Originally Posted by
Lav Inspector
Understood, but the program that the DL pilots use has all that information and then some. Between Delta’s own meteorology department, the dispatchers, and the flight crews, along with all the tools provided to them, this isn’t a lack of resources that is the issue. My point is many times these decisions, while often made on the side of conservatism, isn’t just made because of laziness but because of data presented to them and with safety in mind.*
*not to say laziness may not present itself at times.
Also, in addition to forecasts and maps, basically every time a flight is transferred between center controllers there is a very brief chat about the turbulence (or lack thereof) just experienced and what others have reported ahead. The flight crew generally have very up-to-date information and even then it's not always terribly reliable - it is rather common for a flight 10-15 min ahead to report moderate chop on descent and then the next flight to feel little to nothing. Weather changes and moves around.