Aircraft #1

• Aircraft encounters some form of turbulence (convective turbulence is depicted above).
• If turbulence loads are above a designated threshold, then the TAPS algorithm generates and broadcasts a turbulence reporting packet (over some data link – ACARS, ADS-B, SATCOM, etc.).

Ground Station

• Packet is received at the ground station and stored in a database.
• The TAPS reports are graphically displayed on a ground station display network for dispatchers, controllers, and both airline operations and maintenance personnel.   Various functions allow the ground station display users to tailor and manipulate the display of the information.
• Packet is uplinked to relevant aircraft, if necessary.

Aircraft #2

• Aircraft receives Aircraft #1’s turbulence reporting packet (either from the ground station or from other aircraft directly).
• TAPS algorithms scale the report information to Aircraft #2’s type and configuration. 
• If turbulence loads are above a designated threshold, then the hazard is displayed to the flight crew.