CWSU- Chicago Center Weather Service Unit

Jamie Enderlen, Robb Kaczmarek, Andy Snyder, Kevin Kraujalis

October 2021

Decision support provided by the ZAU Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU) is among the best in recent memory. Our meteorologists provide the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) with tailored weather briefings as TMU changes shifts, along with timely updates as conditions change. The weather team is very knowledgeable of ZAU’s airspace constraints and is always at the ready when called upon by TMU, Chicago TRACON, O’Hare Tower, Midway Tower and the Command Center, often anticipating our concerns before they arise. Critical meteorological information is relayed concisely and efficiently, which helps us anticipate, plan for and react to the always variable conditions experienced in the Chicago area.

In addition to the daily operations, the CWSU collaborates with ZAU in other ways.  The CWSU and Local Safety Council (LSC) Weather Team created the “Weather Week” training curriculum, for use during Stage 2 and Stage 3 training.  Weather Week enhances the developmental controller’s understanding of weather beyond the national training requirements.  The CWSU and the LSC also worked together to improve the Pre-Duty Weather Briefings.  This affected not only ZAU, but also the other Chicago District terminal facilities. 

While the ZAU CWSU team performs their daily responsibilities with integrity, their willingness to collaborate on projects is exceptional.  Working together results in products that provide controllers the best possible methods to understand and disseminate weather conditions. ZAU LSC and NATCA agreed that the ZAU CWSU deserves Props for their collaborative spirit and willingness to help!