Classification and Communication of Aviation Related Space Weather Radiation Events

Abstract

Space Weather impacts on the radiation field at aviation altitudes have been a matter of concern and discussion for many years. This situation has led to a growing demand for corresponding highquality information in the aviation industry. As a consequence, the Space Weather D-scale was introduced to provide aviation users and the interested public with relevant information about the development of the radiation field at flight altitudes during solar particle events (SPEs). The corresponding D-index for warnings of elevated radiation levels in the atmosphere can be assessed both by measurements and model calculations. The classification of the different grades of this space weather scale for the radiation field at aviation altitudes and operational aspects of the D-index are discussed in this paper. For example, it is demonstrated that the use of the D-index can avoid false alarms and facilitate proportionate mitigation measures. Furthermore, guidelines for action levels using the D-scale are derived from current FAA recommendations.