Use of Weather Information by General Aviation Pilots. Part I. Quantitative: Reported Use and Value of Providers and Products; Final rept

摘要

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 No. 1: A small fraction of pilots show sparse use patterns and these may be at risk for flying with inadequate preparation. Conclusion No. 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.