Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recently asked pilots in a number of certificate categories how well they understand weather information presented to them in written and graphical form. The NTSB in 2014 labeled identifying and communicating elements of hazardous weather as one of its Top 10 safety priorities, calling weather, “a frequent cause or contributing factor to general aviation accidents …” The AOPA’s recent Nall Report says weather related accidents are, “the most consistently lethal,” with attempts to fly VFR in IFR weather the majority cause of fatal weather related accidents studied.
Embry-Riddle Research Shows Many Pilots Struggle to Understand Weather
Key Takeaways:
- An Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University study revealed significant deficiencies in general aviation pilots' understanding of weather information, with commercial pilots scoring highest (65%) and student pilots lowest (48%), and non-instrument rated private pilots missing nearly half the questions.
- The 95-question exam pushed pilots beyond memorized facts, requiring them to analyze and interpret complex written and graphical weather data as they would during a pre-flight check.
- The research suggests improvements are crucial in how weather information is displayed to pilots for easier interpretation, as well as in pilot training and assessments, given that current FAA exams allow passing even if the weather portion is failed.
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