News

Registration for the Fall 2026 FPAW Meeting is NOW OPEN

Good Friday afternoon to you all.

I had a very long, very newsy email drafted. And then I must have hit the wrong button. And it disappeared. And I hadn't saved it (because, why would you?). And it really honked me off. My loss, however, is your gain. You won't have to read all the stuff I wrote, regardless of how humorous or pithy it was.

Here's the bottom line: the preliminary, non-detailed agenda, along with the registration form, for the Fall 2026 FPAW Meeting, are now both available on the meeting web site.

I have registered. Who's going to be #2? Anyone? Bueller?

Matt Fronzak
FPAW Co-Chair

P.S. I am compelled to draw your attention to the afternoon of Day 3, and recommend that you plan to be there!

Second Call for Student Member Nominations for FPAW Steering Committee

Dear Students and Colleagues,  

The Friends and Partners in Aviation Weather (FPAW) Steering Committee (SC) is seeking a motivated student to serve on the FPAW SC as the charter Student Member for a one-year term, from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

This is a unique opportunity for a student to step into a visible role within the aviation weather community, working alongside professionals from government, academia, and industry who are shaping the future of aviation safety and operations. As the student representative, you will have a direct voice in Steering Committee discussions, contribute to conversations that influence real-world decision-making, and help ensure that student perspectives are meaningfully integrated into FPAW activities. This role offers valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform to represent the next generation of aviation weather professionals.

Eligibility:

Applications are open to undergraduate and graduate students with at least one academic year left and a background in aviation and/or meteorology.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in monthly 1.5-hour SC meetings
  • Represent student perspectives on aviation weather topics
  • Communicate student interests and concerns to the committee
  • Serve as a student ambassador to the university community to improve student engagement with the FPAW community 

Application package:

  • CV or resume
  • A 1-2 paragraph letter stating the applicant’s interest in the position (“I’m interested”), the applicant’s relevant experience (“Here’s what I’ve done”), and why the applicant should be chosen (“This is why I should be selected”)
  • A letter of support from a faculty member

Application deadline:

Application packages are due September 11, 2026 (five weeks from tomorrow), and should be submitted by email to FPAW Co-Chairs Matt Fronzak (mfronzak@mitre.org) and Nathan Polderman (nathan.polderman@united.com).

We strongly encourage interested students to apply for this opportunity to contribute to and shape the future of the aviation weather community. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

Matt Fronzak and Nathan Polderman
FPAW Co-Chairs

Upcoming FPAW Steering Committee Slots

Good day everyone.

Have you ever thought about nominating yourself, or nominating someone else too nervous or humble to do it themselves, for the FPAW Steering Committee? If so, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!

Each year, 4 or 5 FPAW SC positions open up for potential new members. This year is no exception. We will be filling four slots (two Users representatives, one Providers representative, one RED/Academia representative) on the FPAW SC later this year, with terms starting on October 1, 2026 and running for three (3) years, through September 30, 2028.

Intrigued? But not sure if you're qualified? Throw caution to the wind! Throw your name in the hat by August 31, 2026 and take a run at it!!

To self-nominate, send an email to the two of us (nathan.polderman@united.com and mfronzak@mitre.org). In that email, in 1-2 paragraphs, tell us that you're interested in becoming a member of the FPAW SC, and then explain why you should be chosen. Attach a current resume/CV, and you're done. That's it!

If you're nominating someone else, they will need to complete the step listed above, along with being willing to meet monthly, be voluntold to co-lead sessions at FPAW Meetings, contribute to white papers as a member of FPAW SC Tiger Teams, or just actively advance aviation weather!

Some of you may have already tried and not been selected. Well, keep trying. Current FPAW SC member David Dillahunt/Southwest Airlines tried, and tried again, and tried a third time, before he was elected. And let us assure you, from watching his performance over the last nine months, that David is an aviation weather superstar. It just took us a while to recognize that.

So, know that you might not be selected this time. But, by letting the current FPAW SC know that you're interested, and especially by reinforcing that interest via active participation in FPAW meetings, you will be seen, recognized and, eventually, selected if you have the right stuff. Ask Gus. Ask Christian. Ask Elizabeth. Ask any of the current FPAW SC members. They'll tell you.

Although we hoped that our inboxes would get flooded with nominations, it's been a trickle so far. So, don't wait, don't hesitate. If you're self-nominating, send us the required info by August 31, 2026. If you're nominating someone else, and they're willing to run, they will need to get their info to us by the same date.

Matt Fronzak and Nathan Polderman
FPAW Co-Chairs


 

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