP G-3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –7

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

IX. JTWC OPERATIONS ORIENTATION AND SUPPORT TO DOD AND CIVILIAN HURRICANE CENTERS

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-4
Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Preparation Procedures
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
2 HRS
A.Describe JTWC area of
Responsibility
/
  • Tropical Training Module #3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix -1

B.Review tasking procedures
/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –1

C.Describe NHC and CPHC areas of
Responsibility
  1. Timeliness
/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –1
  • Tropical Training Module #3

1. "Next Bulletin" Times
(i.e. Be able to answer the following:
  • When is the next fix supposed to
Be transmitted (from KGWC? PGTW?)?
  • When will the next JTWC or NHC
Warning be sent? /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –1
  • Tropical Training Module #3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –4

2. Late fixes vs accuracy /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –1
  • Tropical Training Module #3

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

X. METWATCH PROCEDURES

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-14 Log Book and Read files
Section V, Part C
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-5
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
24 HRS
  1. Describe metwatch categories
/
  • Tropical Training Module #3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-1

B.Review procedures for use of
Metwatch/Continuity Operational
Task
/
  • Section V, Part C
  • Tropical Training Module #3
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-1
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-10
  • SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide

  1. Describe procedures for JTWC
Met discussion and logbook entries /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15

  1. Review WATCH program /
Planning sheet requirements /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-5
  • Tropical Training Module #2

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

XI. BRIEFING REQUIREMENTS

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP FIX-14 Log Book and Read files
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –13 Briefings
METSAT Analysis SOP G –6 Tropical Workcenter Cleanup and Housekeeping
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
40 HRS
  1. Perform shift change
Briefing/logbook entries /
  • AF Form 797, Item #21
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –14
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-13

  1. Perform section walk-around
Briefing /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP G-6

  1. Perform the 0700L Briefing for the AFWA/CC
/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-13

  1. Perform a briefing for a Public Affairs tour group.

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

XII.SSM/I ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
SSM/I reference binder.
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –8
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –9
SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
56 HRS
A. Review SIDAS Procedures /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –8
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –9
  • SDHS and SIDAS Users Guide

B. Review SSM/I Analysis Instructions
Binder
/
  • Tropical Training Module #5
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-2
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-4
  • SSMI Reference Binder

C. Demonstrate the ability to perform the following positioning techniques using SSM/I imagery: /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Shear
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Eye (CDO Type)
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. CDO w/ co-registered SSM/I
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Embedded Center
w/ co-registered SSM/I /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Banding Type Eye
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Exposed Low Level
Circulation Center (LLCC) /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Partially Exposed Low
Level Circulation Center
(LLCC) /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Spiral Band Curvature
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Cloud Minimum Wedge
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Central Cold Cover
w/ co-registered SSM/I /
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Circle Method
/
  • See references above in item A.

  1. Extrapolation of Low Level
Cloud Lines /
  • See references above in item A.

D. Complete open-book written test
E . Complete hands-on and practical
Training exercises
(SSM/I Applications Section) /
  • AF Form 797, Item #19, 20
  • Workstation Based Training

F. Complete Tropical Module V
(Special Sensor Microwave Imager
overview) with XOGM Chief Forecaster
or Asst. METSAT Coordinator
G. Prepare an SSM/I position bulletin
H. Determine the 35 knot wind radius of
A tropical cyclone
  1. Prepare an SSM/I position and gale
Wind radius bulletin
J. Explain: what is TRMM TMI data?
K. Prepare a TRMM TMI position bulletin
METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, Training Module, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: AF Form 797, item #16 and #17.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –5 Satellite Schedule
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –7 Storm Folders
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –8 SIDAS
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –9 SIDAS Plotting Procedures
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –11 SSM/I Imagery Updates
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –12 METSAT Status Board Procedures
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –13 Briefings
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –15 Quality Assurance
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –16 Continuation Training
METSAT Analysis SOP E –1 Emergency Actions
METSAT Analysis SOP E –2 Response to Recall
METSAT Analysis SOP G –1
Equipment, Product, and Transmission Backup Procedures
METSAT Analysis SOP G –2 Documenting Equipment Outages
METSAT Analysis SOP G –3 Disposition of Teletype Products
METSAT Analysis SOP G –6
Tropical Workcenter Cleanup and Housekeeping
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
16 HRS
A. Quality Control /
  • Section QC Folder
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15

1. Analysis bulletins /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15

2. Worksheet entries /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15

3. Best tracks (as assigned) /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-15

B. Case Study Procedures /
  • See Chief Forecaster / Asst METSAT Coord.

C. Seminar Presentations

(review instructions and schedule /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-16

D. Analyst Meetings

/
  • NCOIC

E.Be aware of cyclone analyst

Continuation Training (CT)

Requirements for initial certification

/
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix-16

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

XIV. JTWC SATOPS BACKUP:

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17
EMERGENCY BACKUP PROCEDURES FOR JTWC SATOPS:
PACOM TROPICAL CYCLONE SATELLITE
RECONNAISSANCE NETWORK MANAGEMENT
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
16 HRS
A. Know who should be contacted by phone when a backup is initiated (include DMSP sites in the TCSRN). /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17

B. Describe the procedures for a JTWC SATOPS Backup. /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17

C. Prepare NOPA44 bulletin for a JTWC SATOPS Backup. /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17

D. Know the precedence for tropical cyclone fixes (i.e. which storms do you do first if you have 6 storms?) during a backup. /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17

E. Explain the JTWC/AJTWC backup support system (i.e. explain the role of the
NAVPACMETOCEN Yokosuka Japan as the AJTWC). /
  • METSAT Analysis SOP Fix –17

METHOD OF TRAINING: Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

XV. DATA SOURCES:

TRAINER
Start Date / TRAINER
End Date / TRAINEE: / Reading REQUIREMENTS:
N/A / N/A / N/A / NONE.
ITEM/TASK / SUGGESTED
TRAINING
DURATION / REFERENCES / STS ITEM # / DATE
TRAINING
STARTED / DATE
TRAINING
COMPLETED
16 HRS
A. Explain and Demonstrate the method of data access for the following data types:
  1. Surface Observations

  1. Upper Air (U/A) Observations

  1. Numerical Weather Prediction
  • AVN/MRF
  • NOGAPS
  • MM5

  1. Scatterometer winds
  • Quikscat
  • ERS-2

  1. Gridded METSAT data
  • SGDB
  • SSM/I

  1. Internet
  • Warnings (JTWC/NHC/CPHC)
  • Fixes (JTWC)
  • ATCF(SIDAS and WWW)
  • NRL Tropical Cyclone Page

  1. Automated Weather Network (AWN) data (Receive and XMIT)
  • “K” device
  • MIST
  • AFWIN
  • SDHS

  1. Aircraft based observations
  • PIREPS
  • URNT (Hurricane Reconn.)

B. Explain how each of these data types can be used in the Tropical Cyclone Analysis process
METHOD OF TRAINING: Demonstration (by trainer), Self-study, and discussion.
EVALUATION: Demonstration (by Trainee)_.
DOCUMENTATION: NONE

XVI.CERTIFICATION EXERCISES / EVALUATION: