Enhancing Weather Knowledge and Training

Gary Pokodner

Presenter

Gary Pokodner Bio Gary Pokodner graduated from Lehigh University as an electrical engineer. He has worked in design, reliability, development, test, and acquisition of avionics. Gary came to the FAA in January 2011 after working for ARINC for 25 years on military avionics acquisition programs. Since coming to the FAA, Gary has been the FAA’s NextGen Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WTIC) Program Manager. In this role, Gary has been managing a portfolio of research projects with the overall objective of identifying and resolving gaps in meteorological (MET) information in Part 91, 135, and 121 cockpits and pilot weather training with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Gary Pokodner, FAA Weather Technology in the Cockpit Program Manager Gary graduated from Lehigh University as an electrical engineer. He has worked in design, reliability, development, test, and acquisition of avionics. Gary came to the FAA in January 2011 after working for ARINC for 25 years on military avionics acquisition programs. Since coming to the FAA, Gary has been the FAA’s NextGen Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WTIC) Program Manager. In this role, Gary has been managing a portfolio of research projects with the overall objective of identifying and resolving gaps in meteorological (MET) information in Part 91, 135, and 121 cockpits and pilot weather training with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and safety. GARY POKODNER, FAA Weather Technology in the Cockpit Program Manager Gary graduated from Lehigh University as an electrical engineer. He has worked in design, reliability, development, test, and acquisition of avionics. Gary came to the FAA in January 2011 after working for ARINC for 25 years on military avionics acquisition programs. Since coming to the FAA, Gary has been the FAA’s NextGen Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WTIC) Program Manager. In this role, Gary has been managing a portfolio of research projects with the overall objective of identifying and resolving gaps in meteorological (MET) information in Part 91, 135, and 121 cockpits and pilot weather training with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Danny Sims

Presenter

MR. DANNY SIMS - Presenter Mr. Danny Sims is a Physical Scientist with the FAA Weather Research Branch of the Aviation Weather Division. He currently leads the Inflight Icing, and the Model Development and Enhancement weather research projects under the FAA’s Aviation Weather Research Program.

He has over 30 years’ experience in aviation weather including weather product integration into the Traffic Flow Management System and test and evaluation of aviation weather products at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center working with air traffic controllers, flight services, dispatchers, pilots and aviation meteorologists.

Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Sims served as a weather officer in the US Air Force providing operatio

Bob Meder

Host

Robert “Bob” Meder earned his CFI in 2001 and has since added single-engine and multi-engine instrument certificates. Recently retired from 40+year career with a major western railroad as a director in the Safety Department. In that role, he established the company’s drone program, working with the FAA on drone regulations while continuing to instruct. With 6,000+ hours of dual instruction, Bob specializes in training new flight instructors, emphasizing risk management and critical thinking.

A FAASTeam Lead Rep, Bob was named District and Regional Flight Instructor of the Year in 2009 and 2010. After nearly a decade as NAFI Chair, Bob continues to serve on NAFI’s board. At the time of the NAFI Professional Development Program and PDC Live @ OSH broadcasts, Bob Meder was NAFI Chairman of the Board.