How to Register?

The Radar & Applications Course has begun offering courses that start at multiple times during the fiscal year to better accommodate new NWS employees. If you have a newly hired forecaster in your forecast office who you want to sign up for the next available RAC, please complete the RAC Registration Form. Note: Local training facilitators (e.g., SOOs) must complete this form to register their students for RAC.

If you have any questions please contact .

Course Description

The Radar & Applications Course provides initial training on the use of the WSR-88D Radar. The primary purpose of the RAC is to train NWS forecasters (meteorologists and hydrologists) on the use of the radar in the forecast and warning decision making process. The course covers Doppler radar theory, technological aspects of the WSR-88D as it is used in AWIPS, management of the data stream via the Radar Product Generator (RPG), the infusion of science and application of conceptual models, and the development of methodologies for use in an operational setting.

The RAC was initially taught as a 3 1/2 week residence course in Norman, Oklahoma, from 1990 to 1997. The current format is a blended learning approach including on-line modules, instructor-led webinars, and a 1-week workshop delivered at its conclusion in Norman. The course is very comprehensive and involves approximately 110 hours of material (which may take quite a bit more time than that to actually complete) that will need to be completed a span of about 5 months.

RAC Pages

Here are some important links to other RAC pages:

• Course Outline
• Course Support
• Webinar Registration Information