FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-08/6

Title and Subtitle: Use of Weather Information by General Aviation Pilots, Part I, Quantitative: Reported Use and Value of Providers and Products

Report Date: March 2008

Authors: Knecht WR

Abstract: Data obtained from 221 general aviation (GA) pilots were examined to determine their usage patterns for weather information. Weather products, providers, and en-route information sources were ranked according to relative use and rated by perceived information value, frequency of use, and time invested per usage. The measures were highly correlated.

Conclusion #1: A small fraction of pilots show sparse use patterns and these may be at risk for flying with inadequate preparation.

Conclusion #2: There seems to be a strong tendency for many pilots to prefer relatively simple forms of information (e.g., METARS). This may present a problem, given the often-complex nature of weather.

Key Words: Weather, General Aviation, Preflight Briefing

No. of Pages: 19