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 found that general aviation pilots across all experience levels have significant gaps in understanding critical weather information.
- On a 95-question analytical weather exam, commercial pilots scored highest at 65%, while private pilots without instrument ratings answered only 57% correctly, and student pilots just 48%.
- The study's authors emphasize the need to improve how weather information is presented and interpreted, rather than solely blaming pilot training deficiencies.
- Funded by the FAA, the research highlights the importance of enhancing pilot assessments and training to address weather understanding, especially given that pilots can currently pass FAA exams while failing the weather portion.
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