Weather Minimums Memo at Florida Flight School Generates Controversy
A new policy at L3Harris Flight Academy in Orlando dictates that the weather must be below certain criteria before a flight can be canceled or penalties would be levied.
Developing personal minimums and learning to make the go/no-go decision is an essential part of flight training. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Key Takeaways:
L3Harris Flight Academy implemented a controversial flight cancellation policy that penalizes students if flights are canceled when weather conditions meet or exceed low specified minimums, even if these minimums are considered marginal VFR.
Aviation experts and instructors widely criticize this policy for pressuring students and instructors to fly in potentially unsafe conditions, hindering the development of crucial personal minimums and sound aeronautical decision-making.
While legally compliant with FAA Part 141 regulations, the policy is broadly viewed as an exercise in poor judgment, with multiple reported safety concerns leading to an FAA investigation.
I ask my private pilot candidates this when the weather is unstable or marginal VFR and falling. If they determine the weather does not support the mission, they need to explain why they came to that decision.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
