Great media response for AIRforschen: AEROKURIER reports on our research project

The article clearly shows how AIRforschen is tapping into a previously little-used data source: Aircraft movements in general aviation. While meteorological data is currently mainly collected close to the ground or at high altitudes, there is a particular lack of measurement data from the atmospheric boundary layer – that is precisely where weather-relevant processes take place. This forms the starting poit for AIRforschen.

As part of the project, ultra-light sensor kits are developed that can be easily attached to general aviation aircraft. The systems record weather data during the flight and transmit this anonymized data to a central platform via a smartphone app. Using modern methods of artificial intelligence and data analysis, the measured values are processed, checked for anomalies and utilized for weather modelling.

What makes AIRforschen so special? The project offers a unique opportunity for general aviation pilots to serve as important partners in research. During their flights, they contribute directly to the improvement of meteorological models and at the same time benefit from the data collected and made available to them via the app. This added value enables users to organize their flights even more safely. The app offers a live display of some relevant data such as wind speed and direction per altitude layer and shows changes in humidity as a thermal indicator. In addition, icing warnings can be derived directly from the collected data, which further increases the safety of flights.

The DLR Institute of Data Science holds a leading role in this project, bringing in deep expertise in the field of accessing and analyzing aviation data. In addition to the management of this project, the Institute is responsible for building a user community, coordinating the app and website development and developing the software for anomaly detection and data compression. The DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts is developing the sensor kits.

In the project, we are working together with important partners from industry and public administration: The German Weather Service (DWD), and Q.met GmbH.

The media attention from the AEROKURIER underlines the high relevance of the project - not only for aviation and transport, but also for energy supply and safety during extreme weather events. In future, improved weather data can help to control traffic flows more efficiently, plan renewable energies better and recognize weather-related risks earlier.