Training General Aviation Pilots for Convective Weather Situations

Abstract

GA pilots lack knowledge about real-time Datalink weather technology. This study indicates that a relatively short training program was effective for fostering Datalink weather-related knowledge and skills in GA pilots.

VFR-into-IMC Accident Trends: Perceptions of Deficiencies in Training

“…In addition to research conducted regarding pilot awareness and decision-making, a number of researchers (e.g., Ball, 2008;Blickensderfer et al, 2015;Knect, Ball & Lenz, 2010a, 2010bWiggins & O'Hare, 2003) have studied training regarding weather products and weather information in aviation. Whether it is the use of graphical weather displays, video weather training products utilizing web-based preflight weather briefings, in-cockpit NextGeneration Radar (NEXRAD) products, or computer-based training systems, these studies all provide findings suggesting that when properly trained with the systems, GA pilots show increased knowledge and superior performance in weather decision-making and show a higher tendency for strategic flying (i.e., planning, evaluating, anticipating) compared to purely tactical flying (i.e., reacting and responding to inflight conditions).…”

A Proposed Taxonomy for General Aviation Pilot Weather Education and Training

“…Results showed that the student pilots receiving the training had statistically significantly higher scores than their control group peers and improved their mean scores on radar knowledge by 14 points on a basic knowledge posttest and 13 points on a scenario-based posttest after receiving the training. These improvements were replicated when the NEXRAD education and training module was taken on the road to three different parts of the country and given to groups of GA pilots with greater ages and experience levels (Blickensderfer et al, 2015). Table 3 shows a breakdown of each taxonomy tier by sub-tier, and the number of topics contained within each.…”

Discussion Panel: General Aviation Weather: Human Factors Issues and Current Research

“…For years, researchers have advocated that general aviation (GA) pilots need additional training in aviation meteorology concepts (Ahlstrom, Ohneiser, & Caddigan, 2016;Blickensderfer et al, 2015;Li, Baker, Grabowski & Rebok, 2001;Wiegmann, Talleur, & Johnson 2008). Given the complexities of weather phenomena, the probabilistic nature of forecasts, and the influx of new display technologies, the notion that GA pilots may need additional training is not a stretch by any imagination.…”

“…For instance, many people thought that in-cockpit weather display technology, such as radar displays (i.e., NEXRAD), would help GA pilots avoid weather hazards by increasing the pilots' weather situation awareness. Unfortunately, research and accident reports indicate that pilots misinterpret the displays (Beringer and Ball, 2004;Blickensderfer et al, 2015). Research indicates that pilots struggle with other types of new display technology as well.…”