Influence of Graphical METARS on Pilots' Weather JudgmentVFR flight into IMC conditions accounts for over 10% of general aviation fatalities each year. Recent research suggests that pilots may not properly assess weather conditions. New graphical weather information systems (GWISs) may positively or negatively influence pilot weather-related judgments. Since GWIS information is not always current it may not be veritical. In the current investigation twenty-four GA pilots made visibility and ceiling estimates of simulated weather conditions either with or without a GWIS display. Pilots generally overestimated weather conditions and their judgments were influenced by the GWIS. The results revealed an interaction between ceiling and visibility that suggests a new model for understanding VFR flight into IMC. The current results suggest an important area for future research into understanding pilots decisions to continue into deteriorating weather conditions. Results are discussed in terms of advancing aviation decision making models for understanding VFR into IMC flight, and the design of GWIS symbology to foster accurate assessments.
Document ID
20050237868
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Coyne, Joseph T. (Strategic Analysis, Inc. Arlington, VA, United States)
Latorella, Kara A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Baldwin, Carryl L. (Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
September 26, 2005
Subject Category
Aircraft Communications And Navigation
Report/Patent Number
LF99-1491
Meeting Information
Meeting: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting